What is the fastest way to cure a cold sore at home?

The fastest way to get rid of a cold sore without seeking medical attention is to apply Abreva to it numerous times a day, according to WebMD. Abreva is a medicine that helps speed the healing of cold sores and lessens the pain that they cause.

Abreva is an over-the-counter medication that needs to be applied numerous times a day in order to be effective, explains WebMD. Avoiding the consumption of acidic foods, as well as applying ice, helps reduce the pain of cold sores. Over-the-counter remedies containing numbing agents, including menthol or phenol, soften scabs and lessen cracking of the affected area. A physician can prescribe an antiviral oral medication to speed healing.