Numbing agents for cold sores. When applied to cold sores, numbing agents can help alleviate a cold sore's burning, itching, and pain. Products which limit cold sore formation or promote their healing. Antibacterial agents will not affect herpes virus particles but medications which contain these types of compounds can help to provide an environment which will promote the prompt healing of cold sores by way of preventing secondary bacterial infection. Medications which moisturize and soften cold sores.
Lip balms can be use to moisturize and soften cold sores so they are less likely to crack and bleed.
Common ingredients found in this type of product are petrolatum and allantoin. Medications which provide sunscreen protection. Since exposure to excessive sunlight can be a trigger for cold sore formation, many lip balm medications contain zinc oxide or some other agent which provides sunscreen protection. Home remedies for cold sores . While none of these remedies have been scientifically proven to cure or shorten the duration of cold sores, some people find them to be useful.