How to quickly treat cold sores at the corner of the mouth
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, treatment methods for cold sores around the mouth mainly include routine care, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine, and immunomodulatory therapy. Additionally, patients should follow medical advice strictly during treatment and avoid discontinuing medication on their own. They should also maintain personal hygiene, use separate utensils, and prevent spreading the infection to family members. If symptoms such as blister rupture, pus discharge, or fever occur,
Generally, treatment methods for cold sores (herpes) around the mouth include general care, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and immunomodulatory therapy. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. General Care
Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the affected area around the mouth. Gently wipe with warm water and avoid prolonged exposure to saliva. Do not scratch the blisters with hands to prevent rupture and secondary infection. Ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, maintain a light diet, and consume more foods rich in vitamin B complex to enhance skin repair capacity.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can assist in relieving symptoms and accelerating healing. Commonly used methods include infrared irradiation and low-energy laser therapy. Infrared irradiation improves local blood circulation and reduces redness, swelling, and pain. Low-energy laser therapy stimulates cell regeneration, shortens healing time, and reduces the risk of scarring.
3. Medication
Drug therapy is the core approach. Patients may use medications such as acyclovir cream, penciclovir gel, or famciclovir tablets under medical guidance. If significant itching occurs, oral levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets may be added. For secondary infections, topical application of mupirocin ointment is recommended.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
According to TCM, oral herpes is often associated with upward attack of wind-heat and excessive heat-toxin. Treatment commonly involves heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal medicines, such as Huanglian Shangqing Pills or Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets. Acupuncture at points like Hegu (LI4) and Quchi (LI11) can regulate qi and blood flow, alleviating pain and discomfort.
5. Immunomodulatory Therapy
The goal of immunomodulatory therapy is to enhance the body's antiviral ability, typically through taking immunomodulators. Examples include transfer factor oral solution, thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets, and spleen aminopeptide lyophilized powder for oral use. These agents increase immune cell activity and reduce the frequency of herpes recurrence.
In addition, during treatment, patients should follow medical advice strictly and avoid stopping medication on their own. Personal hygiene should be maintained, and eating utensils should be used separately to prevent transmission to family members. If blister rupture, pus discharge, or fever occurs, seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan.
