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Over-the-Counter Remedies for Cold Sores

Cold sores are the annoying and often painful sores that usually occur on or around the mouth but can also develop under the nose. A tingling sensation frequently precedes these eruptions. The likely cause is the herpes simplex virus 1---a nongenital form of herpes but just as contagious. The blisters are unsightly and painful and can last up to two weeks. Over-the-counter remedies can stave off the sores or at least shorten their duration.

  1. Over-the-Counter Medicine

    • Herpes outbreaks can have triggers. These can include too much sun, a menstrual cycle, sleep deprivation or a suppressed immune system. If you feel the telltale tingling after experiencing one of these triggers, precautionary measures are advisable. The first and probably best-known over-the-counter treatment is Abreva. It is really the only over-the-counter nonprescription treatment for cold sores. It contains 10 percent docosanol, an infection fighter. Wash your face and remove all your makeup before application. Apply Abreva directly to the area at the first sign of tingling. Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply so that you do not spread the infection. You can use this up to five times per day for as long as 10 days. It is not recommended for children younger than 12. If the cold sores persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

    Tea

    • Another common home remedy for cold sores is the tea-bag compress. Tea contains tannic acid, which is an ingredient in some cold sore treatments. The tea bag can be used for up to 30 minutes. Put a tea bag in boiling water, then ring it out and apply directly to the affected area, whether it is a full-blown outbreak or just tingling. Some suggest Earl Grey tea because it contains bergamot oil, which may have some healing properties. You can also use red tea with yerba mate, an ancient healing herb. The tea will dry the sore and may lessen the severity of the outbreak.

    Lemon Balm Ointment

    • Another home remedy is a lemon balm and St. John's wort (in powdered form) ointment. This can be applied to the affected area before or during an outbreak. Some health food stores even sell this remedy as a topical ointment. The recipe for the home mix is easy. Combine ¼ tsp. each of the lemon balm and St. John's wort and ¾ cup of warm water. Use a cotton swab to treat the area and always wash your hands before and after applying.

    Relief

    • Another over-the-counter product that can help relieve the cracking and scabbing is cocoa butter. You can also try Carmex ointment. To prevent infection, treat the sores often with Neosporin. For temporary pain relief, try over-the-counter pain medications. If the sores persist for longer than two weeks or increase in severity, seek the advice of a dentist or physician.

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