The 7 Best Cold Sore Remedies
- Lemon balm. The antiviral properties of lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, may help reduce the redness and swelling associated with a blister or protect against future infections ...
- Over-the-counter antiviral medications. Products containing docosanol or benzyl alcohol can be helpful in reducing the duration of the cold sore.
- Ice. ...
Full Answer
What is the most effective treatment for a cold sore?
Dec 28, 2021 · #1 Virulite Electronic Cold Sore Treatment (609) Buy on Amazon Unlike many other OTC cold sore meds, the Virulite Electronic Device doesn’t require any creams or gels to heal blisters. Instead, it focuses on an FDA-approved light technology. It’s not strictly a medicine, but we’ve included it because it works and you may not know that it exists.
What is the best natural remedy for cold sores?
Super Lysine+ Cold Sore Treatment Check Price Award-Winning An effective and innovative formula that provides fast relief with a natural active ingredient. Quickly relieves symptoms and cuts healing time in half. Includes menthol to bring pain relief quickly and lysine to inhibit cold sore outbreak triggers. Moisturizes as it soothes and treats.
What's the best thing to put on an open cold sore?
Mar 28, 2022 · Try Vaseline, Aquaphor, Chapstick (don’t double-dip or keep the stick/jar for cold sores only!). Topical hydropropyl cellulose adheres to the lesion to keep out irritants (Zilactin and Ziladent are both over the counter), per Dr. Shainhouse.
How to cure a cold without over the counter medicine?
Feb 18, 2022 · A number of creams and ointments are available over-the-counter (OTC) to treat cold sores. They have been shown to help reduce symptoms and recovery time of cold sores when used as directed. OTC cold sore treatment options include topical medications like: Docosanol (Abreva) Benzyl alcohol (Zilactin) Benzocaine (Orajel) Prilocaine Lidocaine Glycine
What is the best product to get rid of cold sores?
Best Overall: Abreva 10% Docosanol Cream Treatment for Cold Sore/Fever Blister, 0.07 Ounce. Infused with 10% Docosanol, this FDA-approved, non-prescription medicine works to treat cold sores, which is why we chose it as our top pick.Mar 28, 2022
What helps cold sores go away the fastest?
There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.Feb 25, 2020
What gets rid of cold sores overnight?
You cannot get rid of cold sores overnight. There is no cure for cold sores. However, to speed up the healing time of a cold sore, you can consult with your doctor and take prescription medications such as antiviral tablets and creams.
Does abreva work better than Carmex?
However, they won't hurt — so if you need your Carmex or Abreva, go for it. Carmex is a lip balm that contains ingredients like menthol and camphor to cool and soothe the area, while Abreva is a cream that may speed healing by blocking the virus.Jan 27, 2018
How fast does abreva work?
Abreva® starts to work immediately and shortens the duration of pain, itching, burning, and tingling. It's the only nonprescription cold sore medicine approved by the FDA to shorten healing time. When applied at the first sign, Abreva® is clinically proven to heal a cold sore in as little as 2½ days*.
Does abreva work on cold sores?
At the first sign of cold sore (when you feel the “tingle”), apply nonprescription Abreva® Cream. When done so, it is clinically proven to heal a cold sore in 2½ days*. *Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days.
What triggers a cold sore?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once this virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, changing hormone levels, or even stress.
Does Abreva work after the blister appears?
Does Abreva® Work After the Blister Appears? Abreva® Cream should be used at the first sign of a cold sore for the best results. Using it after blisters appear will affect its efficacy.
Is Carmex good for cold sores?
Carmex® Multi-Symptom Cold Sore Treatment contains benzocaine, an FDA-approved pain relief ingredient, which helps temporarily relieve pain and itch associated with cold sores and fever blisters. There is no cure for cold sores.
Will Campho-Phenique work cold sores?
Ingredients in Campho-Phenique can temporarily ease the pain and discomfort you experience at the early stages of cold sores, while an antiseptic works to prevent spreading the infections which may slow down the healing process.
What does Campho-Phenique do for cold sores?
Campho-Phenique® Cold Sore Treatment provides maximum strength medicine to dry out the cold sore without causing cracking. It actually soothes and moisturizes as it works, reducing the appearance of the infection.
Does Benadryl help cold sores?
If sores in the mouth hurt, have your child rinse their mouth with a 1-to-1 mix of Benadryl® and liquid antacid such as Mylanta™ or Maalox™. This can be done up to 4 times each day. The mix will coat the sores and help reduce pain.Mar 30, 2020
Use The Best Over The Counter Cold Sore Medicine
Cold sores go through stages. They begin with noticeable symptoms, which is when you can start using most over-the-counter creams. The next stages,...
What’S The Best Otc Cold Sore Medicine?
