Abreva Cream contains the only non-prescription ingredient approved by the FDA to shorten cold sore healing time.*** The product of years of rigorous scientific study, Abreva Cream works fast by penetrating deep into the skin*** to target the virus that causes cold sores. It blocks the cold sore virus from entering surrounding cells and reduces the duration of pain, burning, itching and/or tingling.1 If used as directed at the first sign of a tingle, Abreva cold sore cream can heal your cold sore in just 2½ days.*

***Abreva contains the only OTC ingredient approved by the FDA to shorten healing time and duration of symptoms.

****Based on laboratory data.↵back to content *Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed within 2.5 days

How to use Abreva Cream

For best results, apply Abreva Cream to clean skin at the first sign of a tingle, bump, or itch. Use either your finger or a cotton swab to apply the cream, completely covering the cold sore and the surrounding area. Always wash your hands after applying. Abreva Cream should be applied five times a day until your cold sore is fully healed, for a maximum of 10 days. Other products can be applied over Abreva cold sore cream once it has dried. For example, you can apply lip balm if your lips have become chapped, or lipstick, which can help conceal a cold sore until it heals fully. Use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection.