How long do cold sores normally last?

8 to 12 days: Cold sores will usually last 8 to 12 days without treatment. With treatment they may last a week. Denavir, (penciclovir) zovirax and abreva are medications used to treat this condition.

5-7 days at least: Maybe much longer depending on the severity and your particular healing rate. See a dentist with a soft tissue laser which (without actually touching the sore) can speed healing and reduce severity.

7-10 days: You can shorten this time by taking an anti- viral med such as valtrex (valacyclovir).