Cold Sores Home Remedies from Canada

Cold sore tips and remedies from the wintry North.

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Cold Sores Home Remedies – What I’ve Tried and What’s Worked

Cold Sores & Home Remedies for Them – Do They Work? How Do They Compare to OTC and Prescription Medication?

cold sores home remediesA cold sore is a symptom of your infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus (sometimes simply known as “HSV”).  This is normally a relatively benign disease that typically only manifests itself through the occasional skin irritation known as a cold sore–in other words, it’s basically harmless, irritating maybe, but harmless.  It’s nothing to lose sleep over (unless you’re up with an itching cold sore!), but it can cause problems especially as far as


 your social and dating life goes, so I’m going to cover a bunch of various remedies and methods that myself and my friends have come up with over the years through sheer trial-and-error of testing out various methods gathered from internet forums, relatives, and

friends (sometimes grandma knows what she’s talking about!).

Cold Sore First Aid

When you first start to feel that tingling sensation that by now you’ve come to learn indicates an oncoming cold sore:

  • DO NOT SCRATCH.  Most of you know this, but it’s vital so I thought I’d say that first.  It will cause it to spread around your mouth and will only make things worse, so don’t do it no matter how much it itches.
  • Keep your cold sore dry and clean–use a wash cloth and hot soapy water (and don’t forget to throw that infectious wash cloth straight into the washing machine afterwards, don’t let anyone else touch it!)
  • Apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the cold sore, it forms a barrier around it and will help to prevent it from spreading.
  • Wash your hands every time after you touch the cold sore–YES, you can spread herpes to other parts of your body (such as your nose and eyes–Herpes simplex infection of the eye causes scarring of the cornea and is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Source: The Mayo Clinic).

Home Remedies for Cold Sores that Work

  • Benzyl Alcohol (aka “Zilactin”): Soak a Q-Tip in some Benzyl Alcohol and apply it to the cold sore twice a day, I’ve found that if you do this early enough it can sometimes (not guaranteed) stop a cold sore dead in it’s tracks. This is one of the very few home remedies endorsed by the Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic – Home Remedies for Cold Sores.
  • Lysine: I’ve heard this before, and I do believe that it DOES help, but it’s not the end-all be-all cure that some have made it out to be, but it wouldn’t hurt to buy some lysine tablets and take them as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on (I’ve even heard of people recommending that you start taking lysine if you know that you’re in an environment

    		 conducive to you getting a cold sore, i.e. high stress and/or cold dry weather, etc.), I’ve found that lysine does shorten the duration of a cold sore by a few days and

    can, in my opinion, help to prevent them if you’re taking it before you get one. Recommended dosage is 1000mg 3 times per day when you have an active outbreak or feel one coming on, and if you wish to take it as a preventative measure then 500mg once a day is typically the recommended dosage. For more information on lysine and cold sores, see: Lysine: Cold Sores Treatment? Dosage and How-To…

  • Lysine Ointment: A pilot study by the Southern California University looked at the effectiveness of a lysine-containing ointment in 30 people. Researchers found that the ointment produced full resolution in 40% of participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. No adverse effects were reported. Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/ColdSores.htm
  • Witch Hazel: Dab on a Q-Tip and apply several times a day, does noticably shorten the duration of the cold sore, probably about the same as the Benzyl Alcohol.
  • Probiotic Yogurt: Applying it topically several times a day has been noted to be very effective by several people and my friend Debbie swears by it: she ices her cold sore several times a day, uses a sterilized needle to drain any fluid (you have to get ALL of it out), and then applies the yogurt with a q-tip, and then tops it off with a dab of Clearasil or nail polish remover to keep it dry (this is very effective in my experience, I highy recommend the nail polish remover).
  • Nail Polish Remover or Clearasil: These do an excellent job of keeping the cold sore completely dry after you’ve drained it of fluid (use a needle sterilized with alcohol), use a q-tip to apply.
  • Vitamin B-12: Medical research in England found that many people with cold sores were low in B12, and that by adding 250 mcg. of B12 the condition improved rapidly. This research also suggested taking B complex supplements with emphasis on the B12 and folic acid.
  • Lemon Balm: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral properties. In a research study conducted in hospitals and dermatology clinics in Germany, lemon balm cream promoted the healing of blisters in five days compared to 10 days in the control group. Used on regularly, lemon balm cream may decrease the frequency of recurrences. Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/ColdSores.htm
  • Tea Bag Treatment: Tea contains tannic acid and it has been suggested that tannic acid possesses antiviral properties (some over-the-counter medications for cold sores contain tannic acid). Placing a

