Just mentioning “stress reduction” can make some people feel even more stressed out! Give yourself some grace — reducing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it completely.
The 7 Best Cold Sore Remedies
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Cold sores can be painful and last longer than we want them to. These treatments could help alleviate symptoms.
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Cold sores appear as blisters — fluid-filled pockets beneath the skin’s surface around the mouth or on the lips. They can break open, ooze, and crust over, lasting around 7 to 10 days. They can be painful during those 7 to 10 days, but you may find comfort in home remedies and natural treatments.
Cold sores are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which has two types, known as HSV-1 and HSV-2. While most cold sores occur due to HSV-1, either type can cause these sores.
Experts sometimes refer to cold sores as mouth herpes, oral herpes, or herpes simplex labialis. There is currently no cure for HSV. It remains dormant in the body until it reactivates.
HSV is common. The World Health Organization estimates that the worldwide frequency of HSV for people under 50 years old is 3.7 billion people for HSV-1 and 491 million people for HSV-2. That means approximately 2 out of 3 people have HSV-1, and more than 1 in 10 have HSV-2.
What are the other symptoms of an HSV outbreak?
Many people experience a tingling, burning, or itching sensation about 24 hours before a cold sore appears. When a person initially contracts either HSV strain, they usually experience their first outbreak within 3 days to 2 weeks. This initial outbreak is often more severe than subsequent ones and causes flu-like symptoms, including:
- fever
- sore throat
- muscle aches
- headache
- swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms tend to last for about 2 to 4 weeks. After the initial outbreak, HSV remains dormant in your nerve cells. Some people never experience another outbreak, while others continue to experience them. Future outbreaks can result from:
- stress
- hormonal fluctuations
- surgery
- fevers
- illness
- sun exposure
Not everyone with HSV will get cold sores. For those who do, outbreaks can be unavoidable and unpredictable. But several treatment options can ease or shorten the duration and severity of an outbreak.
Below are some of the most effective home remedies for treating cold sores. Home remedies provide relief for some people but do not work for everyone. Prescription antiviral medications like valacyclovir (Valtrex) are typically much more effective at treating and preventing cold sores.
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is an herb that’s part of the mint family. Lemon balm has been used for many years to improve mood and cognitive function. This lemon-scented herb is also known to have antiviral properties.
A 2023 research review involved findings about lemon balm and its potential benefits for healing certain viruses, including HSV, SARS, and HIV. The review found that lemon balm may help treat HSV-1 by preventing the virus from binding to cells in the body and replicating.
The simplest ways to use this potentially healing herb include a lip balm with at least 1% lemon balm, drinking lemon balm tea, or applying a warm compress soaked in lemon balm tea.
Products that contain docosanol, benzyl alcohol, or lysine may help reduce the duration of the cold sore. Abreva is an over-the-counter (OTC) cream containing 10% docosanol and a small amount of benzyl alcohol. The manufacturers claim it can clear up a cold sore in as few as 2.5 days.
A 2017 research review found that people with HSV who took at least 3 grams a day of lysine supplements found at least some relief from their symptoms. Lysine is also available as a cream and in foods, like legumes, milk, cheese, and fish.
Ice will likely not reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak, but it can ease the discomfort and inflammation of cold sores. Apply a cold pack directly to the sores for temporary relief. To avoid the risk of irritating or burning your skin, limit your cold pack time to 15 minutes at a time.
You can purchase aloe vera gel from many local stores and websites and even grow your own aloe vera plants. While research connecting the plant to cold sores is limited, one in vitro 2016 study showed that its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects could have inhibitory effects.
Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel — either from a tube or by breaking open an aloe vera leaf — directly onto your cold sores.
Sunburns are one of the major triggers for cold sore outbreaks. But there are plenty of ways to reduce your sun exposure. Wear sunscreen daily, whether you currently have a cold sore or not. It not only protects your lips while the cold sore heals, but it can also reduce future flare-ups when applied to the lips daily.
Look for at least SPF 30, and apply it at least 15 minutes before you expect to be in the sun. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and sticking to shady areas can also help reduce your sun exposure.
Another major trigger that can cause the herpes virus to come out of dormancy is stress. But finding ways to reduce your stress can also reduce your risk of future cold sores.
Just mentioning “stress reduction” can make some people feel even more stressed out! Give yourself some grace — reducing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it completely.
