First, I have to say that I don't suffer cold sores often. Since coming in contact with the herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes), I've only had about three outbreaks, each outbreak being only one cold sore at a time. This was my third HSV-1 outbreak. The first two times, I just suffered with the sore for about a week or more. To be honest, actually, the first time I didn't know what the cold sore was - I thought it was a pimple at first and picked at it ruthlessly. But, this time I knew what was happening. Well, eventually, that is... I thought I just had chapped lips at first. I guess part of me is still in denial. As soon as I finally realized what I had was a cold sore, I immediately wanted to try Abreva. I had seen commercials for it, repeatedly, and it was the first (and only) product that came to mind. It turned out my father had an unopened tube, so I decided to try it out. The only downside I could possibly see to the product is that it instructs you to put it on five times a day, starting as soon as you get the first "tingle" warning sign that a cold sore is imminent. If you're anything like me, you don't realize you HAVE a cold sore until you SEE the cold sore. So, it's impossible to use it proactively. Also, five times a day seems like a very strict regime. But, I have to admit, despite the need to use the product before you see the sore and having to apply Abreva five times a day, it WORKS. I used the cream for two days, five times (or even fewer on the second day) and the sore dried up and disappeared. I can't complain too much about a product that works!

watersa1

USA

I am unlucky enough to have a cold sore attack every few months when under stress. I keep a tube of this remedy on standby and apply it at the first sign of trouble, which is flaky raggedness of the surface of my lip where the blisters start to form. If I apply this right then and take a lysine supplement, and reapply every day until the blisters subside in a few days, the pain and swelling is minimized. The best way I can describe the pain I would feel without this remedy is this. My lip swells and develops hard blisters that run deep enough to cause an aching as well as sharp pain that is accentuated by the smallest thing, such as touching my lip with my teeth or with a spoon. If I allow the blisters to break, the soreness resulting will lengthen my healing time and makes my lips feel like they are splitting with the slightest movement. Applying this will shrink the area and prevent rupturing of the spots as they subside. This is a great product if you too have this minor but painful problem. Effectiveness Tingling relief on contact, and the effect can be maintained with reapplication every 2 hours during the worst first couple days and once a day for the last few. It shrinks the affected area and greatly relieves the pain. Ease of Use The tiniest dab applied with my fingertip does the job. Immediacy The worst sting is relieved right away and long term if I apply for as long as the attack lasts, which is several days.

MoiraWhitlock

USA

Abreva is the best thing I have ever seen. When my children were young they would get horrible painful cold sores. I would try every other product, but couldn't find them any relief. The cold sores would stay for long periods of time and it would hurt them to eat. I saw abreva and thought I might give it a try. I did and I am so glad. The next time they started to have a cold sore coming on I would immediately start with the abreva and I could prevent it from getting big and sore. Although it is expensive this is the ONLY product I will ever use. I just wish I had a way to know when it is running out because I do not like to run to the cabinet and push the pump to have nothing come out. I have recommended it to all of my family and friends and everyone I know that suffers from these cold sores have been completely satisfied. Ease of Use I would prefer a see through tube so I know when IM running low . That way im not stuck in a situation where I don't have it . Immediacy Starts working on contact

Avonsales615

Undisclosed

Its great and extremely effective if you use immediately following a tingle feeling. I've been getting blisters since I was a little girl so I know when one is coming in. However if you don't have a tube of abreva handy you will feel the worse of it. Abreva does shorten the life span of the blister however the price is Alittle steep. Effectiveness You need to apply it immediately following the tingle or itch. And keep applying throughout to see results. Ease of Use I find the pump the easier option. It keeps cleaner than the tube and if you surfer from blisters regularly you'll know that's important as well as they are extremely contagious. Immediacy Again for abreva to be effective you have to use it immediately to tackle the sore. If so you will find that it works best and deal with a much smaller less painful sore. then supply about 3 to 5 tines a day and after 7 days it would be almost unnoticeable.

bernadetteg27

USA

I have to start off by saying that I have suffered from sever cold sores since I was 7 years old. Because the virus attacked me at such a young age, I have a lot of experience with cold sore remedies. Not only have I been getting cold sores for several years but I also get about 6-8 a year. However, I am not sure if my review will be very helpful because I do suffer from more extreme cold sores than normal. Anyway, on to my review. When I first heard about this product from a family member who also suffers from cold sores, I was ecstatic. I thought this would be the magic solution to all of my troubles. So when I started to feel the warning signs of an on-coming cold sore I quickly went to purchase a tube of this medication. The first time I used, it worked as described. Although I did not like that it created a sort of scab of medication on my lip, making my cold sore even more unsightly. However, the second time I had a break out the product did not work at all. In my opinion, this is not a very good cold sore remedy because if it really did work it could tackle even the worst viruses like the one living in me. I will say that I have found a medication that works wonders every time and is less expensive than Abreva. If you are curious as to which brand I'm referring I'll be happy to let anyone know.

ForTheLoveOfPolish

USA

A few weeks ago I had a cold sore come up on my lip. I had bought the abreva for my daughter a while back so this was my first time to use the product. I applied abreva twice it kept the cold sore from getting worse and helped it go away fast. I will keep this product in my medicine cabinet and I would recommend it to anyone.

mamahutch78

Groves, TX

I approached the ***doctors cold sore solution*** with great scepticism. I had read about it in Canadian health magazine recently. I can tell you this is the best solution for preventing and healing cold sores. I have used it daily now for about 3 months and not had a single cold sore develop. Generally I get cold sores when stressed out or under the weather. I have tried pretty much everything on the market to get rid of these horrible and painful things but this doctors solution stuff is the best medicine over the counter I have ever used.

Johnski

Los Altos, CA

I have been using this product since it first came out.  Although I'd rather use the tube, than the new pump - I always have many tubes/pumps on hand so that I don't ever have to worry about not having any when I need it.  I only need it once or twice a year, but am always prepared when that awful cold sore decides to show itself!  The price is about what I'd pay for a prescription, with my health insurance.  That seems a little much, but I don't have to get a prescription from the doctor for this product.

Mandigrl

White Lake, MI

I suffer from cold sores a few times a year and when they strike there is nothing worse as those of you who suffer already know! I started using this product a few years ago and now keep one in the office, the car and at home for when that tell tale "tingle" starts I am prepared. I thought it was a bit expensive until I realized how fast it works..definately worth every penny and a few extra if need be! Definately a product worth keeping around!

stephanieki

Clinton Township, MI

I have been getting cold sores since I was a little girl (thanks, MOM!). I used to always have to get a prescription cream from my family doctor, until a friend told me about Abreva. I started using it a couple of years ago, and it is one of two over the counter treatments that is effective. This is the only over the counter treatment however, that consistently shortens the life of my cold sore outbreak. It states on the packaging to apply five times daily. I went to their website and found out that five times is the minimum amount, not the maximum. I apply it up to ten or twelve times daily, with great results. It helps the itching go away quicker, and helps my cold sore from spreading all over my face! Love it, and use it every time.

EdgeyPoptart

Goshen, IN