Numerous products -- ranging from brand name lip balms to homeopathic remedies -- are available over the counter at varying prices. While most are effective in relieving the more bothersome symptoms associated with cold sores, they cannot shorten healing time. This is important to keep in mind when counseling patients who may be misled by Internet searches or promotional materials, where claims are based on poorly constructed studies and weak data. As well, some products should not be recommended because of their potential for causing skin damage.
As cold sores heal, passing through the crusting stage, they dry out and cause skin cracking or dry lips. This may lead to pain, inflammation and possibly infection. Moisture barriers, such as cocoa butter, petrolatum, allantoin and glycerin, may help to prevent this painful chapping and cracking, and help reduce overall dryness.
These products, such as topical benzocaine, lidocaine, and dibucaine, can temporarily relieve the tingling, burning, itching and pain associated with all stages in the life of a cold sore. Oral analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) can also be used to relieve pain.
These ingredients, which are available in a variety of products, help localize pruritis and relieve itching. However, products with a high content of menthol and camphor may produce irritation.
Because cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by sunlight, sunscreen protection may act as a preventive. For best results, cold sore sufferers should use sunblock rather than sunscreen.
Any product that is too drying is generally bad for cold sores because it can lead to irritation, cracking and bleeding. These include:
As well, products containing corticosteroids are not recommended.
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