Pittsburgh, PA
A 21-year-old female asked:
How long does it take for a cold sore to go away on the lip? and what can i get for it?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Milroy Samuelanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 26 years experience
Days: It can take several days. Zovirax (acyclovir) cream is helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stephen Richardsanswered
Obstetrics & Gynecology 44 years experience
Cold sore: Most cold sores are due to a herpes virus. This can be verified with your doctor. Over the counter abreva has some benefit. If it is a herpes virus, several antivirals could be prescribed. It will usually last 5-7 days to heal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohananswered
Dermatology 59 years experience
5-10 days: Topicals are a waste of $. Pills for herpes are prescriptions but have no side effects. I favor a single dose of valacyclovir 2 gram as soon as you feel the first tingling before the blister. This shortens the healing. If you are going to a wedding & expect to kiss a lot of people, take 1 pill a day for a week before so you can be sure to go without a sore on your lip.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohananswered
Dermatology 59 years experience
Forget it: No cream makes a significant difference. Valacyclovir pill is very effective if taken at the first tingling before the blister. After 2 days it makes no difference what you do: it will heal in 5-10 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
How long does it take for a cold sore on your lip to develop?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gregory Mosolfanswered
Pediatrics 27 years experience
Not long: In my experience they come on very fast. Usually there is some tingling or mild pain. Next a small pink bump shows up. By the next day it is a larger, red, fluid filled blister. If you ask your doctor for a prescription for acyclovir, Valtrex (valacyclovir) or Famvir you can take it at the first sign. Taking it right away will usually keep it from turning into an ugly fever blister. Also abreva helps (otc).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Cincinnati, OH
A 22-year-old male asked:
If I kiss my girlfriend with a cold sore on my lip, how long will it take for her to get one?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Killiananswered
General Practice 30 years experience
No such guarantee: First there is no guarantee that she does not already have oral herpes. Most people with oral herpes got it as children from other family members. A blood test is the only accurate way to assess her herpes status. Second you are contagious when you don't have a sore as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Is it normal for your lip to swell when you get a cold sore?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Brian Affleckanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 32 years experience
Cold sore: Yes, it is. A cold sore is an open wound and as such the surrounding tissues will swell in an effort to help it heal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
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