    		 tea bag on a cold sore when it first begins to form (especially during the Tingle stage) can possibly help to minimize the extent to which the lesion will develop. One should

    position the moistened tea bag (regular black tea like that used to brew ice tea, some have suggested that Earl Grey works best) on the area where the cold sore is forming for a few minutes every hour. Source: http://www.animated-teeth.com/cold_sores/t4_cold_sores_treatments.htm

  • Tea Tree Oil: There is some limited research that has shown that tea tree oil may have topical anti-viral activity, especially with the Herpes virus.

Something My Friend Concocted…

My best experience with home remedies is with something concocted by Grace, a close friend of mine, and I must say that this cold sore treatment has worked every single time for me (often inside of 24 hours), and even more impressive is I’ve seen it work on about 25 other people she’s tried it on, with very good consistency. She was so enthusiastic about her discovery that she has decided to turn it into an e-book, so I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I didn’t try to help her out a bit on my blog. One of the first women that we “experimented” on (she’s our close friend and was glad to give it a go), was Gretchen, who occasionally crosses the border from Wisconsin to come visit us, look at what she said:

“Grace,

I wanted to get a note to you to thank you for the information in your ebook. I must admit I was very skeptical when I read your instructions, but you were right on the money. My double bout with cold sores was gone after only 6 days. The best part of this entire program has been that to this point (3 months later), the cold sores have not returned. I can hardly believe it – thanks so much!”

Gretchen Rhodes, 47
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Please go have a look at my friend Grace’s solution for the matter here: Cold Sore Freedom: Cold Sores Cured in 3 Days–I’ve personally tried this and it is currently my favorite method of handling my cold sores, and it’s not because it’s necessarily the fastest (I’ve found that if I drain, wash, and apply nail polish remover to a cold sore several times a day while keeping an ice cube on it the WHOLE day, about 50% of the time it’ll be gone in about 2 days, but it’s unreliable at best and you can’t do ANYTHING else that day but attend to your cold sore).  It’s because it works EVERY TIME, often within the first 24 hours–3 days is more like the unlikely maximum, you’re much more likely to see it gone within 24 hours or so–and it only requires a few minutes of your time every day, so I highly recommend you give it a chance and if it doesn’t work then just get your money back, no harm no foul we’re all still friends, ok?

51 Comments

51 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Brandon // Jul 13, 2009 at 6:20 am

    I’ve found that Lysine helps if you take 3,000mg at the first sign of a cold sore… it will actually retard the virus and up to 80% of the time stop the actual sore from forming on the lip…

    If the sore has formed if you still take 3,000mg asap it will help shorten the duration of the episode by a couple of days… I continue to take 1,000mg 3 times a day for the duration of the episode…

    keep ice on it as much as possible for the first 24 hours… I also use carmex for the soothing sensation that keeps me from bothering with it…

  • 2 jezebel // Jul 22, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    wow ive had cold sores since i was about 8 years old and i will definatley try some of the home remidies shown here…….. the nail polish remidie really makes sence.

  • 3 Angela // Jul 22, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Iv found that if i put ice on a cold sore when i first start to feel that dreaded tinle, it can stop the cold sore completley or reduce the severity.

