Every year, a myriad of individuals struggle with the commonly encountered and irritating problem of cold sores. Various triggers such as stress, illness, and sun exposure could induce these discomforting blisters. While there isn’t a definitive cure for cold sores, a multitude of treatments exist which can alleviate symptoms and expedite healing.
When it comes to finding the best cold sore treatment, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the type of treatment you prefer. Some people prefer topical treatments, such as creams or ointments, while others prefer oral medications. The second factor to consider is the severity of your cold sore outbreak. Mild cases may only require a simple over-the-counter treatment, while more severe cases may require a prescription medication.
At our website, we spent countless hours researching and testing various cold sore treatments to identify the ones that are the most effective and provide the best value for your money. We evaluated a range of products, including topical creams, oral medications, and natural remedies, and we considered factors such as effectiveness, ease of use, and cost.
After extensive testing and research, we have identified the top cold sore treatments on the market today. Whether you’re dealing with a mild outbreak or a more severe case, our recommendations can help you find the relief you need and get back to feeling your best.
Best Cold Sore Treatments
We understand how frustrating and painful cold sores can be. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various products to bring you a list of the best cold sore treatments available on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for a fast-acting solution or a natural remedy, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
1. Abreva 10 Percent Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment
If you want to heal your cold sore fast, then you should definitely consider Abreva 10 Percent Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment. It is a non-prescription cold sore medicine that shortens healing time to heal cold sores in as few as 2.5 days. We highly recommend this product because it is the number one cold sore brand and is clinically proven to shorten the duration of symptoms.
Pros
- Abreva can heal cold sores in as few as 2.5 days.
- It is clinically proven to shorten the duration of symptoms.
- Abreva is a non-prescription cold sore medicine that shortens healing time.
Cons
- Abreva can be a bit pricey.
- It should be applied five times a day, which can be inconvenient for some people.
- It may not work for everyone.
Abreva 10 Percent Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment is formulated with 10 percent docosanol, which helps to shorten the duration of tingling, pain, burning, and itching associated with cold sores if used as directed at the first sign of a tingle. It penetrates deep to create a barrier around healthy skin cells to prevent the spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This cream should be applied five times a day until your cold sore is fully healed, for a maximum of 10 days.
We have personally used Abreva and found that it starts to work immediately and will heal cold sores faster. However, it may not work for everyone, and it can be a bit pricey. But, if you want to heal your cold sore fast, then Abreva is definitely worth considering. Always have Abreva on hand as it starts to work immediately and will heal cold sores faster.
2. Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch
If you’re looking for a fast and discreet way to heal your cold sores, Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The ultra-thin hydrocolloid gel provides a moist environment to help relieve pain, reduce blistering and prevent scabbing.
- The patch is easy to apply and stays in place for hours, even during activities like eating and drinking.
- The patch acts as a protective barrier from dirt and bacteria, which can help speed up the healing process.
Cons
- The patch may not adhere well to wet or oily skin, so it’s best to apply it to clean, dry skin.
- The patch is slightly visible on the skin, so it may not be suitable for those who want to conceal their cold sores completely.
- The patch may not work as effectively for those with severe or recurring cold sores.
We’ve tried the Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch and found it to be a convenient and effective way to heal cold sores. The patch is easy to apply and stays in place for hours, even during activities like eating and drinking. We also found that the patch helped to relieve pain and reduce blistering, which made the healing process more comfortable.
One thing to keep in mind is that the patch may not adhere well to wet or oily skin, so it’s best to apply it to clean, dry skin. Additionally, the patch is slightly visible on the skin, so it may not be suitable for those who want to conceal their cold sores completely. Finally, the patch may not work as effectively for those with severe or recurring cold sores.
Overall, if you’re looking for a discreet and convenient way to heal your cold sores, the Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to use, stays in place for hours, and can help speed up the healing process.
3. Quantum Super Lysine Plus Cold Sore Treatment Cream
If you’re looking for a reliable cold sore treatment, Quantum Super Lysine Plus Cold Sore Treatment Cream is a great option.