No two cold sore creams or devices are equal. Here, you’ll find some of the best products on the market for soothing and healing cold sores. Not on...
Benefits of Over-The-Counter Creams & Gels
You can expect the use of OTC treatments to achieve the following: 1. Speed up the healing time by up to 75% 2. Reduce pain and discomfort 3. Preve...
Otc Cold Sore Medicine vs. Prescription Medication
People who suffer from cold sores frequently may seek out a prescription medication. Some are stronger in their dosage. That can be helpful for peo...
What Are The Possible Side Effects?
Side effects that occur due to the use of topical cold sore treatments are rare. Most antiviral meds are safe for people on other prescription medi...
Natural Ways to Treat Cold Sores
The best part about a natural treatment option is that there are very few side effects. Some of the most popular treatment options include: 1. Zinc...
How to Prevent Cold Sores
Unfortunately, once the herpes simplex virus is in your system, you have it for life. There is no way to cure cold sores. Each time you experience...
Are cold sore outbreaks completely random?
No. Usually you will experience an outbreak if you have a weakened immune system, you’re experiencing high levels of stress, or you’re eating certa...
If I have a cold sore, does that mean I have an STD?
No, not necessarily. Cold sores can be spread through means other than sexual contact. However, it’s possible for them to be spread through oral se...
Will cold sores leave scars on my lips?
No. If left untreated, a cold sore will go away within two to four weeks. After it disappears, your lip will return to how it normally looks.
What is the best medicine for cold sores?
There are drying agents (Domeboro solution, calamine lotion, zinc oxide, witch hazel ), which when dabbed on the sore help dry up the blister and its fluid. Topical steroids or anti-inflammatory cream ( hydrocortisone) can be applied a few times a day to reduce the pain, itch, redness, and inflammation. They provide comfort and can be used with anti-virals. Prescription topical anti-viral creams can reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore. The most effective are penciclovir and acyclovir and should be started ASAP at the first signs of a prodrome, per Dr. Shainhouse.
How long does a cold sore patch last?
One patch offers up to twelve hours of protection and reduces scabbing. Customers call them “amazing” because they cover the cold sore completely and offer quick relief. The patches also remove the worry that the virus is spreading to others and eliminates the “gross scabby period of time.”.
How long does it take for a sore to tingle?
“Many people have a prodrome period immediately before the sore develops,” says Dr. Shainhouse. “You can feel pain, itching, tingling up to one day prior to the sore developing. It is associated with viral replication and nerve irritation.
Is Abreva a prescription medicine?
Abreva is great for abbreviating cold sores. It’s the only FDA-approved, non-prescription medicine to treat cold sores with the active ingredient Docosanol. The sooner you catch the initial signs of a cold sore, the better this cream works to block the virus that causes it.
Is it safe to use chaparral extract for cold sores?
This herbal remedy is safe for children and still lessens the severity and duration of cold sores with natural and organic ingredients. Ingredients include coconut oil, beeswax, lemon balm, L-Lysine, grapefruit seed extract, echinacea, chaparral extract, goldenseal, and peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil.
How long does it take for lip balm to heal?
Research studies demonstrated the balm cut cold sore healing time in half and can fully cure symptoms in as little as three days. 2 The active ingredients include menthol for pain relief and lysine.
Does lysine help with cold sores?
Active Ingredients: Menthol, Lysine | Dose: Apply as needed. | Uses: Temporarily relieves symptoms of cold sores and fever blisters. Lip balms primarily work by working the skin and providing a moist environment for healing.
Can I take Advil or Tylenol to treat my cold?
Here’s the scoop: Advil is ibuprofen and, since acetaminophen works best for fevers and mild body aches, you’ll want to take Tylenol, according to Gandhi. “You can alternate acetaminophen with ibuprofen for fevers.
What medicines should I take to prevent a cold?
Below, find some over-the-counter products to take — especially if you want to say nuh-uh to that bug. But be sure to speak with your doctor to address any health concerns.
What is the best medicine for cold sores?
Although study results have been mixed, alternative medicine treatments for cold sores include: Lysine. An amino acid, lysine is available as an oral supplement and as a cream. Rhubarb and sage. A cream combining rhubarb and sage may be about as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) cream. Stress reduction.
What to do for cold sores?
If your cold sores are triggered by stress, you might want to try relaxation techniques, such as lemon balm extract, deep-breathing exercises and meditation. Propolis. Also known as synthetic beeswax, this is available as a 3% ointment. When applied early and often, it might shorten the duration of the breakout.
What are some examples of antiviral medications?
Several types of prescription antiviral medications may speed the healing process. Examples include: .Acyclovir (Zovirax) Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Famciclovir. Penciclovir (Denavir) Some of these products are packaged as pills to be swallowed. Others are creams to be applied to the sores several times a day.