  • 4 kimberley // Jul 27, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    Hi read your info,going to try the tea idea.Didn’t have any tingling warning.First summertime cold sore ever!! Under a lot of Stress!!!let You know if this works for tonight.Tomorrow going to buy Zilactin it doesn’t scab over and disappears faster.Thx for the tips. Kim

  • 5 Eric // Aug 7, 2009 at 2:11 am

    I, too, have my first summertime cold sore. I’ve had it for about a week, but the first 3 days i felt it coming on. My wife recommended CARMEX® , and i can say, i don’t think it helped. I keep it clean, but i also work in the printing industry. One of the chemicals i use i an acetone based solvent. So, i think i’ll try the nail polsih remover remedy. (Because that is also acetone). This thing has been driving me NUTS. Yes, size of rhode island, and ooooo everyone is looking at it, yadda yadda. I came here for help and i believe i fould it. :) E

  • 6 Meg // Aug 19, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Ugghhh…another cold sore due to stress. My dentist prescribed me acyclovir about year ago and it definitely helps. You take 5 pills immediately upon feeling the tingling and then 5 pills a day for 2 weeks, but usually it is gone with in a few days so then I stop taking it. I try to dry out my cold sores wiith salsylic acid and fresh lemon juice. It really helps :) Best of luck!

  • 7 jordan // Aug 28, 2009 at 3:25 am

    CARMEX does not work, do not put that on your lip it carries the virus in the can of carmex and the next time u use It it will get another cold sore

  • 8 Tristen // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    I have had cold sores sinces i was 6 and i took Lysine every time i had one….. it does work But be careful by body got so use to it that it doesnt work on me any more….. and no i have YET another one….. Any GOOD adivise that you know will work??? its HUGE and ugle VERY embassing!

  • 9 katherine // Oct 28, 2009 at 10:03 am

    Thank you so much for this website, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I got a cold sore the other day for the first time in years, and it’s so big and ugly that I am embarassed to even walk out of my house. I put Abreva on it right when I first felt the tingling, but that didn’t make a difference at all. I woke up the next morning, and there it was, as big as Mount Everest on the side of my mouth. I am going to try some of the things listed here (vaseline, nail polish remover & witch hazel). I am so glad I found this website.

  • 10 Ray // Oct 31, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    This may sound nasty but it really helps clear it up in 2-3 days but use the wax from your ears. It dries it up really fast.

  • 11 Adriana // Nov 7, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    Ray, that is repulsive.

  • 12 Tyler Keown // Nov 9, 2009 at 4:51 pm

    wow. erm. earwax? ew. LOL. but, some of theses remedies sound helpful. ima try a bunch of them. i hate these things, they are awful and ugly, (and im a junior in highschool, so all the herpes jokes spring up from the ignorant people who dont know the difference between the types. ) so, i hope some of these get rida this bad boy in a jiffy. My lips are one of my best features! =[

  • 13 Andrew C // Nov 11, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    Im using some sort prescription cream on my cold sore. My mom uses it and it stops hers from starting beyond tingling. No good for me, really!!!!!! I dont get a tingle EVER these last few years. Be fun to see the healing time, yah real fun…. I just notice once there is the initial bump and a bit red which means the virus has already penetrated the cells and is on its way out. I take immuno surrpressants so I seem to get them a lot. I have tryed a lot of this stuff over the years, I have honestly never experienced anything better than a week healing time. My blisters are breaking this evening so I am thinking this cream might be helping a bit and am hoping this sucker is gone by By this time next week. Good luck with the ear wax idea.

  • 14 Ebony // Dec 7, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Ive got them every since i was a little girl and they are very painful. Im in college and i dnt have a lot of cash and i want it 2 go away as soon as possible i wanna try the alchohol but im scared it will burn. I heard of using a little listerine that does dry it out and doesnt burn as much. These things suck…makes me feel ugly!

  • 15 Greg // Dec 9, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    I get a sore every 6 months or so. Try taking motrin which reduces the inflammation. I also use RELEEV which you can buy at any drug store. If you get it early, it usually stops it from coming out. I am getting one now, and I am gonna try the ice cube and alcohol trick.

  • 16 kristen // Dec 18, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    The ear wax does work. Use peroxide& tea bags.

  • 17 Patrick // Dec 21, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    seems like i get one around winter every year… god i hate them!.. has anyone tried the cold sore freedom in 3 days? seems like scam but you dont know how happy it would make me if it wasnt..

    ice generally greatly reduces the swelling and pain for me. going to try everything you got tho
    Thanks

  • 18 Lisa // Dec 29, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    All I can say is THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, I tried the nail polish romover and ice remedy. I was kinda skeptical at first but trust this woman people it works. I have tried alot of things to get rid of cold sores and nothing worked, this works. Thanks soooo much again.

