Fever blisters are a burden that many of us must carry. Those of us who suffer from fever blisters know the awful truth that once we have them, we’ll have them for life. This is because what we call fever blisters or cold sores are actually manifestations of herpes simplex virus type 1 or HSV-1. At this time there is no cure for this virus. Scientists are working on both a cure for fever blisters and a vaccine to prevent it. But for now, one way to cope with this virus is with over-the-counter fever blister remedies.

Over-The-Counter Fever Blister Remedies

Over-the-counter fever blister remedies can reduce the pain and shorten the time to heal. They can also reduce the size of the fever blister if taken soon enough, at the first tingling, redness, itching and burning that signals a coming fever blister.

Abreva
This is the only over-the-counter fever blister remedy that is FDA approved. Abreva contains 10% Docosanol, a patented ingredient that helps protect healthy cells from the cold sore infection. It should be applied the minute you believe you’re having an outbreak and then five times a day thereafter – until the sore heals.
Cost: $12.99 (.07 oz tube)

Viroxyn®
This over-the-counter fever blister remedy is only available online. Viroxyn® is said to provide rapid relief from the pain, itching and burning associated with fever blisters. Its manufacturer further says that Viroxyn will “reduce healing time and eliminate the pain of the fever blister within minutes of application”.
Cost: $37.99

Lysine
Take 4 500mg Lysine at first sign of a cold sore. Take 1 each morning and 1 each evening for a few days and if caught early enough it will not progress but go away completely. If not caught early enough it will greatly reduce the amount of time for the outbreak and make the severity less. Lysine is very inexpensive and can be found in the vitamin section.
Cost: $17.49, 300 capsules

Lipreve®
Lipreve is an oral fever blister remedy which its manufacturer says is an effective capsule you take twice daily for two days to heal cold sores and relieve the accompanying pain and itching, without the messiness of a cream.
Cost: $12.95

Sore Cold XM®
Sore Cold XM (eXtreme Medication) is applied with a roll-on applicator. Its manufacturer says that if you apply Cold Sore XM immediately upon feeling the onset of the blister, many fever blisters will never break out, as it will stop the herpes virus in its tracks. The company further states that the medication can heal your skin “in a remarkably quick period of time”.
Cost: $9.95

Terrasil®
This over-the-counter fever blister remedy is only available online. Terrasil® is said to safely eliminate the virus that causes fever blisters and promote the growth of new, healthy, clear skin. The company that produces Terrasil further states that the product has natural jojoba oil to soothe and moisturize the skin, organic beeswax to reduce inflammation, as well as essential oils to remove toxins. Terrasil is guaranteed to work or its manufacturer will refund your purchase price.
Cost: $24.00 (14 gm. Jar)

Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy Ointment
Anbesol contains Allantoin 1%; Benzocaine 20%; Camphor 3%; and White Petrolatum 64.9%. Its manufacturer says it temporarily relieves the pain associated with fever blisters, as well as their dryness.
Cost: $5.45

Zilactin® Cold Sore Gel
Zilactin Cold Sore Gel is a popular over-the-counter fever blister remedy that its manufacturer says will form a bio-adhesive that can relieve the pain and burning for up to six hours. It will also promote healing. Zilactin Cold Sore Gel is available as 20 single-use Medi-Packs or in a .25 oz. tube.
Cost: $7.99 (.25 oz. tube)
Cost: $19.99 (20 single-use Medi-Packs)

Orajel® Medicated Cold Sore Brush
Orajel is another popular over-the-counter topical fever blister treatment that includes a pain reliever, moisturizing skin protectants and a prunella vulgaris herbal complex. It is said that its moistening ingredients will help speed healing and work to stop the pain and burning of a fever blister. It is applied with a soft tip brush dispenser.
Cost: $6.98

Will Over-The-Counter Fever Blister Remedies Prevent A Recurrence?

Despite what some of these fever blister home remedies might claim, not one of them will prevent a recurrence sometime in the future. That is just the nature of the virus. However, if you keep one of these over-the-counter fever blister remedies on hand and put it to work the minute you feel an outbreak, you can reduce the pain and burning of the fever blister and speed the time to healing. And that’s about as good as it gets with fever blisters.

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