How to diagnose cold sores?
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor might take a sample from the blister for testing in a laboratory.
How to treat a cold sore with Abreva?
At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore. This helps prevent the spread of the sores to other parts of your body.
How to stop cold sores from spreading?
This helps prevent the spread of the sores to other parts of your body. To ease the discomfort of a cold sore: Try other cold sore remedies. Some over-the-counter preparations contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, that may speed healing. Use lip balms and cream.
How to get rid of blisters on a swollen thigh?
Or try a warm compress to the blisters to ease pain. Rest and try pain relievers. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you have a fever or the cold sore is painful. Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.
What is the best lip ointment for cold sores?
Basic Organics L-Lysine Lip Ointment, 0.875 Oz. L-Lysine is one of the best ingredients to prevent future cold sores from forming, and that's because it "interferes with the activity of arginine, which is an amino acid that promotes a cold sore," Dr. Jaliman wrote.
What is cold sore?
Also known as fever blisters, cold sores are "tiny fluid-filled blisters that appear on lips," Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist, told Bustle. "They are caused by a certain strain of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)," she explained. That said, the best OTC cold sore treatments aren't just an anti-viral that's capable of fighting HSV-1, although that's definitely important — it should also help to ease discomfort, promote healing, and protect your lips against future infections. When it comes to finding the best choice for you specifically, ingredients and consistency are the most important factors.
Is Abreva a good OTC?
According to Dr. Jaliman, Abreva is a "good OTC product" — and judging by its more than 5,000 reviews and near-perfect 4.8-star rating on Amazon, buyers tend to agree. It's one of the most popular options because it penetrates the skin with 10% docosanol, an "antiviral ingredient" that "helps block the virus," wrote Dr. Jaliman. The formula helps to shorten the lifespan of uncomfortable symptoms and locks in moisture to promote healing, too. This one comes in a value-friendly twin pack, so you're always prepared.
What is the best medicine for cold sores?
The most effective cold sore medications are antiviral, meaning they can directly target the virus (HSV-1, or herpes simplex virus 1) that causes cold sores to develop during an outbreak. There are also over-the-counter cold sore pain relief products available, although these aren’t designed to specifically treat the herpes virus.
How long does it take for a cold sore to heal?
A 2001 study found that docosanol speeds up cold sore healing by approximately 18 hours on average. While it may be quite as powerful as the oral antiviral drugs available on prescription, scientific studies show that docosanol works well for healing cold sores. In the United States, you can buy docosanol as Abreva®.
What are the ingredients in lip balm?
These lip balms usually contain natural analgesic ingredients, such as menthol and camphor. Some of the most common analgesic lip balm brands are Carmex® and Herpecin®. Because these lip balms don’t contain any antiviral ingredients, they won’t actually speed up the healing of a cold sore outbreak. However, the analgesic ingredients can numb your ...
When was acyclovir first used?
Acyclovir was one of the first oral antiviral drugs to come onto the market. It was developed in the 1970s and is today one of the most widely used prescription drugs for treating cold sores and genital herpes (both caused by HSV).
Is it fun to get a cold sore?
Dealing with a cold sore outbreak is never a fun experience, from the pain and discomfort of the sore itself to the effects it can have on your social life. Because cold sores are so common (about two thirds of people aged under 50 have the HSV-1 virus that causes them, according to the World Health Organization [WHO]), ...
What is the name of the antiviral drug that is used to treat cold sores and herpes?
Valacyclovir is a popular antiviral drug that’s used to treat cold sores and genital herpes. In the United States, it’s usually sold as Valtrex, which was the original valacyclovir -based drug to come onto the market.
Is there a cure for HSV-1?
It’s important to know that there’s currently no cure for HSV-1 or HSV-2, the viruses that cause cold sores and other forms of herpes lesions. Instead, all of the medications available today act by treating the symptoms — namely, cold sores and other types of herpes sores. Below, we’ve listed and compared all of the cold sore medicines ...
What are the best medicines for a sore throat?
Certain pain-relieving medications can help control the pain from a sore throat. There are many possible pain-relieving OTC medications for a sore throat. Most of them consist of a pill or liquid taken by mouth.
Sore Throat Remedies
Pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines are considered some of the best medicines for a sore throat. But some people may decide that OTC medications are not the right choice for them. If you choose not to take these sore throat medications, there are several other remedies you can consider.
The bottom line
A sore throat — no matter its cause — can be quite painful and irritating. Thankfully, there are many OTC medications that can help soothe a sore throat. Some of the best medicines for a sore throat include pain relievers, numbing medications, demulcents, and antihistamines.