Short Answer:
Abreva, Anbesol, Zinc, Zilactin and more.
Long Answer:
An over-the-counter medicine called Abreva (generic name docosanol) may help cold sores heal faster and reduce the bothersome symptoms associated with them.
Zap it with zinc. Several studies show that a water-based zinc solution, applied the minute you feel that tingling, helps speed healing time.
Other over-the-counter products can help relieve the discomfort of cold sores, but they don’t help them go away faster. To relieve dryness and help keep the sores soft, use products containing the ingredients allantoin, petrolatum, or cocoa butter. Examples of these products include Blistex lip ointment and Carmex ointment.
For pain relief, try products that contain local anesthetics. Anbesol cold sore ointment contains benzocaine, and Zilactin ointment contains benzyl alcohol to relieve pain. You can also use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil).
If a cold sore becomes infected, apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin three to four times a day. If sun exposure tends to reactivate your cold sores, use a lip sunscreen.
Talk to your doctor about prescription therapy if over-the-counter medicines don’t relieve your discomfort or if the sores remain for more than 14 days.