Pros
- Soothes cold sores quickly
- Hydrates the affected area
- Prevents further outbreaks
Cons
- May not work for everyone
- Can be a bit pricey
- May leave a residue on the skin
We’ve used Quantum Super Lysine Plus Cold Sore Treatment Cream for years and it’s always been effective in soothing cold sores quickly. The cream is easy to apply and it hydrates the affected area, which is important for preventing further outbreaks.
One potential downside is that the cream may not work for everyone, so it’s important to keep that in mind. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some users. Finally, the cream may leave a residue on the skin, although this is a minor issue.
Overall, we highly recommend Quantum Super Lysine Plus Cold Sore Treatment Cream for anyone looking for an effective cold sore treatment.
4. MERIX Cold Sore Treatment
If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to treat cold sores, MERIX Cold Sore Treatment might be the solution you need.
Pros
- The patented Viracea formula is soothing and non-irritating, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
- This treatment is effective at treating all the symptoms of cold sores, including pain, tingling, itching, and burning.
- MERIX Cold Sore Treatment is easy to apply and can help speed up the healing process, so you can get back to your daily routine as soon as possible.
Cons
- This treatment may not work for everyone, and some people may need to try a few different products before finding one that works for them.
- It can be a bit pricey compared to other cold sore treatments on the market.
- Some users have reported a slight burning or stinging sensation when applying this treatment.
We’ve used MERIX Cold Sore Treatment ourselves and have found it to be a reliable and effective way to treat cold sores. The patented Viracea formula is gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause any irritation, even when applied multiple times per day. We also appreciate how quickly this treatment works to alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with cold sores.
That being said, we do recognize that this treatment may not work for everyone, and some users may need to try a few different products before finding one that works for them. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some people, especially if they’re on a tight budget. Finally, some users have reported a slight burning or stinging sensation when applying this treatment, so it may not be the best option for people with extremely sensitive skin.
Overall, we would recommend MERIX Cold Sore Treatment to anyone looking for a fast and effective way to treat cold sores. It’s easy to use, gentle on the skin, and can help speed up the healing process, allowing you to get back to your daily routine as soon as possible.
5. Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream
If you’re looking for a fast-acting cold sore treatment, Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream is a great choice.
Pros
- Shortens duration of tingling, pain, burning and itching
- Easy to apply tube form for on-the-go use
- Acts fast to tackle cold sores
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side compared to other treatments
- May take 2-3 days to dry out cold sores
- Some users report a slight tingling or numbing sensation
We’ve been using Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream for a while now and have found it to be effective in shortening the duration of cold sores. It’s easy to apply with the tube form and can be taken on the go, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
One thing to keep in mind is that it may take a few days for the cold sore to dry out completely, so it’s important to use the cream as directed at the first sign of a tingle. While some users report a slight tingling or numbing sensation upon application, we didn’t experience any discomfort.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and fast-acting cold sore treatment, Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream is definitely worth considering.
6. Abreva 10% Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment
We highly recommend the Abreva 10% Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment for anyone looking for an effective and convenient solution to cold sores.
Pros
- The cream is scientifically-proven to shorten cold sore healing time.
- The product is clinically-proven to shorten the duration of tingling, pain, burning, and itching associated with cold sores.
- The pump bottle makes it easy to apply and take on-the-go.
Cons
- The cream should be applied five times a day until your cold sore is fully healed, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The dispenser may be difficult to control for users who only need a small amount of cream per use.
- The product may be more expensive than other cold sore treatments on the market.
We found that the Abreva 10% Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment worked quickly to heal our cold sores in as few as 2.5 days. The cream contains 10% docosanol, which helps to shorten the duration of cold sore symptoms by blocking the virus from infecting healthy cells. We also appreciated that the cream creates a barrier around healthy skin cells to prevent the spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
We also found the pump bottle to be very convenient for on-the-go use. However, we did find that the dispenser may be difficult to control for users who only need a small amount of cream per use. Additionally, we found that the cream should be applied five times a day until your cold sore is fully healed, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the Abreva 10% Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment for anyone looking for a scientifically-proven and convenient solution to cold sores.
