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Cold Sore Treatment Comparison - July 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.9Exceptional
2
9.8Exceptional
3
Best Value
9.6Exceptional
4
9.5Excellent
5
9.4Excellent
6
9.3Excellent
7
9.1Excellent
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Model

Abreva 10 Percent Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment, Treats Your Fever Blister in 2.5 Days - 0.07 oz Tube x 2
Model
Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Cold Sore Treatment Soothe & Moisturize Mouth Sores - L-Lysine Menthol Calendula & Propolis Ointment - Transparent Fever Blister Healing Balm - 0.25 Oz
Model
Campho Phenique Cold Sore and Fever Blister Treatment for Lips, Maximum Strength Provides Instant Relief, Helps Prevent Infection To Promote Healing, Original Gel Formula, 0.23 Oz
Model
Orajel Touch Free Cold Sore Treatment .12oz, Liquid Formula, Provides Immediate & Targeted Pain Relief, Bonus Size, 6 Applicators.
Model
Mederma Fever Blister Discreet Healing Patch - A Patch That Protects and Conceals Cold Sores - 15 Count
Model
TARO Cold Sore/Fever Blister Treatment - Docosanol 10% Cream (0.07 oz - 2 Tube)
Model
Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Rapid Pain Relief Cream - 1 Tube, 3 Grams

Brand

Abreva
Brand
Quantum
Brand
Campho-Phenique
Brand
Orajel
Brand
Mederma
Brand
TARO
Brand
Abreva

Reviews

79,576 reviews
Reviews
12,492 reviews
Reviews
56,100 reviews
Reviews
8,504 reviews
Reviews
36,488 reviews
Reviews
272 reviews
Reviews
2,208 reviews

Features

Worth the money

9.1
Worth the money
9.4
Worth the money
9.4
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
8.4
Worth the money
7.6
Worth the money
7.4

Flavor

8.9
Flavor
8.9
Flavor
7.9
Flavor
9.1
Flavor
8.6
Flavor
7.2
Flavor
7.0

Tech Specs

product dimensions

1.71 x 5.1 x 5.5 inches 1.76 ounces
product dimensions
1 x 3.5 x 4.9 inches 0.16 ounces
product dimensions
0.75 x 3.31 x 4.09 inches 0.23 ounces
product dimensions
4.75 x 3.75 x 1 inches 0.86 ounces
product dimensions
6.1 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches 0.63 ounces
product dimensions
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product dimensions
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Review

Review Review Review Review Review
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Review
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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.9
    1
    Abreva
    29% Off

    Abreva 10 Percent Docosanol Cold Sore Treatment, Treats Your Fever Blister in 2.5 Days - 0.07 oz Tube x 2

    9.1 worth the money
    8.9 Flavor

    Why we love it

    Heals cold sores quickly.
    Convenient for on-the-go use.
    Highly recommended by users.
  • 9.8
    2
    Quantum
    34% Off

    Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Cold Sore Treatment Soothe & Moisturize Mouth Sores - L-Lysine Menthol Calendula & Propolis Ointment - Transparent Fever Blister Healing Balm - 0.25 Oz

    9.4 worth the money
    8.9 Flavor

    Why we love it

    Halves cold sore healing time.
    Rapid relief from pain and itching.
    Invisible balm for discreet use.
  • 9.6
    3
    Campho-Phenique
    52% Off

    Campho Phenique Cold Sore and Fever Blister Treatment for Lips, Maximum Strength Provides Instant Relief, Helps Prevent Infection To Promote Healing, Original Gel Formula, 0.23 Oz

    9.4 worth the money
    7.9 Flavor

    Why we love it

    Instantly relieves pain and itch.
    Promotes fast healing of cold sores.
    Versatile for various skin irritations.

Cold Sore Treatment Buyer's Guide

Written by Libby Johnson

Intro

When it comes to cold sore treatment, there are a variety of options available to help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further outbreaks. While some treatments are designed to be applied directly to the sore, others are taken orally or applied in a cream or ointment form. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, some treatments may need to be used in conjunction with one another. It is important to understand the different types of treatments available, as well as their individual benefits and drawbacks, in order to choose the best option for your particular needs. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of cold sore treatments and provide a comparison of their features.

Oral Antiviral Medications

Oral antiviral medications are a popular form of cold sore treatment and are available both over the counter and on prescription. These medications work by preventing the virus from replicating and can significantly reduce the length of an outbreak as well as the severity of symptoms. Commonly prescribed antiviral medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, although there are other options available. These medications tend to be more effective when taken at the earliest signs of an outbreak, so it is important to act quickly if you suspect that you may be developing a cold sore.

Topical Creams and Ointments

Topical creams and ointments can be applied directly to the affected area as soon as the cold sore begins to develop. These treatments are designed to speed up the healing process and can reduce the severity of the symptoms. Commonly used topical creams and ointments include docosanol, penciclovir, and acyclovir. These treatments should be applied several times a day for the best results and can be purchased over the counter or on prescription.

Home Remedies

In addition to the treatments mentioned above, there are also several home remedies that may be effective in treating cold sores. One of the most popular home remedies is the application of a cold compress or ice pack directly to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and can speed up the healing process. Another popular home remedy is the application of a mixture of equal parts of honey and cinnamon directly to the sore. This mixture has been known to reduce redness and swelling, as well as helping to speed up the healing process.

Prevention

In addition to treating an outbreak, it is also important to take steps to prevent future outbreaks. One of the best ways to prevent cold sores is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often and avoiding sharing personal items, such as lip balms or lipsticks. It is also important to avoid coming into contact with people who have active cold sores, as this can increase the risk of spreading the virus. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun can also help to prevent outbreaks, as sunburn can trigger a cold sore.

Conclusion

Cold sore treatment is an important part of managing the virus and preventing further outbreaks. The different types of treatments available vary in terms of their effectiveness and the types of symptoms they are designed to treat. Oral antiviral medications, topical creams and ointments, home remedies, and prevention techniques can all be used to treat and prevent cold sores. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each treatment in order to choose the best option for your particular needs.

Our ranking system

At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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