  • 19 Kate // Jan 8, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    Hey, I’m going to try the tea bags. I get a cold sore every winter because that’s when I get stressed out the most for some reason. It is just so embarassing to have them. I don’t want to do anything. Then when I go to work, people are just rude and ignorant saying how I have herpes. So I hope the tea bags work. :)

  • 20 The Smooth One // Jan 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I found that once a cold sore has appeared, if you pop it, apply peroxide, wait till it whitens then clean off with alcohol and finally add abreva cream to the open sore….. This really speeds up the healing process. I like all the ideas everyone talks about on here and I find that alot of people recommend lysine to prevent cold sores, so I think I’ll check that out! Lots of love people!

  • 21 3StepColdSoreRemedy.com // Jan 16, 2010 at 8:19 pm

    Sounds like a very interesting method for cold sore relief. I have a few of my own.

    Will try some of these methods as well.

    Thanks.

  • 22 3StepColdSoreRemedy.com // Jan 16, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    @Kate,

    Yep the tea bags work great. One of my favorite methods of prevention.

  • 23 Jane // Feb 9, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    I was recommended RMA Soothing Ointment last year to get rid of cold sores, and I completely recommend it too! It comes in a little pot, kind of like Carmex, but it kills the coldsore SO FAST! I put it on constantly throughout the day, in addition to draining and icing, and it just absorbs right into your lip, not like Abreva which leaves waxy residue on your lip. It seems to stop the cold sore from getting really big, and heals within days!

    I’m glad to have these other remedies to try in addition, but if you haven’t tried the RMA Ointment yet, I really recommend it!

  • 24 hannah // Feb 17, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    I have had cold sores scence i was in 1st grade now im in 5th and i will defantly try these! thanxs :)

  • 25 DEEZEE // Mar 21, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    No earwax. No nail polish remover. Use tooth paste. Trust me.

  • 26 Corina./: // Apr 11, 2010 at 12:17 am

    Litterly i have tried everything on this list and everything online.
    Its sad.
    but really use some Campho-Phenique and it will be gone!
    not soon but give it a day of to.
    try not to get some in your mouth cause its so nastyy!!
    I’m 13, I’ve had cold sores since i was 6 or 7.
    and I saw the ear wax thing above ^^.
    I haven’t try’d that and I’m not planning on it!
    but you can and tell me about it(:
    Thanks anyways.
    -Corina(:

  • 27 Brittney // Apr 18, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    I have cold sores that have turned yellow and my lip looks infected. Can somebody tell me what to do because I use abreva but there not getting any better. Do I peel off that yellow layer? Then add abreva?

  • 28 Ercaa // Apr 18, 2010 at 8:22 pm

    campho phenique hasn’t done anything for me, and I’ve been using it all week.

  • 29 Hayley // Apr 21, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    I just got my first cold sore ever! And I must say it is discusting! I am going to try these remedies and I pray to god that they work.
    *-HayleyRenea-*

  • 30 Kate G // Apr 27, 2010 at 12:35 am

    I got the tingly feeling of a cold sore coming on today, threw some nail polish remover on it and I’m hoping this stupid thing is GONE tomorrow!

    Please let me know what works best for all who have tried these tips!

    Thanks!

  • 31 Rachelle // May 18, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    I have one right now too. I also have been getting them since I was a child. Tried almost everything. The nail polish and toothpaste burn like crazy. I get them seldom now due to the preventive measure of staying hydrated. Drinking lots of water and constantly keeping my lips hydrated. Chapstick with spf 15. Unfortunately I caught a cold and this is what must have brought it on. Or the fact that I used a facial hair remover for my upper lip and it totally dried my skin out. So it could have been that too. I have been smothering it with Carmex chapstick and trying to not touch it at all. I don’t want to irritate it. I use a qtip to scoop out some carmex and apply it with that, not reusing the qtip. It arrived yesterday and seems to be the same small size. So far so good, but not gone yet. Another remedy I am going to try is a mixture of raw honey (with the propolis and all) and cinnamon. I will let you know how it works. I am all about remedies that don’t sting or hurt. I do believe in keeping it moist to prevent scabbing.

