Cold sore cream
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- Abreva docosanol 10% cream. Best for: Treating a cold sore from the first tingle. See options on Amazon
- Abreva Rapid Pain Relief gel. Best for: Numbing pain and itching. See options on Amazon
- Lip balm with SPF. Best for: Protecting lips from sun and wind. See options on Amazon
Docosanol cream vs lidocaine gel
| Detail | Abreva cream | Abreva Rapid Pain Relief gel |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Docosanol 10% | Lidocaine HCl 4% and glycerin 20% |
| Purpose | Cold sore and fever blister treatment | Pain and itch relief; softens sores and crusts |
| How often (12 and over) | 5 times a day until the sore clears | Not more than 3 to 4 times daily |
| When to see a doctor | Sore worse or not cleared within 10 days | Symptoms last more than 7 days or keep returning |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. For children under 12, ask a doctor.
Start at the first tingle
The Abreva cream label says to apply it to the affected area on the face or lips at the first sign of a cold sore or fever blister, the tingle, and that early treatment ensures the best results. Rub it in gently but completely, and use it 5 times a day until the sore clears.
Keeping a tube where you can reach it quickly, such as in a bag or at work, makes it easier to start at that first sign rather than after a blister has formed.
How to apply
- Wash your hands before and after applying, as both labels direct.
- Affected area only. Apply only to the sore on the face or lips; avoid applying directly inside your mouth.
- Keep it away from your eyes.
- Do not share the product with anyone, since this may spread infection.
- Lidocaine gel: do not use in large quantities, particularly over raw surfaces or blistered areas.
Allergy and other warnings
The Abreva cream label carries an allergy alert: the product may cause a severe allergic reaction, with symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, shock or rash. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, which include benzyl alcohol, light mineral oil, propylene glycol, purified water, sucrose distearate and sucrose stearate.
Both products are for external use only. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
When to see a doctor
Stop using Abreva cream and ask a doctor if the cold sore gets worse or has not cleared within 10 days. For the lidocaine gel, stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, or symptoms last more than 7 days or clear up and return within a few days.
Also see a doctor for sores near the eyes, very frequent outbreaks, sores that spread, fever, or if you have a weakened immune system. For babies and young children with mouth sores, ask a pediatrician before using any product.
Other ways to care for cold sores
- Protect your lips from sun and wind; see our lip balm with SPF guide.
- Avoid touching or picking the sore, and wash hands if you do.
- Do not share cups, utensils, lip balm or towels during an outbreak.
- Supplements: some people try lysine; see our lysine guide for what the evidence says.
Store Abreva cream at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) and do not freeze it. Keep the insert, which the label says has full product uses, directions and warnings.
What to look for when you buy
Abreva docosanol 10% cream
Best for: Treating a cold sore from the first tingle
Its label lists docosanol 10% to treat cold sores and shorten how long symptoms last.
Watch out: Apply 5 times a day; see a doctor if not cleared in 10 days.
See options on AmazonAbreva Rapid Pain Relief gel
Best for: Numbing pain and itching
Its label lists lidocaine HCl 4% and glycerin 20% for pain, itching and softening crusts.
Watch out: Not more than 3 to 4 times daily; not over raw or blistered areas in large amounts.
See options on AmazonLip balm with SPF
Best for: Protecting lips from sun and wind
Lip care between outbreaks helps keep lips protected; use a separate balm during an outbreak.
Watch out: Do not share lip products.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- When should I start Abreva?
- At the first sign of a cold sore, the tingle; the label says early treatment ensures the best results.
- How often do I apply cold sore cream?
- Abreva docosanol cream: 5 times a day until the sore clears, per the label.
- Does Abreva numb the pain?
- The original cream treats the sore; Abreva Rapid Pain Relief adds lidocaine 4% for numbing.
- When should I see a doctor for a cold sore?
- If it gets worse or has not cleared within 10 days, or is near the eyes.
- Can kids use Abreva?
- The labels say ask a doctor for children under 12.
- Can I put makeup or lip balm over Abreva?
- Ask a pharmacist; the label says apply only to affected areas and do not share the product, so use your own separate products.
Sources
- Abreva (docosanol 10%) cream label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Abreva Rapid Pain Relief (lidocaine and glycerin) gel label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine