Non-Medication

• A cold sore should clear up within 7 to 10 days without any treatment. Remember that there is no cure, so any treatment simply alleviates symptoms and provides relief. Cold compresses may help reduce the pain and swelling, but this is a temporary solution. Other home remedies using vitamins and supplements including Lysine and amino acids cannot be confirmed by research. Consult you doctor if you are concerned about the frequency and duration of cold sore bouts.
  
  

Medications

• Several over-the-counter and prescription drugs may help alleviate cold sores' symptoms and duration. According to the Mayo Clinic, topical lidocaine or benzyl alcohol may relive the symptoms. These topical anesthetics are available at drugstores. According to eMedicineHealth, Abreva is the only over-the-counter medication known to reduce the duration of cold sores.
  
  For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe Zovirz or Denavir. These reduce healing time, but only by a half-day or so. Seek an anti-viral prescription from your doctor if you have frequent outbreaks.
  
  

Canker Sores

• Canker sores are different than cold sores but often are confused. Cold sores are activated by the herpes virus and are highly contagious; canker sores are ulcers inside the mouth and are not contagious. According to Medline Plus, the best way to treat canker sores is with a simple home remedy mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water and dab over the sore. Dab milk of magnesia on the canker sore three to four times daily.