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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for cold sores?

Cold sores and fever blisters are painful, fluid-filled blisters on the lips and nearby skin. A virus called herpes simplex type 1 causes them. Cold sores are contagious and are spread by touch.

An over-the-counter medicine called Abreva (generic name docosanol) may help cold sores heal faster and reduce the bothersome symptoms associated with them. Studies show that Abreva can help cold sores heal one day sooner than when no drug is used. When applied at the earliest stages of an outbreak, Abreva may help prevent a blister from forming.

Other over-the-counter products can help relieve the discomfort of cold sores, but they don't help them go away faster. To relieve dryness and help keep the sores soft, use products containing the ingredients allantoin, petrolatum, or cocoa butter. Examples of these products include Blistex lip ointment and >Carmex ointment.

For pain relief, try products that contain local anesthetics. >Anbesol cold sore ointment contains benzocaine, and >Zilactin ointment contains benzyl alcohol to relieve pain. You can also use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (brand name >Tylenol) or >ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil).

If a cold sore becomes infected, apply an antibiotic ointment such as >Polysporin three to four times a day. If sun exposure tends to reactivate your cold sores, use a >lip sunscreen.

Talk to your doctor about prescription therapy if over-the-counter medicines don't relieve your discomfort or if the sores remain for more than 14 days.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Abreva Product Information. GlaxoSmithKline, 2007.
Diseases and Conditions, “Cold sore.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/11/2007.

This answer prepared 10/21/2000.
This information updated 1/11/2007.