Initial studies have shown a topical cream of zinc oxide/glycine used to treat facial cold sores may be helpful.1 People in one small study who used the cream as soon as possible after a cold sore outbreak had a shorter duration of cold sore blisters—most blisters healed within 5 days instead of 6½ days.2
Some people using this cream experienced a few side effects, such as severe skin irritation and dryness.
Most cold sores heal on their own without prescription medications or complementary therapies.
References
Citations
Godfrey HR (2001). A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine. Alternative Therapy Health Medicine, 7(3): 49–56.
Worrall G (2006). Herpes labialis, search date April 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | March 13, 2008 |
