Herpes Simplex Virus Over the Counter Treatments

The only treatments that specifically target the cause of oral herpes (cold sores) are antiviral drugs, which are not available over the counter (OTC). However, several OTC treatments may improve symptoms and relieve discomfort. Note that OTC treatments are not recommended in the management of genital herpes, as they may actually delay healing of the blisters.

Topical Treatments

• According to the Mayo Clinic, OTC topical lidocaine can be used in the management of cold sores. Topical lidocaine is used to reduce the pain associated with the flare-up of the cold-sore virus in the affected nerve. Benzyl alcohol, found in medications like Zilactin, is used to treat pain and can be used during prodrome, the initial painful or burning feeling which occurs before an outbreak.

Benzyl Alcohol

• The Mayo Clinic reports that benzyl alcohol, found in medications like Zilactin, is also used to treat cold sores. According to its manufacturer, Zilactin is used to treat pain and can also be used during prodrome.

Pain Relief

• Common OTC pain relievers may be useful to manage the pain associated with cold sores. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that aspirin should not be given to children experiencing cold sores because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, which can impact several organ systems.

Approved Treatments

• According to its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, the OTC medication Abreva has been approved by the FDA as the only OTC treatment that can reduce the length of an oral-herpes outbreak. Abreva uses docosanol as its active ingredient, which, according to the manufacturer, prevents healthy cells from becoming infected with the cold-sore virus.

Prevention/Solution

• A number of steps can be taken to reduce your chances of developing an outbreak and to decrease the severity of a current outbreak. The Mayo Clinic recommends the use of sunblock on the face and avoiding cold-sore triggers like lack of sleep and stress. Ice and warm compresses can be used to treat cold sore pain. Do not pick at or pop cold sores; they should be left to heal on their own.