Add 10 to 30 minutes of anti-stress techniques into your daily routine by trying meditation, exercise, journaling, or anything that helps you feel calmer and more relaxed.
Ibuprofen lessens your body’s ability to make prostaglandins, which are chemicals that can cause pain, inflammation, and fever. All three of those symptoms link with cold sores. Taking ibuprofen, which is readily available, can ease the pain and discomfort linked with cold sores.
Acetaminophen, another widely available OTC medication, can also effectively reduce fever and pain. Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen is not anti-inflammatory, and experts aren’t sure exactly how or why it works. If you are sensitive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, this can be a good option for relief from mild to moderate cold sore pain.
Cold sores usually go away on their own after a few days, but several prescription treatments can help speed up that healing time.
If you experience several flare-ups a year, you can even take oral antiviral medication year-round to prevent flare-ups altogether. These treatments include:
- acyclovir (Zovirax)
- valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- famciclovir (Famvir)
- penciclovir (Denavir)
Kissing and other sexual activity
People can pass on HSV-1 through close physical contact, like kissing and oral sex. Though HSV-1 can be transmissible even when you don’t have a cold sore, it is most contagious when you have an active outbreak. Hold off on all sexual activity until your outbreak heals.
Eating acidic and salty foods
Since a cold sore is a painful open wound, avoiding citrus fruits and other acidic foods, like pickles, is important. Avoid eating salty foods, like nuts and potato chips. These foods will irritate your cold sore further, causing added pain. Stick to a low acid, low salt, relatively bland diet until your sores heal.
Sharing personal objects like razors and lip balm
People can pass on HSV-1 by sharing objects that touch their lips or face, including razors, lip balm, lipstick, silverware, and drinking glasses. To greatly reduce your chance of passing on this virus, it’s a good idea to refrain from sharing these personal products, even if you don’t have a cold sore.
Picking at your sores
It can be tempting to pick at cold sores — you may even find yourself absentmindedly rubbing or touching your sores without realizing it. But touching your cold sore can transfer the virus to your hands, where you could pass it on to other parts of your body or people.
Only touch your cold sore when applying creams or other treatments to it. Thoroughly wash your hands each time you touch your sore, even if you only touch it for a moment. If you find it hard not to pick at it, try wearing gloves or covering the sore with a loose bandage.
Does toothpaste help cure cold sores?
Many toothpaste brands contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can help dry out blisters. But the evidence suggesting that toothpaste can cure cold sores is only anecdotal.
What kills cold sores naturally?
Cold sores tend to go away on their own, but some home remedies, such as the ones listed above, might help treat cold sores naturally.
How do you heal a cold sore quickly?
Cold sores typically go away on their own, but some prescription treatments may help them go away more quickly. They can include:
- acyclovir (Zovirax)
- valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- famciclovir (Famvir)
- penciclovir (Denavir)
Does having cold sores mean I have herpes?
Since cold sores occur due to the herpes simplex virus, they are indeed a form of herpes. However, most cold sores occur due to HSV-1, which does not usually cause genital herpes and is not necessarily sexually transmissible. In fact, people with HSV-1 often contract it in infancy or childhood.
There’s a stigma surrounding herpes, despite the fact that at least 2 in 3 people can have HSV-1. Some people with HSV may experience shame and embarrassment related to the diagnosis. HSV is not a reflection of you or your character.
Some people find comfort in communities made to support folks with HSV. The American Sexual Health Association offers an online support forum and maintains a list of in-person support groups in the United States.
An HSV diagnosis can cause understandable anxiety and fear around sex and dating. Dating sites specifically catering to people with HSV, like Positive Singles, can help you find understanding partners with HSV.
When it comes to HSV, be kind to yourself, and let yourself feel however you feel. Your feelings are valid, and it will likely take some time to come to terms with a new diagnosis.
But many people may have this virus, and aside from the occasional outbreak, it does not interfere with their daily lives. Apart from sexual or medical situations, you are not obligated to disclose your HSV status to anyone — it is private medical information and nobody’s business but yours.
By using these home remedies, reducing stress, and keeping healthy, you can lessen the likelihood of future flare-ups and the pain that usually accompanies them.
Last medically reviewed on March 21, 2023
The 6 Best OTC Cold Sore Treatments
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.
Dr. Jaliman, who is also the author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From A Top New York Dermatologist, breaks down the best ingredients (and why they work) below. In short, you’ll want something that’s medicinal, but moisturizing and protective at the same time. However, what works for one person doesn’t always work for everyone, so when it comes to over-the-counter solutions, it’s important to check labels and consider reviewer feedback before you purchase, too.
