I have used Boots Own brand Avert Cold Sore Cream on many occasions to relieve both the symptoms of cold sores on my lips and relieve the itchiness of cold sores before they appear.
This cream is an excellent way of dually preventing & relieving this nasty problem. The tube only contains 2g of cream, but you don’t need much to rub onto the affected area. The main active ingredient is Aciclovir 5% w/w. Other ingredients include Poloxamor 407, Cetosearyl, Alcohol, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, White Soft Paraffin & others. To use this cream you must wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying to the affected area. I use my finger end to gently rub a small amount over the itchy part of my lip (if I feel a cold sore starting to appear), or if one has already developed. I repeat the above application about every 3-4 hours, for about 3-4 days. This usually is enough to make the cold sores disappear or not even appear. It states on the instructions that you can use Avert Cold Sore Cream for up to 10 days, but mine have already gone a long time before this. If a sore has still not gone by 10 days you should consult your doctor. Avoid unnecessary rubbing by a towel or flannel as this will transfer the infection to other areas. Try not to get the cream near eyes or nose. Avert Cold Sore Cream is not harmful is accidentally swallowed. Disadvantages This cream may cause stinging, drying or flaking of the skin. A few people may get swelling, if allergic reaction occurs. Price: £5.39