Treating Cold Sores

December 12, 2007

Having a cold sore is no fun. Cold sores are ugly, embarrassing, and they hurt!

Although there is no miracle cure, there are several products that work particularly well as cold sore treatments. Both are a bit pricey when compared to the standard tub of Carmex, but they are well worth the extra cost.

Releev 1-Day Cold Sore Symptom Treatment is hands down the best cold sore treatment I have used. This liquid can prevent a cold sore from fully coming in if used at the first sign of tingling or pain. When used early on an established cold sore, it can end the pain within a day and get the whole thing healed in a couple of more days.

Abreva Cold Sore/Fever Blister Treatment is the next best product I have used. This cream also claims to be able to stop cold sores from fully occurring if used at the first signs of them. It has never worked quite that well for me, but it has cut the healing time substantially. I also know several people who have had it work as claimed. I particularly like to combine Releev and Abreva, since Releev does nothing to moisturize, while Abreva does that a bit. Abreava is also now available in a pump tube.

Something that does not seem to work as well as a cold sore treatment is the use of products that contain petroleum jelly. I have found that while they initially feel soothing, they seem to actually slow down the total healing time and can cause the problem to spread to other areas of the lips.

Written by Carleenp · Filed Under Medicated Treatments, Misc.

Aveeno Active Naturals Medicated Lip Treaments

November 15, 2007

Aveeno makes several medicated chapped lip treatments, both of which I highly recommend. For medicated moisture in a balm, Aveeno Lip Protectant, Intense Relief Medicated Therapy Balm is enhanced with oatmeal to soothe and jojoba oil and shea butter to moisturize. It is medicated with Menthol and contains petrolatum as a protectant. The same product is also available in a pot: Aveeno Lip Protectant, Intense Relief Medicated Therapy Pot (pictured).

I really like the addition of shea butter in the Aveeno lip treatment products. It makes the balm more moisturizing than a number of other medicated lip balms and it stays on the lips longer. Thus, I don’t feel the need to reapply the Aveeno products as often.

To avoid chapped lips in the first place, also check out Aveeno Lip Conditioner, Essential Moisture SPF 15. This is a nice, non-medicated, SPF lip balm for everyday use.

Written by Carleenp · Filed Under Balm, Medicated Treatments