Abreva is a topical cold sore treatment containing the active ingredient docosanol, which is applied directly to the cold sore. It can help cold sores to heal within three days when used at the first sign of an outbreak.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a person is infected, the virus remains dormant and typically doesn’t cause any symptoms for most of the time. But certain triggers, such as cold weather, can lead to flare-ups. While cold sores can often heal on their own without treatment, using medication like Abreva can speed up the healing process.
How does Abreva work?
Docosanol, the active ingredient in Abreva, is an antiviral that stops the virus from fusing to human cells. This prevents the bacteria from entering healthy cells, which stops it from replicating.[1]
It’s best to use Abreva at the first sign of the infection as delaying it can cause the virus to spread and replicate, making it harder to treat.
What doses of Abreva are there?
Abreva is only available as a 10% cream. It’s applied directly to the cold sore up to five times a day until it’s completely healed.
There’s another product called Abreva rapid pain relief. Although this can’t treat the cold sore it can help relieve itching and burning.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 21, 2025. Next review due on February 21, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Abreva
Apply the cream directly to the cold sore with your finger or cotton swab. Make sure to completely cover the cold sore and surrounding area. Wash your hands after applying the cream.
You should apply Abreva five times a day until your cold sore is completely healed. Don’t apply it for more than 10 days. If the cold sore doesn’t heal within 10 days, contact your clinician for further advice.
Abreva works best when used at the first sign of symptoms. This could be a tingling or itchy feeling on the lips.
How long does Abreva take to work?
The effectiveness and time it takes to work can vary depending on when you start treatment. If used at the first sign of symptoms, the cold sore can heal within two and a half days. Typically, it takes around four days to completely heal.[1]
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Abreva?
If you accidentally applied too much, simply wipe off the excess amount. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying Abreva to prevent the infection from spreading.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on February 21, 2025. Next review due on February 21, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Abreva isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.
Check the box for instructions, and if you have questions, contact your prescriber.
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Abreva: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can I use Abreva after the blisters appear?
Answer:
Yes, you can use Abreva after a blister appears, but this can prolong the treatment time. When used at the first sign of a cold sore, Abreva can help it to heal within two and a half days. But if you wait to apply it, the healing process could take a couple more days. This is still faster than not using any treatment, as a cold sore may take one to three weeks to heal without treatment.
Can I use Abreva on genital herpes?
Answer:
No, Abreva isn’t a treatment for genital herpes. Although both cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus, the treatments for each condition differ.
Although the treatments work in the same way, cold sores are typically treated with topical medications, while genital herpes is often treated with oral antiviral tablets. Additionally, oral antivirals are less common for treating cold sores, but you might need to take them daily while treating genital herpes.
How well does Abreva work for cold sores?
Answer:
Abreva is an effective treatment for cold sores. When used at the first sign of an outbreak, it can help heal them within two and a half days; but the average healing time is around four days.[1]
In one study, patients using docosanol had an average healing time of 4.1 days, which is 18 hours shorter than the placebo group. Additionally, they reported improvements in other symptoms, such as itching and burning.[2]
Is there a generic version of Abreva?
Answer:
Abreva is the branded version of the generic treatment called Docosanol. They both contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration, so they work in the same way and are similarly effective. The main difference with brand products is that they can be a little more expensive than generic medicines.
Sacks, S.L., et al. (2001). Clinical efficacy of topical docosanol 10% cream for herpes simplex labialis: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, 45(2), pp.222–230.
Last updated on Feb 20, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Feb 20, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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