Introduction
Cold sores—those annoying, burning little blisters on your lip—tend to show up when you least expect them. Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), they’re common, contagious, and often recurring. But with the right cold sore treatment, you can reduce the pain and heal much faster.
In the UK, there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat cold sores quickly and effectively. This guide walks you through the top creams, patches, and natural options that can help stop an outbreak in its tracks—and prevent future ones from coming back.
Why Cold Sores Keep Coming Back
Once you’ve been exposed to HSV-1, the virus stays dormant in your body. It doesn’t always cause problems—but when your immune system is compromised, it can resurface in the form of a cold sore.
Here are some common triggers:
High stress levels
A cold, fever, or other illness
Menstrual cycle and hormonal fluctuations
Too much sun exposure or cold wind
Lack of rest, poor nutrition, or dehydration
Knowing what triggers your outbreaks gives you a head start in stopping them early.
What Cold Sore Creams Actually Do
Cold sore creams are designed to limit the virus’s activity on your skin. Whether using aciclovir to disrupt viral replication or docosanol to block new infections, these creams work best at the first sign of symptoms.
Why they’re effective:
Minimise how long a cold sore lasts
Reduce discomfort, itching, and swelling
Protect nearby skin from infection
Help avoid spreading the virus
Start treatment as soon as you feel a tingle or irritation—before the blister even forms.
UK’s Best Cold Sore Products for Rapid Relief
Zovirax Antiviral Cream
A go-to in UK pharmacies, Zovirax contains 5% aciclovir. It's clinically proven to shorten cold sore duration, especially when applied five times daily at the first sign.
Abreva Blocking Formula
Abreva uses 10% docosanol to stop HSV-1 from infecting healthy skin cells. Its non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula makes it a discreet option for use on the go.
Blistex Dual-Action Cold Sore Cream
Blistex not only helps fight the virus—it soothes dry, cracked lips too. This cream is ideal for those whose outbreaks involve discomfort and inflammation.
Herstat Bee Propolis Balm
Herstat relies on the natural healing power of propolis, a substance made by bees. It’s gentle on skin, free of synthetic chemicals, and supports faster healing.
Compeed Ultra-Thin Healing Patches
These nearly invisible patches create a protective seal over the cold sore, promote faster recovery, and reduce the chance of spreading. They're perfect for daytime use.