Rating Cold Sore Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Outbreaks
Cold sores, those ugly blisters that appear on or around the lips and sometimes other places on the face, can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. In this guide, we'll explore and rate some of the most commonly used cold sore treatments to help you make informed decisions about managing outbreaks.
Leading Over-the-Counter Creams (e.g., Abreva, Docosanol):
Effectiveness: 3/5
The leading non-prescription cold sore treatment creams contain the ingredient docosanol (the active ingredient in Abreva). They are not considered “antiviral” because they don’t affect the virus itself, they just block the virus from getting to cells. They can help shorten the duration of cold sore outbreaks and reduce symptoms when applied at the first sign of tingling or itching. However, the clinical studies show that they work well for a minority of people and not very well for most – the median reduction of a cold sore outbreak was less than a day.Ease of Use: 4/5
Docosanol creams are typically easy to apply and readily available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores. They can be applied directly to the affected area multiple times a day, following the product's instructions. But the recommendation is to apply them 5 times a day, which is not always convenient.
Antiviral Prescription Medications (e.g., Zovirax, Acyclovir, Valtrex, Valacyclovir):
Effectiveness: 3/5
Topical antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax cream) and oral antiviral medications such as valacyclovir (the active ingredient in Valtrex), are prescribed by doctors to manage cold sore outbreaks. These medications work by inhibiting the replication of the herpes simplex virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks. However, the clinical studies supporting them also show that they work well for a minority of people and not very well for most – the median reduction of a cold sore outbreak again was about a day or less.
Ease of Use: 3/5
Oral Valtrex is easy to take but requires a visit to the doctor and filling a prescription. Zovirax cream or ointment must be applied 5-6 times per day.
Topical Analgesics and Moisturizers (e.g., Campho Phenique, Releev, Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Blistex, Mederma):
Effectiveness: 3/5
Topical analgesics can provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort associated with cold sores. Moisturizers can help avoid dry, cracking blisters. While they do not treat the underlying virus, they can help alleviate symptoms while the cold sore heals.
Ease of Use: 4/5
Topical analgesics and moisturizers are easy to apply and can be found in various forms, including creams, gels, and patches. They can be applied directly to the affected area as needed for pain relief, moisturizing and cover-up.
Lysine (e.g., lysine supplement, topical lysine, Lysine+)
Effectiveness: 3/5
It is not entirely known why lysine has some effect against cold sores, but it is thought that it counteracts arginine, one of the main needs of the herpes virus. Taking lysine supplements has shown mixed results and should be accompanied by reduction of arginine-rich foods. Topical lysine has not been well-studied and likewise has given mixed results. Lysine+ contains lysine and a number of other natural ingredients for pain relief and healing, but apparently doesn’t work well for everyone – it advertises a clinical study where 40% of participants were fully cured of symptoms after 3 days.
Ease of use: 4/5
Oral and topical lysine and Lysine+ are easy to find online and over the counter. Oral lysine should be accompanied by reduction of arginine-rich foods, which will be difficult for some. The topicals are easy to apply, but Lysine+ requires application every 2 hours for best results.
Home Remedies (e.g., Ice Packs, Aloe Vera):
Effectiveness: 2/5
Home remedies such as applying ice packs or aloe vera gel to the affected area may provide some temporary relief from pain and inflammation. However, their effectiveness in speeding up the healing process or preventing outbreaks is limited.
Ease of Use: 5/5
Home remedies are generally safe and easy to use, as they often involve readily available household items or natural ingredients. While they may not be as effective as pharmaceutical treatments, they can be a convenient option for some individuals.
Lifestyle Changes (e.g., Stress Management, Healthy Diet):
Effectiveness: 4/5
Managing stress, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. While lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient for everyone, they can complement other treatment options.
Ease of Use: 3/5
Incorporating lifestyle changes into daily routines may require time and effort, but the long-term benefits extend beyond cold sore management to overall health and well-being.
NextLeap™
Effectiveness: 4.5/5 if used at first tingle
Like every cold sore remedy, NextLeap works best the earlier you start, before the virus has the chance to replicate significantly. It will still provide some benefits if started later, but likely will not return your appearance to normal very quickly. But NextLeap appears to work more consistently, and can even head off an outbreak for some if started at first tingle. It can also be used in combination with other OTC and prescription products for even faster results for some people. However, everyone’s body and conditions are different, and there is always the chance that a product will not work as well for an individual based on their unique characteristics or their circumstances such as combination with another condition or ongoing stress. It should be noted that NextLeap is a cosmetic product, not an antiviral, but it is the cosmetic aspect of cold sores that is often most bothersome. The key ingredient in NextLeap is an enhanced form of lysine.
Ease of Use: 4/5
Like other topical over-the-counter gels and creams, NextLeap is easy to find, but is only available online. It is also easy to apply, and for most people applying 4-5 times per day works well, although you can apply it as often as you want. It comes in an oversized tube for easier handling.
In conclusion, the effectiveness and ease of use of cold sore treatments can vary depending on individual preferences and the severity of outbreaks. While antiviral creams and medications are highly effective for managing symptoms and speeding up healing, home remedies and lifestyle changes can also play a valuable role in preventing and managing cold sore outbreaks. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual needs and preferences.