How long do cold sores last?

Dealing with a cold sore can be frustrating and annoying, no matter when they show up. Luckily, they’re temporary, and with the right care, you can manage symptoms and speed up recovery.

Most cold sores heal within 7–14 days but understanding their stages and how to treat them can make a big difference. Let’s talk about everything you need to know about cold sores, from how long they last to tips for managing them effectively.

If your cold sore sticks around longer than 2 weeks or symptoms worsen, schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today. 

How cold sores work

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus (HSV)—most commonly the HSV-1 strain. They are a kind of mouth sore. Once you have the virus, it remains in your body and can periodically become active due to triggers like stress, illness or too much sun exposure.  

While some people never experience symptoms, others get outbreaks that cause painful, blistering sores near their lips, nose or chin. Occasionally, cold sores can take shape inside the mouth on the roof or gums, though this is less common.  

Before a cold sore appears, the area may tingle, itch or burn. Then, a fluid-filled blister forms, which eventually scabs over and begins healing.  

Cold sores are highly contagious throughout their entire outbreak cycle, so it's essential to take precautions to avoid spreading them to others.

How long do cold sores take to heal?

Most cold sores heal within a week or two.¹  After a blister forms, it scabs over and begins to close. Scabs may crack or bleed as they heal, but once the scab falls off, the skin underneath should be smooth and scar-free.
  
¹ Source: National Library of Medicine. Overview: Cold Sores.

5 stages of cold sore development and healing

Cold sores develop and heal in 5 main stages. Knowing what to expect at each step can help you plan the best ways to manage pain and reduce discomfort.

1. Formation Stage

A cold sore starts with a tingle, itch or burning sensation around your lips or another area prone to cold sores. This is the perfect time to begin antiviral treatment to reduce symptoms and possibly shorten the outbreak.

2. Bumps and swelling

Soon, the irritated area will become a raised, painful bump or cluster of bumps. These eventually swell and fill with fluid as they prepare to form into blisters.

3. Oozing blisters

Next, the sores break open and ooze fluid. This phase, known as weeping, is when cold sores are at their most contagious. This is when it’s super important not to share items like utensils, to wash your hands and not to touch your blister.

4. Scab formation

Once the oozing stops, the area begins healing. A protective scab forms over the sore, but the skin can be dry and brittle, so cracking and minor bleeding may occur.

5. Healing

Finally, the scab falls away after about a week, leaving healed skin underneath. 

Top treatment options for cold sores

While there's no cure for cold sores, plenty of treatments can help minimize symptoms, reduce the severity of outbreaks and speed up healing. Here are some options to try:

Antiviral medications: Antiviral creams, gels or pills can stop the virus from spreading further. They're most effective when applied at the first sign of a cold sore, like a tingle or itch. Some options, like acyclovir, require a prescription, so speak with a healthcare provider if over-the-counter treatments don’t cut it. 

Topical anesthetics: These over-the-counter or prescription-strength numbing agents help relieve itching, burning and pain—especially during the early stages before blisters form. 

In-office laser treatment: A low-level laser treatment performed by your Aspen Dental care team can target the cold sore in its formation stage, helping prevent it from worsening and speeding up healing. 

Cold compress: Applying a cool, damp cloth to the area a few times a day can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation. 

Moisturizers: Products like petroleum jelly can keep the area hydrated, which helps prevent painful cracking and bleeding as the sore heals. 

Sunscreen: Use a lip balm or sunscreen with SPF to protect your lips and cold sore-prone areas from sun exposure, a common trigger for outbreaks. 

Good hygiene: Avoid touching the sore, always wash your hands after treating it, and disinfect any items that come into contact with the sore, like makeup products. 

When is a cold sore no longer contagious? 

A cold sore is non-contagious only after it has completely healed. This means the scab has fallen off, and the skin underneath is fully repaired. Until then, HSV can still be spread to others through direct contact with the sore or fluids.  

To avoid spreading the virus, follow these tips when your cold sole is active. 

• Skip sharing items like lip balm, reusable straws or utensils.  

• Avoid kissing, close facial contact or oral contact with others.  

• Wash your hands often, and refrain from touching the sore.  

• Clean and disinfect any personal items that might have encountered the area.

Cold sore healing FAQs

Can a cold sore heal overnight?

Unfortunately, cold sores don’t disappear instantly. Most take 7–14 days to fully heal, though starting antiviral medications early can reduce healing time by a day or two. 

Is it better to keep a cold sore scab moist or dry?

Keeping the scab slightly moist can help prevent cracks and bleeding. Apply petroleum jelly or a similar ointment to protect the scab and speed up healing.

What can heal cold sores the fastest?

The quickest fix? See your dentist at Aspen Dental. They might suggest laser treatment, antiviral meds or a numbing cream you can apply right away.

Most treatments only speed things up by about a day, but there are ways to help. Wash your hands often to stop the virus and bacteria from spreading, and try not to touch the sore—it’ll heal faster. 

Explore treatment options for cold sores 

Cold sores may be a part of life, but with the right knowledge and care, you can reduce their impact. Whether you're managing symptoms, exploring antiviral treatments or focused on preventing future outbreaks, consistency and a proactive approach can make all the difference. 

If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn cold sore or need professional advice, Aspen Dental is here to help.

Schedule an appointment at your local Aspen Dental office today and take control of your cold sore management.