HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How long do a cold sore take to go away?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Varies: It can go away very quickly if treated appropriately, however if it's picked at too much it can leave irritation that may stick around for 2-3 weeks.

Dr Arnoult agreed

Answered 7/15/2017

3.9k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I've had a penny sized lymph node under my jaw for about 4 days. I've have stuff my sinuses now and cold sore. It's a little tender. How long do fussy lymph nodes take to return to normal? I have read 1 to 2 weeks. Some sources say longer. Thoughts?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

My cold sore in the corner of my mouth has scabbed over & is starting to crack and bleed making the healing process take longer. Will neosporin help?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have a cold sore scab above my top lip and it looks horrible! It is so big! Is there ANYWAY to get rid of it or speed the healing process?? Is it true if the cold sore is on skin that it would take 7 DAYS! More longer than a one on your lip? Please help

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

How to take care of big cold sore?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

What should I take to heal a cold sore quickly?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

How long would it take until my cold sore stops being contagious?
Can someone tell me how long will it take my cold sore to heal?
How long is it supposed to it take for a cold sore scab to fall off?
How long does a cold sore take to heal if it only gets to the tingling stage?
Is it true that if you take DayQuil for symptom management if you have a cold (PN drip/sore throat/cough) that the cold may take longer to go away?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.