From the Guidelines
No, you should not use retinol cream on cold sores. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative commonly used in skincare products for anti-aging and acne treatment, but it can irritate and potentially worsen cold sores. Cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) require specific antiviral treatments such as docosanol (Abreva), acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir) 1. For cold sores, apply an over-the-counter antiviral cream like Abreva at the first sign of tingling, or consult your healthcare provider for prescription options. Prescription oral antivirals typically work best when started within 72 hours of symptoms. Retinol's exfoliating and potentially irritating properties can disrupt the healing process of the delicate skin affected by cold sores, potentially leading to increased pain, inflammation, and delayed healing.
Some key points to consider when treating cold sores include:
- Applying antiviral creams at the first sign of tingling
- Consulting a healthcare provider for prescription options
- Keeping the area clean and avoiding touching or picking at the sore
- Using a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling
- Being aware of the potential risks of using oral antivirals, such as famciclovir, for herpes labialis without proper medical guidance 1.
It is essential to prioritize antiviral treatments over retinol cream to effectively manage cold sores and prevent potential complications.
From the Research
Using Retinol Cream on Cold Sores
- There are no direct studies on using retinol cream on cold sores, but we can look at the available information on cold sores and retinoids to understand their potential interaction.
- Cold sores are typically treated with antivirals, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, as seen in the study 2.
- Retinoids, which include retinol, have been studied for their role in wound healing, with some evidence suggesting they may promote wound healing after facial resurfacing procedures and full- or partial-thickness wounds 3.
- However, the use of retinoids on fresh and healing wounds has mixed evidence, and it is unclear if retinol cream would be beneficial or detrimental to cold sore healing.
- It is essential to note that cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and retinoids do not have antiviral properties, so they may not be an effective treatment for cold sores themselves 2.