The Best OTC Medication for Fever Blisters

Fever blisters, also known as cold sores or oral herpes, are caused by infection with a herpes simplex virus. For most people, this condition can be managed successfully with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Relief

• Topical medications containing the active ingredients lidocaine and benzyl alcohol (marketed as Zilactin) are recommended by the Mayo Clinic in the treatment of fever blisters.

Abreva

• According to the American Social Health Association (ASHA), Abreva is the only OTC medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to shorten the length of a cold-sore outbreak.

Considerations

• ASHA cautions that repeatedly dosing with OTC medications for oral herpes may actually increase healing time.

Warning

• Medications should only be used according to manufacturer's directions. There are formulations of Zilactin available specifically for use on fever blisters inside the mouth, as topical medications should not be used within the mouth.

Features

• Fever blister symptoms clear up, even without treatment, in a week or a little more, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although there is no cure the for cold-sore virus, many people have fewer outbreaks over time.