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A Sharecare Ad Target User , Administration, answered. An outbreak of oral herpes, or cold sores, should go away on its own in about one or two weeks. Antiviral medications can help them heal faster if taken early. Talk to your doctor if your cold sores do not go away after two weeks. Helpful? 1 person found this helpful.
There are several medications to reduce the duration or symptoms of cold sores. Some are available without a prescription (over the counter), and others require a prescription from a doctor. Some are topical (meaning that they are creams or ointments rubbed directly on the sore), and others are taken in pill form.