Finally, consider all of the different consistency options. Many cold sore treatments come in an ointment-like texture, but you can also get medicated balms, roll-ons, and patches, if you prefer. These seven options run the gamut, but they have two things in common: They’re highly rated by real buyers, and they were chosen using Dr. Jaliman’s expert advice.
1. The Overall Best OTC Cold Sore Treatment
Abreva Cold Sore Treatment, 0.14 Oz. (2-Pack)
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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.
One reviewer wrote: “Abreva deserves a million stars. I’ve suffered from cold sores my entire life and have never found a product that works better than this. [. ] This is totally worth the money. In fact, I keep a tube in my house, one in my car, and one at work.”
2. A Cold Sore Treatment That Soothes Pain & Itching
Campho-Phenique Cold Sore Treatment, 0.23 Oz.
See On Amazon
When pain and itching are your least favorite symptoms, you should “look for moisturizing ingredients that help reduce cracking and soften scabs,” Dr. Jaliman wrote. This Campho-Phenique cold sore treatment moisturizes with glycerin to reduce both cracking and scabbing, but it sets itself apart by additionally including a pain reliever for a numbing effect. Last but not least, this has powerful active ingredients to tackle the virus at its source. No wonder it has more than 2,500 five-star reviews.
One reviewer wrote: “Instant relief [. ] Just what I was looking for. Had very painful and un-comfy cold sores on my lips due to [allergies] and change in the weather. This product works instantly. It has an icy, tingly feel and sensation to it.”
3. The Best Balm Treatment
Herpecin L Lip Balm Stick, 0.1 Oz.
See On Amazon
“This is a very good one,” Dr. Jaliman wrote about the Herpecin L lip balm stick. “It contains lysine, vitamins C, B6, and E, lemon balm, and added SPF 30 protection — all ingredients which will cut down the healing time and keep your cold sore moisturized.” Best of all, it comes in a lip balm stick, which travels easily and applies without mess or hassle no matter where you happen to be.
One reviewer wrote: “I like that it’s in stick form like a lip balm. Much easier to apply it without getting it all over your hand and wasting too much of it. [. ] I recommend this to anyone and everyone who gets cold sores, fever blisters, whatever you want to call them. This stuff really works.”
4. An Essential Oil Blend For Cold Sores
Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm Anti-Viral Roll-On, 0.33 Oz.
See On Amazon
“There are several essential oils such as peppermint and tea tree which are known to help lessen the severity of a cold sore or even help ward one off,” Dr. Jaliman wrote, and this treatment from Urban ReLeaf contains both. The tea tree acts as an anti-viral, while the peppermint creates a soothing, cooling sensation. It also has grapeseed oil for moisture and lemon balm for a refreshing scent, all in a convenient roll-on.
One reviewer wrote: “We use it for just about everything yucky on our skin, bites, cold sores, pimples, strange spots. and it takes care of everything with no cracking, drying, or itching. We are big on essential oils around here, but this particular blend does it well without any compromises.”
5. The Best Cold Sore Patches
Compeed Cold Sore Patch, 15 Patches (2-Pack)
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Patches offer additional, ongoing protection while the blister heals and also contain shedding. These from Compeed are a hydrocolloid patch to create the optimal healing environment while shielded from dirt. The patches also stay in place for days, if need be, and the two packs of 15 fit effortlessly in your pocket, bag, or glove compartment.
One reviewer wrote: “After discovering these, I don’t need anything else! Absolutely incredible. My cold sore was completely healed in 4 days using these patches 24 [hours] non-stop. Only time I took it off was to change it. I highly highly recommend.”
6. A Budget-Friendly Ointment That Helps Prevent Future Cold Sores
Basic Organics L-Lysine Lip Ointment, 0.875 Oz.
See On Amazon
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. This lysine ointment from Basic Organics eases pain with menthol and uses tea tree to help treat current cold sores. The lysine helps prevent potential outbreaks and the deeply moisturizing ingredients (like olive oil, beeswax, and honey) keep lips hydrated and healthy.
One reviewer wrote: “I’ve suffered from cold sores for over 25 years now. I purchased this ointment last July after reading the reviews and have used it fairly regularly as an everyday lip balm since then (zero outbreaks). [. ] I’m so happy to have this ointment in my arsenal now!”
Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist
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