Cold sores appear in small clusters of highly contagious, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth and under the nose, which eventually burst and become dry scabs. They are often referred to as fever blisters. The exact cause of cold sores is herpes simplex virus 1, which spreads via skin to skin contact (i.e., sharing straws, eating utensils, or kissing).

Once infected by the herpes simplex virus, it remains dormant in the body, and may cause another cold sore when triggered by factors like fever, stress, hormones, skin injury, and exposure to wind or sunlight. There is no proven cure for cold sores, but there are several ways to manage them. Below are some of the best cold sore relief products that have been used to reduce the severity of cold sores:

1. Abreva cream
This cream shortens the healing time of cold sores. It reduces the duration of tingling, itching, burning, and pain. A cold sore can be healed by Abreva cream in 4-5 days. Normally the sore can take 8-10 days if left untreated. The cream forms a layer to protect the skin cells from the virus. However, it is important to read the instructions on the label before using the cream. It is most effective when the first tingle appears

2. LypSyl
LypSyl relieves discomfort and pain caused by cold sores and dries them hence speeding up the healing process. The gel should be applied to the affected area up to 4 times a day to accelerate the healing process

3. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)
Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil gel, has been proven to reduce the viral activity of the herpes virus. Researchers found that the oil reduced the spread of HSV-1 and HSV-2 by 98.2% and 93% in a study conducted in 2001. This, therefore, makes it a good alternative when fighting cold sores. Also, the oil has a pleasant smell

4. Zinc
Some studies have shown topical zinc solutions reduce the time taken for cold sores to heal. It acts by boosting the immune system hence building a defense against the replication of the virus. The solutions reduced the viral load and increased the healing rates when applied to lesions affected by HSV-1 or HSV-2

5. Cortisone cream
Cortisone cream treats sores and blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. It stops the growth and replication of the virus. The cream reduces pain, burning, and itching from the cold sores. It also accelerates the healing process.

Cold sores are highly infectious, especially when the blisters have formed. Popping them causes them to spread further. It would help if you left the cold sore make-up free, in addition to the surrounding facial area. Touching an oozing cold sore is also not a good idea since touching transfers the sores from one spot to another.