Cold Sores

Cold sores are recurring lip and mouth blisters most often linked to HSV-1, and they can flare during stress, illness, or sun exposure. This category supports US shipping from Canada and groups options that people use for outbreaks, early tingling “prodrome” stages, and prevention plans discussed with a clinician. You can compare cold sore treatment types by brand, form, and strength, including oral antivirals, prescription topical antivirals, and non-prescription barrier or soothing products; selections and strengths can change as inventory updates.
What’s in This Category
This category focuses on products used for herpes labialis, also called fever blisters. Most options fall into two buckets: antivirals and supportive care. Antivirals are medicines that slow virus replication, which may shorten symptoms when started early. Supportive products focus on comfort, skin protection, and irritation control.
You will see prescription oral antivirals, which are often used for frequent outbreaks or early treatment. Examples include valacyclovir tablets and acyclovir tablets, which clinicians may dose differently for episodic versus suppressive use. You may also see topical antivirals for localized use, plus comfort-focused items that support daily routines around Oral Herpes care.
Topical options include antiviral creams and ointments that target lesions on the lip area. Many shoppers start by comparing a cold sore cream format versus ointment, since creams usually feel lighter while ointments can feel more occlusive. Some people also compare supplements for immune support, such as lysine supplements, alongside moisturizers or lip-care products. Product availability can vary by brand and pack size.

Form
Typical role
Common fit

Oral tablets
Systemic antiviral treatment
Frequent outbreaks or early-start plans

Topical prescription antivirals
Localized antiviral action
Single lesions when applied promptly

OTC protectants and soothing products
Comfort and barrier support
Dryness, cracking, and irritation management

Supplements
Adjunct routine support
People building a prevention-focused regimen

How to Choose cold sore treatment
Start by thinking about timing and outbreak pattern. Many antiviral options work best when you begin at the first tingling, burning, or itching. If outbreaks are frequent, a clinician may suggest a suppressive plan. If outbreaks are occasional, you may focus on an episodic plan and rapid access to medicine.
Next, match the format to the lesion location and your routine. Oral antivirals treat the infection system-wide and may be easier than frequent topical applications. Topical antivirals may suit people who prefer a localized approach, but they require consistent use for best results. If you want a quick overview of product types and practical expectations, review cold sore treatment options to compare approaches side by side.
Also check strength, dosing directions, and handling needs. Tablets usually store at room temperature, while creams should stay capped and clean. If you have kidney disease, take multiple medicines, or are pregnant, confirm safety with a licensed clinician. Be cautious with sharing balms, towels, or razors during an active lesion.

Waiting until the blister forms before starting an antiviral plan.
Using a topical product too infrequently to match label directions.
Confusing a canker sore with a lip blister and treating the wrong issue.

Popular Options
Some shoppers prefer oral antivirals for convenience and early-start dosing. A common option is valacyclovir tablets, which may be used for episodic treatment or suppression under clinician guidance. Another option is acyclovir tablets, which has a longer history of use and may require more frequent dosing depending on the regimen.
For topical prescription choices, some people compare antiviral creams based on texture and application schedule. penciclovir cream is a prescription topical antiviral that is applied at regular intervals during waking hours. Another prescription topical option is an acyclovir cream option, which some people prefer if they want a familiar antiviral active ingredient in topical form.
If you are comparing non-prescription products, Abreva cream is often discussed for early use on a new lesion. The active ingredient is docosanol, and it is typically positioned as a non-prescription option started at the first sign. If you want a specific docosanol product, compare package sizes and instructions for docosanol 10% cream.
Related Conditions & Uses
Cold sores are most often associated with HSV-1, and they sit within the broader family of herpes infections. If you want a clinical overview of where oral cold sores fit, explore Herpes Simplex for related terms and common patterns. Some people also manage overlapping concerns like cracked lips, dermatitis irritation, or recurrent mouth discomfort.
It helps to separate mouth ulcers from lip blisters before choosing products. The phrase canker sore vs cold sore comes up because canker sores occur inside the mouth and are not caused by HSV. For a clearer comparison of signs and typical care pathways, read Cold Sores vs Canker Sores and review the basics of Canker Sores. If lesions are severe, widespread, or do not heal, seek in-person evaluation.
People often ask are cold sores contagious when a blister is visible. Transmission risk is generally higher during active lesions, but HSV can sometimes shed without obvious symptoms. People also ask what triggers cold sores, and common themes include illness, UV exposure, stress, and hormonal shifts. A prevention plan often combines early recognition, trigger management, and clinician-approved antiviral use.
Authoritative Sources

Clinical overview and prevention guidance from the CDC herpes simplex fact sheet.
Reference labeling details for antivirals via FDA Drugs@FDA database for indications and safety information.
Dermatology-focused education on cold sores from the American Academy of Dermatology overview.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.