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1. Lemon balm The antiviral properties of lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, may help reduce the redness and swelling associated with a blister or protect against future infections — at least according to some older research. Use a lip balm with at least 1 percent lemon balm. Or, as an alternative, a compress made of a lemon balm infusion (tea) may provide similar benefits. Shop for lemon lip balm online. 2. Over-the-counter antiviral medications Products containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol can be helpful in reducing the duration of the cold sore. Lysine is available as an oral supplement and a cream that, according to older researchTrusted Source, may be helpful in reducing the duration of outbreaks. Shop for products containing docosanol or lysine. 3. Ice Ice may not reduce the duration of a breakout, but it can ease the discomfort and inflammation of cold sores. Apply a cold pack directly to the sores for temporary relief. Shop for cold packs online. 4. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel is widely available and can be grown as a houseplant. While research connecting the plant to cold sores is limited, one in vitro 2016 studyTrusted Source showed that its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects could have inhibitory effects. Shop for aloe vera gel online. 5. Sunscreen Sunscreen not only protects your lips while the cold sore is healing, but it can also reduce future outbreaks when worn daily on the lips. Look for at least SPF 30, and apply it whenever you expect to be in the sun. Shop for sunscreen online. 6. Stress reduction Because stress can cause the herpes virus to come out of dormancy, reducing the amount of stress in your life is one way to prevent cold sores. Meditation, regular exercise, and avoiding the causes of stress in your life may help. 7. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen Both of these medications can help ease the pain associated with a cold sore. Prescription treatments Cold sores will you usually go away on their own after a few days, but there are several prescription treatments that can help speed up that healing time. If you experience several outbreaks a year, you can even take oral antiviral medication all year round to prevent outbreaks altogether. These treatments include: acyclovir (Zovirax) valacyclovir (Valtrex) famciclovir (Famvir) penciclovir (Denavir) Takeaway By using these home remedies, reducing stress, and keeping healthy, you may be able to lessen the likelihood of future breakouts and the pain that often accompanies them.