7. Doctor Danielle Cold Sore Assist
If you’re looking for a reliable cold sore treatment, Doctor Danielle Cold Sore Assist is worth considering.
Pros
- Contains Lysine and Lemon Balm, two potent ingredients known to help prevent and treat cold sores.
- Easy to take – just two capsules daily.
- Helps accelerate the healing process for existing cold sores.
Cons
- Some customers reported a strange taste after taking the capsules.
- Results may vary depending on your individual body chemistry.
- May not work for everyone.
We’ve been using Doctor Danielle Cold Sore Assist for a few months now, and it has definitely helped in preventing cold sores from forming. The combination of Lysine and Lemon Balm is a powerful one, and we’ve noticed a significant decrease in the frequency of cold sores since we started taking it.
The capsules are easy to swallow, and we haven’t experienced any negative side effects. The only downside is that some customers report a strange taste after taking the capsules, but we haven’t noticed anything unpleasant ourselves.
Overall, if you’re looking for a natural, effective way to prevent and treat cold sores, Doctor Danielle Cold Sore Assist is definitely worth a try.
8. Orajel Moisturelock Cold Sore Symptom Treatment
If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to treat cold sores, Orajel Moisturelock Cold Sore Symptom Treatment is the way to go.
Pros
- Instant Pain Relief
- Skin Protectant
- Helps mask redness
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May not work for everyone
- Packaging could be improved
As someone who suffers from cold sores, I can attest to the effectiveness of Orajel Moisturelock Cold Sore Symptom Treatment. The cream provides instant pain relief and helps to protect the skin from further irritation. It also helps to mask the redness associated with cold sores, making them less noticeable.
One downside to this product is that it can be a bit expensive compared to other cold sore treatments on the market. Additionally, it may not work for everyone, as everyone’s skin reacts differently to different products. Finally, the packaging could be improved to make it easier to apply the cream to the affected area.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fast-acting and effective cold sore treatment, Orajel Moisturelock Cold Sore Symptom Treatment is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cold sore treatment, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in cold sore treatments can vary, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Some common active ingredients include:
- Acyclovir
- Docosanol
- Benzocaine
- Lidocaine
Each of these ingredients works differently, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that’s right for you.
Treatment Type
Cold sore treatments come in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, and patches. Consider what type of treatment you prefer and what will be most convenient for you.
Price
Cold sore treatments can range in price from a few dollars to over $20. Consider your budget and what you’re willing to spend.
Brand Reputation
When choosing a cold sore treatment, it’s important to choose a brand that has a good reputation. Look for brands that have been around for a while and have positive reviews.
Convenience
Consider how convenient the treatment will be for you. Some treatments require multiple applications per day, while others only need to be applied once.
Side Effects
Be aware of any potential side effects of the treatment you choose. Some treatments may cause dryness or irritation, so be sure to read the label carefully.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best cold sore treatment for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV, type 1 and type 2. Cold sores are usually caused by type 1, but type 2 can also cause them. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with someone who has a cold sore, such as kissing or sharing utensils.
What is the fastest way to heal a cold sore?
There is no cure for cold sores, but there are treatments that can help speed up the healing process. Over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as Abreva, can help reduce pain and speed up healing time. Applying a cold, damp cloth to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and pain.
Should you keep a cold sore moist or dry?
It is best to keep a cold sore moist to prevent cracking and bleeding. Using a lip balm or ointment can help keep the area moisturized. However, be sure to avoid touching the cold sore with your fingers and avoid sharing utensils or other items with others to prevent spreading the virus.
Does Abreva actually work?
Abreva is an over-the-counter cream that is used to treat cold sores. While some people find it helpful, others do not see any improvement. It is important to note that Abreva is not a cure for cold sores and may only help reduce symptoms.
What is the best prescription for cold sores?
There are several prescription medications that can be used to treat cold sores, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medications work by preventing the virus from replicating and can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a cold sore?
The symptoms of a cold sore include a tingling or burning sensation on the lips or around the mouth, followed by the appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters may be painful and can break open, forming a crust. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and swollen glands.
