Episodes of cold sores recur when something causes trauma to your mouth. The best way to prevent a cold sore from recurring is to take care of yourself. Eat well, get enough sleep, use sunscreen on your face and lips. Try to relax when situations are stressful. Practicing these good habits may reduce the chances a cold sore will recur, but it is not always fool-proof.
Cold sores can recur without any clear cause.
There is no medical cure or home remedy for cold sores, but the prescription medication acyclovir in some cases can lessen the number of outbreaks and shorten the course of cold sores. Aspirin or acetaminophen can relieve the discomfort associated with cold sores. The less you touch it, the less likely you are to transmit the virus to other parts of your body or infect the sore with common skin bacteria. Usually a cold sore will heal on its own in about one week. For more information about cold sores, talk to your physician.