The best otc cold sore treatment available is Virulite. I had a terrible month of outbreaks last year, and I cried more than once. Each time I thought it was over, a new sore popped up. (And, trust me. I’m super careful when I have a sore.) The creams weren’t working, and isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide weren’t helping at all. This came in the mail just after Christmas, a month in to the outbreak and 5 days into the most recent sore. My ordeal was over 4 days later. That’s huge for me. Typically, when I get a sore, it will last for 2 weeks solid. This actually worked! It has also contributed to keeping me cold sore free for a full year! Whenever I feel that foreboding sting, I whip out the Virulite, and presto! No sores. No tears! No pain!