OTC cold sore treatment options include topical medications like:
- Docosanol (Abreva)
- Benzyl alcohol (Zilactin)
- Benzocaine (Orajel)
- Prilocaine
- Lidocaine
- Glycine
- Zinc oxide
- Zinc sulfate
What is the best medication for a cold sore?
Feb 18, 2022 · OTC cold sore treatment options include topical medications like: Docosanol (Abreva) Benzyl alcohol (Zilactin) Benzocaine (Orajel) Prilocaine Lidocaine Glycine Zinc …
What are the best medications for cold sores?
Mar 28, 2022 · 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.
What is the most effective treatment for a cold sore?
5 Best Cold Sore Treatments - May 2022 - BestReviews Best of the Best Abreva Abreva with 10% Docosanol, Cream Tube Check Price Trusted Brand A fast-acting formula that also stops irritation instantly. Don't be deceived by the small tubes these come in — Abreva is very concentrated and a little goes a long way.
What is the best over the counter for cold sores?
Apr 01, 2019 · The FDA has given approval for 3 topical products for the treatment of cold sores: 1) Denavir® 1% (penciclovir). 2) Zovirax® 5% (acyclovir) and 3) Xerese® (acyclovir 5% and hydrocortisone 1%). a) Denavir® cream 1% (penciclovir) Denavir® cream was the first antiviral medication to be granted FDA approval for use in the treatment of cold sores.
Which cold sore prescription is best?
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication that helps cold sores heal faster and shortens the duration of blisters during outbreaks. Doctors may also prescribe this drug for genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox.May 25, 2021
What do dermatologists prescribe for cold sores?
Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you: Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream. Take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.
Is Docosanol better than acyclovir?
Conclusions In this model, the efficacy of penciclovir cream was greater than acyclovir cream, acyclovir cream was greater than or equal to acyclovir ointment, and acyclovir ointment was greater than n-docosanol cream.Sep 1, 2001
Does Releev work better than Abreva?
Releev works so much better than Abreva. I couldn't believe it! Just start using it as soon as you feel a tingle and it's gone in 2 days. I didn't even use it as often as the instructions said to and by the morning of day 3 it was gone.
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 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 Docosanol the same as Abreva?
Are Zovirax and Abreva the Same Thing? Zovirax (acyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol cream) are antiviral medications used to treat different conditions caused by the herpes virus. Zovirax is used to treat shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Abreva is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips.
Is Abreva the same as Denavir?
Although it doesn't sound like much, the difference is statistically significant and great enough to let the company claim Abreva helps heal cold sores. The performance is similar to that of the prescription drug Denavir.Jan 19, 2001
Does Abreva work on hsv2?
No. Abreva cream is indicated only for the treatment of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.
What is the active ingredient in RELEEV?
PurposeActive Ingredient/Active MoietyIngredient NameBasis of StrengthStrengthBENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: F5UM2KM3W7) (BENZALKONIUM - UNII:7N6JUD5X6Y)BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE1.3 mg in 1 mL
How many days should I use RELEEV?
RELEEV is a nontoxic botanical product and should be applied 3 to 4 times a day. It can be used safely in adults and children 2 years of age or older and is nonirritating. It is best used at the first sign of an outbreak but can be applied at any time to relieve symptoms.Dec 1, 2006
Can you use RELEEV inside mouth?
May be used as an antiseptic to help cleanse or dry cold sores & fever blisters. May be used inside the mouth on sores.
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.
What is the best treatment for cold sores?
a) Treating cold sore outbreaks. A paper by Cunningham discusses the use of short-term, high-dose oral antiviral therapy to help to reduce cold sore duration and pain. The general idea is that taking a medication orally may be more convenient for the patient rather than performing topical applications.
How long does it take for a cold sore to heal?
All of the studies found that the time needed for cold sore healing was shortened (varying from 0.5 days up to 2.5 days reduction). None of the studies reported a decrease in the severity or duration of pain.
What is the mode of action associated with topical antiviral medication?
The mode of action associated with the topical (ointment applied to sores) antiviral medications discussed on this page is one where they are used to interfere with the replication of the herpes virus (the production of more virus particles , which are called virions).
When did Zovirax get FDA approval?
Zovirax® cream received FDA approval for use in the treatment of cold sores in late 2002, although other formulations of this medication have been used in treating herpes for many years (including an “off-label” use in the treatment of cold sores in the years prior to 2002). It’s used in a similar fashion as with Denavir® cream.
What is the FDA approved antiviral medication?
FDA approved topical antiviral medications. Topical medicines for cold sores are those that are applied as an ointment or cream directly to the surface of the lesion. The FDA has given approval for 3 topical products for the treatment of cold sores: 1) Denavir® 1% (penciclovir). 2) Zovirax® 5% (acyclovir) and 3) Xerese® (acyclovir 5% ...
When to use suppressive therapy?
It’s generally considered that the use of suppressive therapy is best reserved for situations where there’s a history of especially severe, frequent (6 outbreaks per year or more) or disfiguring lesions. Or cases involving persons who have a compromised immune system status.
Is antiviral medication effective for colds?
Short-term regimens of antiviral medication are sometimes effective as a cold-sore preventive for people who have known outbreak factors and are able to know in advance when they will be exposed to them.
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 medicine for cold sores?
Effective cold sore creams may include: Antiviral ingredients: Cold sore creams that include acyclovir, penciclovir, or docosanol have antiviral properties.
How to reduce cold sores?
For people who get cold sores in response to sun exposure, it is a good idea to use a lip balm that contains SPF and use SPF suncreams on the face. Cold sores are highly contagious.
