Topical creams for treatment of cold sores
Topical creams are sometimes used to treat cold sores. Many are prescription medicines that can slightly shorten the duration of cold sores, usually by just 1 to 2 days. Studies are ongoing to determine the effectiveness of these creams.1
Some experts find that even when non-prescription topical creams are used frequently—every 2 hours while a person is awake—at the first sign of an outbreak, they may only speed recovery time by a few hours or a day.2
Prescription creams and ointments
Penciclovir cream (such as Denavir) is an antiviral cream that may reduce healing time by 1 to 2 days, especially if the cold sore was triggered by sunlight exposure.3, 4 It also reduces pain, itching, burning, and tenderness associated with cold sores.
Penciclovir cream may cause side effects such as mild pain or stinging when it is applied. It is possible, although rare, that the cream may also cause a skin rash or headache.
Acyclovir ointment or cream is used up to 6 times a day for 10 days.
Treatment with acyclovir ointment works best if it is used at the first sign of cold sore symptoms. Side effects of the ointment may include mild pain or stinging at the site of application.
Acyclovir cream can be used to treat recurrent cold sores in people older than age 12. The cream can improve healing time by up to half a day. The cream may cause temporary skin irritation.
Non-prescription creams and ointments
Tetracaine cream (Viractin) and Lidocaine (Zilactin-L) are non-prescription topical anaesthetics that can relieve the pain and itching associated with cold sores. Initial studies show that tetracaine cream can reduce the healing time of cold sores by up to 2 days.5 These products are applied to cold sores up to 6 times daily for best results. Pain and itching are relieved usually within 2 to 3 days after a person first applies the product.
Docosanol 10% (Abreva) is a newer non-prescription cream that is safe and effective for treating cold sores. It is most effective when applied at the first signs of a cold sore outbreak.3 It is the first non-prescription cold sore medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to shorten healing time and the duration of symptoms.
Benzyl alcohol (Zilactin) is a gel that relieves the pain of cold sores and may help shorten healing time, especially if used as soon as a cold sore begins to form.
Dimethicone with sunscreen is a product that moisturizes your lips and protects them from the sun. This can help reduce the pain and itching of cold sores. It can also help prevent cold sores from returning, especially if they were triggered by sun exposure.
Cold sores usually heal on their own without prescription medicines or complementary therapies.
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Brenda Vanden Beld, RN, MSN, MBA | Last Updated: April 17, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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