  • 32 kylie // May 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    will nail polish remover ACTUALLY work ? it just sounds like it’ll sting and spread the soar. My cold soar at the moment is still closed, and has been here for 2 days now. I dont know if its a sun blister or what, because i was recently outside in the scortching sun for the whole day, 12 hours.

  • 33 Sabs // Jun 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm

    Hello i just got a cold sore today and i was reading some of these coments and i tryed the nail polish remover i hope it works :)

  • 34 Sore // Jun 16, 2010 at 9:05 am

    My daughter has a massive cold sore that has been swelling her lip up to the size of a ping pong ball, we were looking for additional treatments when we found your site.
    I have read a lot of the same information on other websites, but the fingernail polish was new.
    I was really glad that you took the time to post all of the information that you did, then I guess I was surprised that you are also peddling an e-book on cold sores at the same time.
    Thank you for the information that you did share, good luck with the e-book sales.

    ~ Surprised

  • 35 Sadie // Jun 20, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    I have never heard of some of these tips.Is there any other tips that you guys know of without involving a needle, that works pretty good and gets rid of the cold sore over night?I would really appreciate it! Thanks

  • 36 Dan F. // Jul 2, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    I have had cold sores since I was a young boy and now I’m 63 and am still getting them. In fact, I’m dealing with one right now, with the little blisters and swelling. I saw that a vaccine is in the making and I’ll be first to get one. But now, think I’ll try the alcohol and ice(sounds like a drink). Good luck all!!!!

  • 37 Olay // Jul 6, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    This thing is really nasty. I know that earwax works for boil, I have not tried it for this thing that I have now, but unfortunately my ears are cleanout. I will try alcohol. Good luck to all.

  • 38 StratCat // Jul 10, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    I never used to eat yogurt until I read about it being good for cold sores, so I started… and in my experience, it makes a big difference. Adding yogurt to my daily diet and taking acidophilus capsules if I feel something funny happening have kept me cold sore free for almost 2 years. (I still hate yogurt though, but whatever works!…)

  • 39 StratCat // Jul 10, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    I never used to eat yogurt until I read about it being good for cold sores, so I started… and in my experience, it makes a big difference. Adding yogurt to my daily diet and taking acidophilus capsules if I feel something funny happening have kept cold sores away or made them small and short-lived for over 2 years.

  • 40 matt // Jul 12, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    brittney no do not peal of the yellow just keep on applying abreva trust me, mine is yellow and am putting abreva , i have used it before and it does work…just dont peel of the yellow or it can lead to an infection

  • 41 angela // Jul 18, 2010 at 11:51 am

    last night about 6pm i started noticing the familiar tingle and bump on my lip of a cold sore. these things have essentially terrorized me since i was eight yrs old. i think i got it from using the same washcloth as other members of my family, because both my mom and dad get them, too. they both retired and are more stress-free, so they rarely have issues with it anymore. anyways, this is the fifth outbreak within this month (i get them by my eye sometimes, too) becuz it has been a particularly stressful month. i needed some advice and found this site! i iced it for two whole ice cubes immediately (i’ve tried this in the past with some success, but not a complete clear up), applied a dab of nail polish remover and later a dab of toothpaste. i bought some Lysine and took 1000 mgs, zinc lozenges and vitamin A gel pills. the cold sore started to blister per usual, but the ice and pressure (this might be part of the key components) i applied made it feel a whole lot better. i woke up this morning and it was BARELY THERE. i took another zinc lozenge and will take another 1000 mgs of Lysine and vitamin A, apply more toothpaste and maybe later a little more nail polish. possibly repeat for a third day, if necessary. i have never tried any of these things, but it really did work for me and stopped the cold sore in its tracks. the blisters are not only fluid-free, but also smoothed out. thank you all for your great advice & letting me vent a bit on such a “sore” subject. ;)

  • 42 Bekah // Jul 22, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    dang it i just got another dreaded one. and i have to go to a party on sunday, these evil things are extremly embarrasing.so i tried like all of these so hopefully it will be gone by sunday please.:/

