What are some good remedies for cold sores?

Some good remedies for cold sores include rinsing the mouth with a baking soda mix and placing a cool towel on the cold sore, reports WebMD. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen and avoiding foods that contain acid sometimes help to reduce pain.

For cold sores inside the mouth or on the lips, Anbesol and Orajel sometimes numb the pain, notes WebMD. Abreva and Zilactin are over-the-counter products that help heal cold sores more quickly and may decrease their severity if applied when symptoms first appear. Prescription drugs that treat cold sores include Denavir, Famvir, Valtrex, Xerese and Zovirax, says Mayo Clinic. Nonetheless, most cold sores go away on their own within two weeks.