How long does cold sore last? Find out what care you need to take

Cold sores are a viral infection

De Kethlyn Bukner Last update Feb 27, 2023 16:49 pm

before considering how long does cold sores last, it is necessary to understand that the condition is a viral infectious process caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is characterized by small, painful blisters that appear in the mouth, lips, chin or cheeks. See the information that SaúdeLab made available, and the other answers on the subject.

How long does cold sore last?

Cold sores are a viral infection that can last 7 to 10 days on average, but can vary from person to person. Symptoms often include tingling, itching, redness, and small blisters that eventually break and form scabs before healing completely. It is important not to kiss other people or share objects during the infection period to avoid spreading the virus.

The virus is highly contagious and there is the possibility of transmission through direct contact with the blisters or through shared objects, such as cutlery or towels. The infection can recur in some people, being triggered by factors such as stress, sun exposure, fever, menstruation or a weakened immune system. Although cold sores are a bothersome condition, they are generally harmless and can be treated with antiviral medications and spot care.

How to cure cold sores in 1 day?

Unfortunately, there is no one-day cure for cold sores, whereas it is a viral infection that needs to run its natural course. However, there are some treatments that can help reduce signs and speed up the healing process, such as:

Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
Use over-the-counter antiviral creams, such as acyclovir, penciclovir, or docosanol, as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid direct contact with other people and objects to reduce the spread of the virus.
Keep the affected area clean and dry.

It is important to remember that even if symptoms disappear, the virus remains in the body and can become active again in times of stress or when the immune system is weakened. If cold sores are recurrent or severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor for more appropriate treatment.

How do you know if your cold sores are getting better?

Cold sores usually go through several phases before healing completely. You can tell if your cold sores are getting better if you notice the following signs:

Reduction of pain, tingling, itching and burning in the affected area;
Decrease in the size and number of blisters or wounds;
Formation of dry, yellowish crusts in the affected area;
Decrease in redness and swelling around the affected area.

It is important to remember that the healing period for cold sores can vary from person to person, but it generally takes 7 to 10 days to heal completely.

Furthermore, even if symptoms have improved or disappeared, it is possible that the virus is still present in the body and can become active again in times of stress or when the immune system is weakened. Therefore, it is important to take care to prevent the spread of the virus and maintain good personal hygiene.