  • 43 Bekah // Jul 22, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    dang it i just got another dreaded one. and i have to go to a party on sunday, these evil things are extremly embarrasing since im in high school they wont leave me alone bout it.so i tried like all of these so hopefully it will be gone by sunday please.:/

  • 44 Reyna // Jul 27, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Well i get a cold sore every yr at least twice and right know i have two ugh suks.i usually put lemon juice on it and it helps it aliitle but im guna try the nail polish remover seems like it works.hopefully it does thanks!!!! =)

  • 45 laura // Jul 27, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    i have a cold sore and its at the crusting stage. i need it gone in 3 days. is that possible? if yes, how?

  • 46 robin // Jul 27, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    I am an expert on coldsores. I;m 40 and have been getting them since I was a small child. Here are some of the things that work best for me. As soon as you feel it coming on…….no matter where you are, apply ice. Really halts the virus. I keep a prescription of Valtrex on hand. Now that its generic, it’s relatively cheap….Less than abreva. I take as recommended. I too will pop the blisters, however I find that if you start valtrex soon enough you don’t have too. No one has mentioned herpecin. I find that it works best with keeping it moist, aids in healing and really helps speed up healing. I just got one yesterday…..first one this summer…..due to a dermabrasion and a photofacia. It’s been 36 hours and it has already crusted and is starting to peel off. I’m shooting for a recovery by weeks end…..EVERYONE THAT GETS COLD SORES SHOULD CALL THEIR MD AND REQUEST A SCRIPT FOR VALTREX AND INSIST IT’S ACCOMPANIED BY REFILLS!

  • 47 Jar // Jul 29, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    Hi!I thought to be through with those after last time. I used garlic – lots of hurt, but long time nothing. Yersterday I was dehydrated so that I had to go to hospital for 2 days to get better) All of my lips are one huge cold sore – and beyond. Got Zovirax..nothing. Very scary. I do eat vitamins, yogurt and all but anyway. This is the worst ever. Keep drinking, do not get Gastro-virus! Wish me good luck. When this breaks, aj aj aj.

  • 48 Gale // Aug 2, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    My husband applies Clorox to his cold sores and within 2 to 3 days, his dry’s up. But you must pop it first. Yes this will sting but it works for him.

  • 49 Joy // Aug 8, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    I have had these for years and years – nothing works – except keeping it clean – and taking vB everyday – i neglectied my vB and now have another one – it’s a beacon like a lighthouse! I hate them and wish you all good luck!!!

  • 50 Amber // Aug 13, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    My husband used to get the darn things 5- 6 times a year and thanks to 20 years of marrige – I have em too… :( but have found the most AMAZING thing….. not the cheapest…..but it works like a hot D*%m! I originally got mine at Shoppers Drug Mart – Canada – Its called Intercept – cost 99 dollars – and the refill for the little “chip” to make the infrared treatment work is $20 but -use it when you feel the tingle and NO COLD SORE!! Use it when you wake up with the cold sore – you are down to 2 days…max. I understand the cost – if the refills were cheap – it would be tempting to throw 3 -4 “treatments” in (more is better -Right? wrong… ;) ) – and possibly burn yourself….
    it makes way more sense – look it up on http://www.InterceptCS.com – all the info is there-
    the best part is that as you use it – the breakouts become less and less – further and further apart – my husband hasn’t had a breakout in over a year and it’s been almost 2 for me!!!
    Pair it up with Abreva and lipactin – and suffer no more! :) if anyone wants to email me for more info – go ahead – I don’t work for the company – I buy my refills off Ebay. Hope this helps someone else!!
    A

  • 51 alexv // Aug 20, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Ice seems to work for me best, but you have to start icing as soon as you feel the tingle. The earlier you catch it and start icing the less severe the breakout will be. The only thing that sucks is you have to ice all day! Again only works if you catch it in its early stages. Ive had ice work so well that it was practically gone in 24 hours and usually never more than 3 days.

    Stress is my breakout factor. Recently went through a breakup of 5 years and lo and behold I have a cold sore the next day. I wish there was a cure.

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