How fast does abreva heal cold sores

To reduce the duration of cold sores and relieve symptoms, the nonprescription antiviral cream docosanol Abreva may be worth a try. Abreva is most effective if used when you first notice tingling or other early symptoms that indicate a cold sore is forming.

However, the effect of the drug is limited, only reducing the duration of symptoms by a matter of hours. If a cold sore persists for longer than two weeks or keeps returning, see your primary care provider or a dermatologist for an evaluation. He or she may recommend treatment with an antiviral medication in pill form. Oral antivirals may take one to two days off of the duration of an outbreak. Back to Dealing with Cold Sores articles. You could spread it to another area or to somebody else.

So be sure to wash your hands as soon as possible. Placing a cool, wet towel on the cold sore 3 times a day for 10 minutes at a time can help reduce pain, redness, and swelling. Tomatoes and citrus fruits like oranges contain acid, that can irritate the skin and make your pain much worse. GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links below. Cold Sores. Cleveland Clinic. Cold sore: diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic. Cold Sore Outbreak? Pharmacy Times. By clicking the link s above, you will be taken to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links above. You are now leaving the Abreva. GSK assumes no responsibility for the site.

Search Search. Uses: Temporarily relieves symptoms of cold sores and fever blisters. Lip balms primarily work by working the skin and providing a moist environment for healing.

They contain an all-natural blend of lysine, vitamin C, zinc, olive leaf extract, and more ingredients. When used at the first sign of an outbreak, they may minimize symptoms. It is a dietary supplement so speak with your doctor before adding it to your regimen. Uses: Boosts immune system to help prevent cold sore outbreaks. But, if your goal is avoiding the mess and discomfort consider the Compeed Cold Sore Patch view at Amazon. These protective covers offer relief and keep the contagious virus from spreading as it heals.

Cold sore medications, both prescription and OTC, rely on a variety of different active ingredients to offer relief and healing, per Dr.

There are drying agents Domeboro solution, calamine lotion, zinc oxide, witch hazel , which when dabbed on the sore help dry up the blister and its fluid. Topical steroids or anti-inflammatory cream hydrocortisone can be applied a few times a day to reduce the pain, itch, redness, and inflammation. They provide comfort and can be used with anti-virals. Prescription topical anti-viral creams can reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore. The most effective are penciclovir and acyclovir and should be started ASAP at the first signs of a prodrome, per Dr.

Another option is topical anesthetics, like prescription lidocaine or OTC benzocaine, which are available as mouthwashes, creams, and ointments. They can be applied to the sore up to three times a day as needed for local pain relief. Shainhouse recommends applying them before eating, especially if the sore is making it too painful to eat. Cold sore relief comes in many different forms. There are oral medications and topical options as well as devices and patches that block the virus causing the cold sores and treat symptoms.

Topical over-the-counter cream Abreva has not shown significant efficacy in medical studies, per Dr. Topical barrier gels and ointments help lessen discomfort while the sore heals. Topical hydropropyl cellulose adheres to the lesion to keep out irritants Zilactin and Ziladent are both over the counter , per Dr.

Certain medications, such as Abreva, may also help cold sores heal faster if used as soon as you feel a cold sore developing. Abreva works by helping to prevent the herpes virus from spreading to healthy skin cells. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but common triggers include stress and trauma to soft tissues in the oral cavity—for example if you bite the inside of your cheek.

Most medications aimed at treating cold sores are antivirals in order to stop the herpes virus from replicating. In addition, says Chris Airey , M.

One notable exception is Zilactin, which is safe for inside your mouth. But in general, topical OTC creams should cause you to show improvement somewhere between 72 hours to four days later. Sometimes, though, it can take a week or more. But in general, your OTC medication should speed up recovery by two to three days.

That said, according to Airey, "sometimes if medication is taken at the first signs of a cold sore, you can prevent a breakout entirely. As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions.

Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Additional reporting to this story by Simone Scully. Simone Scully is a New York-based writer and editor with years of experience writing about health, wellness, science, and lifestyle. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.