DR. JI i there, Dr. Jim here from Blue Shield of California, to give you tips on cold sore self-care. BO nd I’m Bob. I’m here to say things like, “Ugh, I hate when I get a cold sore!.” DR. JI ook for over-the-counter topical medications that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine, or dibucaine to help relieve burning, itching, and pain. Ibuprofen may also provide some additional pain relief. BO ell what do you do to make a cold sore go away faster? DR. JI ell you can try an over-the-counter antiviral product that can decrease healing time when applied at the first sign of recurrence, for example, when you get that tingling sensation. BO prefer to cover the sore by wearing one of those full-face black ski masks. DR. JI rrr, for less drastic measures your doctor can prescribe topical acyclovir or penciclovir or even oral medications to decrease the duration of an outbreak. BO s a disclaime f you do opt for the ski mask, I’d suggest saving your banking for another day. Especially if you lost your voice doing karaoke the night before and you have to communicate by passing notes. DR. JI re you serious? BO ust a little heads up.