Yes, you can put plain petroleum jelly like Vaseline on a cold sore to ease dryness and soften it, but it does not kill the virus or make the sore heal faster. Wash your hands before and after, and dab it on with a clean cotton swab. If you want to shorten the outbreak, docosanol 10% cream (Abreva) is sold over the counter, and acyclovir cream needs a prescription in the US. If you use acyclovir cream, its label says to avoid putting other products on the sore during treatment, so skip the Vaseline until you finish.
What does Vaseline actually do for a cold sore?
Petrolatum, the ingredient in Vaseline, is an FDA skin protectant. Vaseline's own label lists uses like protecting minor cuts and helping relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips. It does not list cold sores. At least one FDA-listed ointment that is mostly petrolatum did carry the use "relieves dryness and softens cold sores and fever blisters." That is the whole job: comfort and protection.
It is not an antiviral. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and nothing in plain petroleum jelly acts on the virus. MedlinePlus says cold sores go away on their own in 1 to 2 weeks without treatment, and they can last up to 3 weeks. Vaseline won't change that timeline, but it may make a dry sore feel more comfortable.
- Helps with: dryness and a sore that feels stiff or tight
- Does not: kill the virus, shorten the outbreak, or stop you being contagious
- Best for: a sore that has dried out and feels uncomfortable
How do I put it on without spreading the virus?
Cold sores spread easily, and MedlinePlus says the virus spreads most easily from someone with an active sore. The NHS says not to touch your cold sore except to put cream on, to wash your hands with soap and water whenever you touch it, and to dab cream on rather than rub it in. MedlinePlus warns you can spread the virus to other places, including your genitals.
A disposable cotton swab is a simple way to keep the virus off your fingers and out of the jar. The Abreva label suggests the same idea for cosmetics: use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, over an unhealed sore.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after
- Use a clean cotton swab rather than your fingers
- Dab, don't rub, and don't pick at the sore
- Don't dip a used swab back in the jar. Scoop some out first, or keep a small tub just for the sore
- Don't share it. MedlinePlus says shared items like towels and dishes can spread the virus, so keep your jar, lip balm, cups and towels to yourself until the sore heals
- Keep it out of your eyes. Petrolatum labels say not to get it into eyes
Can I use Vaseline with Abreva or acyclovir cream?
This is where you need to read the label of the treatment you are using.
Acyclovir cream 5% (prescription in the US): the FDA label tells patients to avoid applying other topical products to the affected area while using it. So if you are on acyclovir cream, don't layer Vaseline on top during the 4 days of treatment. Once you finish, you can go back to it if the sore is still dry.
Docosanol 10% cream (Abreva, over the counter): the label does not mention petroleum jelly. It does say cosmetics like lipstick can go over it if you use a separate applicator. If you want to use both, ask a pharmacist how to time them.
Which cream actually shortens a cold sore?
Antiviral creams work best when you start them early, at the first tingle. The NHS says they do not always work after blisters appear. MedlinePlus says antiviral creams often only shorten an outbreak by a few hours to a day. In the acyclovir cream trials, episodes were about half a day shorter than with a dummy cream (about 4.5 days vs 5 days).
MedlinePlus also notes a provider can prescribe antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir, and that people who get sores often may take them all the time. A clinician decides whether they fit you.
- Docosanol 10% (Abreva): over the counter for ages 12 and up. Apply at the first tingle, rub in gently, 5 times a day until healed. Stop and ask a doctor if the sore gets worse or isn't healed in 10 days
- Acyclovir cream 5%: prescription only in the US, for adults and teens 12 and up with a normal immune system. Apply 5 times a day for 4 days, starting as early as possible. Not for use in the eyes, mouth or nose
- Plain petroleum jelly: comfort only, no effect on the virus
When should you get care?
In an emergency, call 911Get care the same day if a sore or blister is near or in your eye, or your eye is red, painful or blurry. MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for sores near your eyes and notes herpes in the eye is a leading cause of blindness in the US.
Get care the same day if you have a cold sore and a weakened immune system, for example from cancer, HIV or medicines that lower immunity. The NHS says people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital.
Get care the same day if a newborn or young baby has been kissed by someone with a cold sore and develops blisters or a fever. The NHS says neonatal herpes is very dangerous to newborn babies.
See a clinician soon if you are pregnant and have a cold sore, if a sore hasn't started to heal within 10 days, is very large or painful, or if symptoms are severe or last more than 2 weeks.
Call 911 if you have trouble breathing, wheezing, facial swelling or signs of shock after using a cold sore cream. The Abreva label lists these as signs of a severe allergic reaction.
How our AI doctor decides when to send you to care ›What else helps while it heals?
MedlinePlus suggests ice wrapped in a washcloth or a warm washcloth on the sore for pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and skipping hot drinks, spicy or salty foods, and citrus. The NHS adds drinking plenty of fluids and not kissing anyone while you have a cold sore. The NHS also says not to give aspirin to children under 16.
For next time, MedlinePlus recommends a moisturizing balm to keep your lips from getting too dry, and sunblock or a zinc oxide lip balm before you go outside. The NHS suggests a sunblock lip balm with SPF 15 or higher in the sun.
Common questions
Can I put Vaseline on a cold sore?
Yes. Plain petroleum jelly can relieve dryness and soften a cold sore, which may make it more comfortable. It doesn't treat the virus or shorten the outbreak. Apply it with a clean cotton swab and wash your hands before and after.
Does Vaseline make a cold sore heal faster?
No. It protects the skin, but it has no effect on the herpes virus. Cold sores usually clear on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral creams started at the first tingle can shorten them slightly, often by a few hours to a day.
Can I use Vaseline and acyclovir cream together?
Not on the sore at the same time. The US acyclovir cream label says to avoid putting other topical products on the affected area while you are using it. Finish the 4-day course first, then use petroleum jelly if the sore is still dry.
Can I use my regular lip balm on a cold sore?
Any lip balm that touches the sore can carry the virus afterward, so don't share it, and think about using a separate one until the sore heals. Using a cotton swab to apply balm or jelly keeps the virus off your fingers. Once healed, an SPF lip balm outdoors may help prevent sun-triggered outbreaks.
Is Vaseline safe to put near my eye if the sore spreads?
No. Petrolatum labels say not to get it into your eyes, and cold sore creams are not for use in the eyes. A sore near your eye needs to be checked by a clinician the same day.
Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.