Illness & Symptoms
How long does a cold sore last?
Estimated wait
~8 days
Based on published sources
Timeline guide
- Faster cases~8 days
- Average cases~8 days
- Slower casesUp to 10 days
The "10 days" is also the point to see a GP if it hasn't started healing — that's a threshold, not a target. Cold sores stay contagious while healing, which is separate from how long they take to clear.
A cold sore usually clears up on its own within about 10 days, according to the NHS. Over roughly the first 48 hours one or more painful blisters appear, which then burst and crust over into a scab before healing.
More details
Antiviral creams may slightly shorten a cold sore if started early, but they don't dramatically change the 7–10 day course.
Sources
Last updated: 4 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.