Desonide for Cold Sores: Effectiveness & Antiviral Alternatives

Desonide is not an effective treatment for cold sores (fever blisters). This is because desonide is a corticosteroid, which is a type of medication used to reduce inflammation. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and corticosteroids do not have any effect on viruses.

Antiviral medications. Antiviral medications can shorten the length and severity of a cold sore outbreak. They work by interfering with the virus's ability to reproduce. Over-the-counter antiviral medications include:

- Docosanol (Abreva)

- Penciclovir (Denavir)

If you have frequent or severe cold sores, your doctor can prescribe a stronger antiviral medication, such as:

- Acyclovir (Zovirax)

- Famciclovir (Famvir)

- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)