What does a cold sore look like?
However, canker sores are mouth ulcers that form inside the mouth and look like white circles with a red halo. By contrast, cold sores appear around the mouth and go through specific stages as they burst and heal: the area tingles, itches, or burns. a hard spot appears on the lip or around the mouth.
How long does it take for zinc oxide to work on cold sores?
Zinc oxide: An older study asked people to apply zinc oxide to their cold sores every 2 hours. Trusted Source.
Can a cold sore be a blister?
the blisters burst and crust over. As cold sores can resemble other conditions, it is a good idea for people to check they have a cold sore before they buy a cream. A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can help with this.
How long does it take for Abreva to heal?
However, they do acknowledge that the average time of healing for someone using their product is 4.1 days. A person should not use this product if they are pregnant or breastfeeding unless their doctor has approved it. Abreva Cold Sore Cream is available for purchase online.
Does docosanol help with cold sores?
This antiviral cream contains docosanol, which is a compound that helps treat recurrent cold sores by stopping HSV from entering the surrounding cells. This helps protect the healthy area around the cold sore.
What is Xerese cream?
XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone) Cream 5%/1% is indicated for the early treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) to reduce the likelihood of ulcerative cold sores and to shorten the lesion healing time in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older).
What are the symptoms of HSV-1?
The most common form of HSV-1 infection is primary gingivostomatitis; however, only about 1% of those exposed to HSV-1 develop clinical symptoms of primary gingivostomatitis. 4 The infection may be subclinical in nature, and symptoms may be overlooked. 4 Primary infection usually occurs in preschool or kindergarten-aged children, adolescents, and young adults, then re-expresses as cold sores throughout adulthood. 5 Viral shedding is greatest during the primary infection, though the quantity of viral shedding appears to have no correlation to the severity of the attack. 6 Patients experiencing primary infection may present with fever, malaise, loss of appetite, or multiple intraoral vesicles that burst, leaving painful ulceration. Because of the pain associated with swallowing, children especially may become dehydrated. 5 Recurrences are typically less severe than the primary infection. 5
What is a RHL?
Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), or the recurrent expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), is a commonly occurring viral infection of the mouth and perioral soft tissues. Commonly known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters," RHL typically manifests through reactivation of initial exposure to HSV-1, often triggered by stimuli such as sunlight, stress, menses, or trauma to the affected area. 1 The seroprevalence of HSV-1 in the United States has been estimated at 57.7% in those aged 14 to 49 years, and RHL has been found to affect 32.9% of the population. 2,3
Can you treat cold sores with antiviral drugs?
With the widespread availability of OTC products, and a general lack of awareness about the pathophysiology of cold sores, many patients may not realize there is an opportunity to treat cold sores with antiviral agents. Pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel patients regarding treatment options for patients with cold sores, and can help optimize outcomes by bridging both nonprescription and prescription options and advising appropriate patients to speak to a physician in a timely manner. After all, the best outcomes for cold sore treatment are achieved when drug administration is started immediately at the first sign of prodromal symptoms. 1
Is docosanol an antiviral?
Although not an antiviral like prescription treatments, OTC products occupy a significant place in therapy. The only FDA-approved OTC drug to treat RHL is docosanol (Abreva). Evidence suggests that docosanol interferes with early intracellular events, rendering target cells less susceptible to viral fusion or entry. 9 Docosanol is not considered to be a true antiviral agent because it does not work by inhibiting viral replication. 10
How long does it take for acyclovir to heal?
In studies, frequent application of the cream reduced healing time by about 12 hours. 4 . Oral acyclovir given five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children can substantially reduce the duration of fever, eating problems, and drinking difficulties, as well as viral shedding.
How long does it take for a famvir to work?
If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking a single high dose of Famvir can shorten the herpes infection by two days. 5
How long does it take to get rid of a syphilis infection?
The first episode (which generally occurs in childhood) is also treated longer, usually for seven to 10 days with an antiviral medication. Recurrent infections, on the other hand, are treated for a shorter period of time.
Can Valtrex be used for cold sores?
She has been in practice for over 20 years. Several medications, including Valtrex, are available to treat cold sores. Some are used topically (on the skin) and others are used orally (by mouth), but the goal is to treat cold sores as early as possible. 1 .
Is Denavir cream FDA approved?
Denavir (Penciclovir 1 percent cream) is FDA-approved for recurrent cold sores. 2 Starting treatment within one hour of an outbreak can reduce healing time by two days, as well as reduce symptoms. Denavir can also decrease the duration of viral shedding.
Is herpes simplex worse than recurrent herpes?
The first outbreak of any herpes simplex infection is usually worse than recurrent infections . An initial outbreak of oral herpes should be treated with oral medications, while recurrences can be treated with topical or oral medications. 3
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in two to four weeks. Several types of prescription antiviral medications may speed the healing process. Examples include: 1. .Acyclovir (Zovirax) 2. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) 3. Famciclovir 4. 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 …
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- The over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. 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. To ease the discomfort of a cold sore: 1. Try other cold sore re…
Alternative Medicine
- Although study results have been mixed, alternative medicine treatments for cold sores include: 1. Lysine.An amino acid, lysine is available as an oral supplement and as a cream. 2. Rhubarb and sage.A cream combining rhubarb and sage may be about as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) cream. 3. Stress reduction.If your cold sores are triggered by stre...
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Cold sores generally clear up without treatment in two to four weeks. Make an appointment with your family doctor if your cold sores: 1. Are lasting or severe 2. Return often 3. Are accompanied by eye discomfort