Sexual Health STDs Herpes The Best Cold Sore Medicines for Quick Treatment, According to Doctors Abreva's Cream Treatment is infused with Docosanol to treat cold sores By Jennifer Nied Jennifer Nied LinkedIn Twitter Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Learn about our editorial process and Simone Scully Simone Scully Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 12, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is board-certified in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She is an assistant professor at Columbia University and works in private practice in New York City. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Cold sores are uncomfortable and, unfortunately, very common. "About 20 to 40 percent of the population will develop at least one lesion in their lifetime,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California. Because active cold sores are highly contagious, using cold sore medicine is key. Reviewed & Approved Our top choice, Abreva's 10% Docosanol Cream, treats cold sores and fever blisters in just two days. We also recommend Zilactin's Cold Sore Medicated Gel for treating blisters. We researched dozens of cold sore medicines and evaluated them for ingredients, price, application, and safety. We also consulted with experts, including Dr. Shainhouse. What to Look for in a Cold Sore Medicine Ingredients Cold sore medications, both prescription and OTC, rely on a variety of different active ingredients to offer relief and healing, per Dr. Shainhouse. 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, like 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. Another option is topical anesthetics, like prescription lidocaine or OTC benzocaine, which are available as mouthwashes, creams, and ointments. They can be applied to the sore up to three times a day as needed for local pain relief. Dr. Shainhouse recommends applying them before eating, especially if the sore is making it too painful to eat. Form Cold sore relief comes in many different forms. There are oral medications and topical options as well as devices and patches that block the virus causing the cold sores and treat symptoms. Topical over-the-counter cream, such as Abreva, has not shown significant efficacy in medical studies, per Dr. Shainhouse. “One study suggests that it may reduce the total time of the cold sore episode by 18 hours.” "Certain medications, such as Abreva, may also help cold sores heal faster if used as soon as you feel a cold sore developing. Abreva works by helping to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to healthy skin cells," adds Jin Lin, DMD, pediatric dentist with Hurst Pediatric Dentistry. Topical barrier gels and ointments help lessen discomfort while the sore heals. “They act as a barrier from outside irritants (food, drinks, talking) and may keep out bacteria, which can cause a secondary infection in the viral sore. 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. Frequently Asked Questions Does cold sore medicine work for canker sores? Cold sores and canker sores are two different things and so treatment is different for both.“Cold sores are blisters, caused by the herpes virus, that often form around the lips, although they can also form on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Once the blister pops, a scab forms,” explains Jin Lin, DMD, pediatric dentist with Hurst Pediatric Dentistry. “Canker sores, in contrast, are small ulcers that appear inside your mouth, often on the inside of your cheeks or lips,” he continues. “They typically have a white, yellow, or grayish center and a red border. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but common triggers include stress and trauma to soft tissues in the oral cavity—for example if you bite the inside of your cheek.” Most medications aimed at treating cold sores are antivirals in order to stop the herpes virus from replicating. This means they won’t work on canker sores, where there is no virus. In addition, says Chris Airey, MD, Medical Director at Optimale, “most cold sore medicine you can buy without a prescription is not meant to be ingested and is intended for topical use.” So you can’t apply them inside your mouth. One notable exception is Zilactin, which is safe for inside your mouth. Its active ingredient is benzyl alcohol, which helps numb the pain of canker sores and cold sores, though it doesn’t treat cold sores in the same way as Abreva. Can you use cold sore medicine while pregnant? It depends on the medicine, which is why it is best that a pregnant person runs all of their medications past their OB/GYN. However, “Abreva and Zovirax and Valtrex (two prescription cold sore options) are considered safe for pregnant patients,” says Todd Minars, MD, dermatologist with Minars Dermatology. “The FDA hasn't specifically evaluated the products for use on pregnant patients [but] research has been done to suggest they're more than likely safe.” In addition, he adds “once a parent passes their 36th week of pregnancy these antivirals carry less concern for the developing baby.” How long does it take cold sore medicine to work? “It depends on the patient, their cold sore history, and the medication,” says Dr. Minars. But in general, topical OTC creams should cause you to show improvement somewhere between 72 hours to four days later. Sometimes, though, it can take a week or more. But in general, your OTC medication should speed up recovery by two to three days. That said, according to Airey, "sometimes if medication is taken at the first signs of a cold sore, you can prevent a breakout entirely.” Plus, while the healing does take time, some topical treatments can reduce your pain within just a few minutes, making you feel better even if the cold sore hasn’t gone away. How much does a cold sore medicine cost? Most cold sore medicines are affordable, over-the-counter solutions that cost between $10 and $20. Our least expensive product was Lysine+ Lip Treatment at $12. We also considered non-OTC treatment, Virulite, including a reusable cold sore treatment device at $129. Here are the best cold sore treatments on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Abreva 10% Docosanol Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Blisters: Zilactin Cold Sore Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Kids: Cold Sores Begone Cold Sore Treatment at Amazon Jump to Review Best Device: Virulite CS Cold Sore Treatment Device at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lip Balm: Lysine+ Lip Clear Cold Sore Treatment at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: C&S Nutrition Immune Support Formula at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand What to Look For Our Picks How We Selected Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall: Abreva 10% Docosanol Cream Treatment for Cold Sore/Fever Blister, 0.07 Ounce 4.9 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On CVS Pros FDA-approved, non-prescription option Works at first signs of cold sore Safe for children over 12 Cons Pricey Who else recommends it? The Strategist also picked Abreva 10% Docosanol Cream. What do buyers say? 94% of 6,900+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. 