Cold sores not going away

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi! I've has a cold sore (or what i think its a cold sore, never had one before) for 8 days already. It seems its getting worse and growing! I've been putting abreva but its not really doing anything. I've also been taking lysine pills and nothing. I haven't left my house in 8 days!!! what should i do besides seeing a doctor. I'll be going to the doctor on Mon. but thats 2 days from now. Thanks.

Dear Athena: I do understand your concern, but unfortunately there is no effective treatment that will effectively eliminate cold sores. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex type 1 virus and the infection usually last 2-3 weeks and subsides on its own. However drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir (all antiviral) are known to decrease the duration of the infection.

However, since your treatment with abreva is not helping you, I would advise consulting with your doctor to rule out an underlying bacterial infection.