Zinc oxide/glycine cream for the treatment of cold sores
Initial studies have shown a topical cream of zinc oxide/glycine used to treat facial cold sores may be helpful.1 People in one small study who used the cream as soon as possible after a cold sore outbreak had a shorter duration of cold sore blisters—most blisters healed within 5 days instead of 6½ days.2
Some people using this cream experienced a few side effects, such as severe skin irritation and dryness.
Most cold sores 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 | |
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