Vitamin C for treatment of cold sores
A few small studies have indicated that using vitamin C both orally (in tablet form) and as a topical cream (applied directly to the cold sore) may speed up the rate of healing of cold sores.1 The liquid form of vitamin C can be soaked in a cotton pad and applied to the cold sore several times a day, and it can be used along with vitamin C tablets (at least 600 mg). However, more research is needed before the long-term benefits of using vitamin C to treat cold sores can be confirmed. People with a history of kidney stones should avoid high doses of vitamin C.
Cold sores usually heal on their own without prescription medications or complementary therapies.
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: March 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
 | ||