OTC Cold Sore Remedies: Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast

Cold sores always show up at the worst times. That tingly, burning feeling on your lip? You know exactly what's coming next. If you want fast relief and a way to cut healing time, the right over-the-counter (OTC) cold sore remedy can be a game changer.

Most cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). They usually pop up around your lips, but sometimes on your nose or even your chin. Typical triggers include stress, sunburn, or getting sick—stuff that happens to everyone. While the virus stays in your body, OTC products can speed up healing and stop the pain and itching.

Your pharmacy has a big selection. The gold standard for OTC cold sore creams is docosanol, sold under the brand Abreva. It gets a lot of love because, if you put it on right when you feel that first tingle, it can knock a day or two off your outbreak. Just keep in mind, you want to use it at the earliest sign for it to actually work.

If you missed the early stage, numbing creams with benzocaine or lidocaine are your next best bet. These help with burning and pain, so you can sip coffee or eat without wincing. They don’t speed up healing, but they do take the edge off daily annoyances.

Want to try something natural? Look for lip balms with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or lysine. Some people swear these can help keep outbreaks from getting worse. Just don’t expect miracles—results vary a lot from person to person. Same goes for tea tree oil: it works for some, but it can sting and irritate sensitive skin, so go easy if you give it a try.

Don’t forget the basics. If your lips are cracked, use a plain petroleum jelly to keep things moist. This does not kill the virus, but it shields the sore from air and food, which makes you more comfortable and helps prevent the scab from cracking.

Avoid picking or touching your sore—seriously, this spreads the virus and can leave scars. Wash your hands if you do have to touch your lip, even for medicine. And ditch your old toothbrush after an outbreak. It might sound like overkill, but you don’t want to risk putting the virus back on your lips once the sore heals.

If your cold sores last more than two weeks, keep coming back, or get worse (like spreading onto your cheek or nose), that’s when you talk to a doctor. Prescription antivirals may be the answer if regular OTC stuff isn’t cutting it.

Bottom line: OTC cold sore remedies can give quick comfort and speed up healing if you spot the signs early. The trick is acting fast, keeping things clean, and using what actually works for you. Everyone’s different, so it might take a little trial and error—but relief is out there.