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. When applied upon the first tingle, it eliminates pain, itching, and burning and knocks out the cold sore in as few as two and a half days. It is safe for external use for adults and children 12 and over, but avoid putting it directly in your mouth. Price at time of publish: $16 Active Ingredients: Docosanol | Dose: Apply a small amount to the affected area. Rub it in gently. Apply 5 times a day until healed | Uses: Relieve symptoms, shorten healing and treat cold sores and fever blisters on the face or lips What the Experts Say "Over-the-counter options like Abreva can be applied when you first sense a sore coming on and can be reapplied to keep the sore from growing and help heal any open sores or cracks." —Chris Airey, MD, Medical Director at Optimale Best for Blisters: Zilactin Cold Sore Gel, Medicated Gel - 0.25 OzGel Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Dulls pain for 6 hours Can treat canker sores and gum irritations Cons Uncomfortable application Protective film formed can be hard to remove This gel creates a protective layer over cold sores and envelopes them with pain relief. The active ingredient, 10% benzyl alcohol, is designed to heal and dull pain for up to six hours, and it’s safe to be used around and in the mouth. Because it’s safe inside the mouth, it helps treat canker sores, fever blisters, and gum irritations in addition to cold sores. It makes all activities more comfortable as the cold sore totally heals. Price at time of publish: $19 Active Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol | Dose: Apply with a cotton swab or clean finger up to 4 times daily | Uses: Relieves pain caused by cold sores, fever blisters, canker sores, mouth sores, and gum irritations What the Experts Say “Herpes lesions develop on keratinized skin, meaning the white or lip outer lip area, nose, cheek, and chin. This is different than canker sores that develop inside the mouth and tongue, which are not herpes at all." —Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills Best For Kids: Cold Sores Begone Cold Sore Treatment Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Safe for children All natural ingredients Cons Not a medicated treatment Can sting when first applied This herbal remedy is safe for children and is used to lessen 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. Price at time of publish: $19 Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, beeswax, lemon balm, L-Lysine, grapefruit seed extract, echinacea, chaparral extract, goldenseal, peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil | Dose: Apply at first tingle a few times a day | Uses: Lessen the severity of cold sore pain The 7 Best Antacids of 2022 Best Device: Virulite CS Cold Sore Treatment Device Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Virulite.global Pros FDA approved and available without prescription Mess-free Helps shorten healing time Cons Pricey Not as easy to find at stores This breakthrough cold sore gadget uses light technology to shorten the healing time of your cold sore. It’s cleared by the FDA and available without a prescription for at-home use. It’s clinically proven to shorten the healing time of cold sores when it’s used three times a day for two days. It’s mess-free and convenient, but the results garner a ton of positive feedback. While it's a little pricier than some of its competitors, the Virulite Invisible Light Electronic Cold Sore Treatment Device is a great investment for anyone with regular cold sores who is tired of replacing their topical cream treatment every few months. Price at time of publish: $129 Active Ingredients: Light | Dose: Use 3 times a day | Uses: Helps treat and shorten the healing of cold sores Best Lip Balm: Lysine+ Lip Clear Cold Sore Treatment View On Amazon View On Bonanza.com View On CVS Pros Soothes pain and other symptoms Can help shorten healing Cons Contains beeswax, a potential allergen Not for children Swipe on instant soothing relief with this lip balm. Pain, burning, and itching are diminished on contact. Research studies demonstrated the balm cut cold sore healing time in half and can fully cure symptoms in as little as three days. The active ingredients include menthol for pain relief and lysine. Lysine inhibits arginine activity, which may contribute to cold sore outbreaks. Price at time of publish: $12 Active Ingredients: Menthol, Lysine | Dose: Apply as needed | Uses: Temporarily relieves symptoms of cold sores and fever blisters What the Experts Say "Lip balms primarily work by working the skin and providing a moist environment for healing." —Suzanne Friedler, MD, board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC The 8 Best Mouthwashes for Gingivitis of 2022 Best Natural: C&S Nutrition Immune Support Formula Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros All-natural ingredients Works to boost entire immune system Cons May interact with other prescription medications Topical treatments aren’t the only option, and these capsules may boost the immune system to fight cold sores and other forms of herpes, including shingles. They contain an all-natural blend of lysine, vitamin C, zinc, olive leaf extract, and more ingredients. When used at the first sign of an outbreak, they may minimize symptoms. It is a dietary supplement so speak with your doctor before adding it to your regimen. Price at time of publish: $35 Active Ingredients: Lysine, vitamin C, zinc | Dose: Two capsules four times daily | Uses: Boosts immune system to help prevent cold sore outbreaks The 7 Best Zinc Supplements of 2022 Final Verdict As the only FDA-approved, non-prescription medicine to treat cold sores with the active ingredient Docosanol, Abreva Docosanol 10% Cream blocks the virus that causes cold sores and relieves the unpleasant symptoms. But, if your goal is avoiding the mess and discomfort consider the Compeed Cold Sore Patch. These protective covers offer relief and keep the contagious virus from spreading as it heals. How We Selected the Cold Sore Medicines We began our selection process by researching the top cold sore medicines on the market. We also spoke to dermatologists, dentists, and primary care physicians to find out what people should look for when shopping for a cold sore medicine. We considered each medicine based on their dosages, usage, and active ingredients to find products to treat all forms of cold sores and multiple application modes. Finally, we looked at prices for each product; many of the products on our list are inexpensive, over-the-counter solutions. Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Additional reporting to this story by Simone Scully Simone Scully is a New York-based writer and editor with years of experience writing about health, wellness, science, and lifestyle. Her byline has appeared at Healthline, Well+Good, Narratively, Romper, Motherifigure’s magazine, Nautilus, Narratively, AskMen, among other places. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Everything You Need to Prevent and Treat Cold Sores, According to Dermatologists. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-cold-sore-treatments-remedies-lips-lysine-releev.html Quantum Health. Cold sore study published in Alternative Medicine Review. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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