Dr. Tracy Evans, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, points to this formula from Abreva as one of the best topical treatments for cold sores because it “penetrates deeply into the skin to block the herpes virus from entering healthy cells.” It’s formulated with 10% docosanol, an ingredient that Li says has been studied to reduce healing time by 18 hours. The cream also comes in small, portable packaging that makes it easy to travel with or take on the go.
This cold sore treatment is ideal if you’re dealing with high levels of discomfort because it’s made with camphor and phenol to provide a numbing effect that temporarily halts the pain, according to the brand. It also has aloe, which helps soothe skin and prevent dryness and cracking from exacerbating any tenderness. Both adults and children over two can use the formula, and it has a precise applicator that disperses a small amount of product to ensure there’s no waste.
The benefits of this patch from Mederma is two-fold: It makes your cold sore appear less visible, and it has hydrocolloid gel technology to speed up healing, says Evans. This comes with 15 patches in an easily transportable box. It also seamlessly fits into your routine, as you can also apply lipstick and makeup on top.
Evans is a fan of these patches from Hero Cosmetics because they’re discreet with a thin profile and matte finish — plus, they help promote healing. While designed primarily for acne, they’re made with medical-grade hydrocolloid, which absorbs fluids and keeps the cold sore from drying out. Choose from a 72-count or 24-count package.
If your cold sore has entered the crust-over stage, this noncomedogenic facial cleanser is a good choice. It’s gentle, won’t contribute to further irritation and supports healing since it doesn’t have any harsh acids or alcohols. Instead, it’s made with ceramides, which Li says are helpful to protect the skin’s barrier, in addition to trapping moisture within the surface of the skin. “This has the benefit of preventing moisture loss in addition to protecting the barrier from harsh compounds in the environment,” he says. Application-wise, the pump makes for sanitary and mess-free usage.
For an anti-inflammatory treatment that can help calm cold sores and reduce redness, itching and pain, Evans recommends this hydrocortisone cream. In addition to 1% hydrocortisone, this has vitamins A, C and E in it to keep skin nourished, according to the brand. Plus, you can use it to offer relief for other skin conditions such as eczema, allergic reactions and dermatitis. To use, Evans says to apply a half pea-sized amount three times a day.
“A cold sore is a single blister — or sometimes a cluster of small blisters or bumps — that appear around the mouth, lips or nose,” says Li. While the main cause of a cold sore is a virus, specifically a virus in the herpesvirus family called herpes simplex virus, there are a few common triggers that can cause a cold sore to flare up:
If you’re dealing with a cold sore, it’s best to see your physician for treatment. Both Li and Evans recommend valacyclovir, an oral prescription pill, as the first form of treatment against a cold sore. “If taken within 72 hours of symptom onset, treatments with pills such as valacyclovir can shorten the healing time by up to several days,” says Li. “If no treatment is taken, then the disease can run up to approximately two weeks.”
Beyond this, over-the-counter topicals can serve as a good complementary aid to help reduce discomfort and redness. “While topical anti-inflammatories don’t actually target the mechanism of HSV to treat it at its root, they may be symptomatically helpful,” says Li. Whether you choose to go the oral or topical route, Evans says to be mindful of how you handle the cold sore. “Don’t touch the cold sore, and if you do, make sure to wash your hands,” she says.
Cold sores are extremely contagious and can be spread easily through skin contact (such as kissing or sharing a drink), says Li. “The duration that someone can be contagious varies based on factors such as someone’s immune system (e.g. those who are immunocompromised may continue to be contagious), but in general, until the cold sore has fully crusted over, it can be contagious.” The scabbing can occur anywhere from five to eight days after the outbreak begins.
The first sign of contagion includes a tingling, burning or itching sensation that occurs before a cold sore appears. “This is because the cold sore virus lives in the nerve roots from a prior infection,” says Li. “It’s best to assume that as soon as you feel these prodromal symptoms, you’re contagious.”
When shopping, experts recommend looking at several factors, including the form of treatment.
What your symptoms are will impact what kind of treatment you’ll need:
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists about the causes and treatments for cold sores, and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
