‘When I do get the tingle or the start of one, it cures within days, and it never truly appears like before. I use the balm all day, every day. It really has changed my life’
Cold sores do not occur only in the wintertime. There are other factors that can trigger them, including illness, a menstrual cycle and, rather unexpectedly, the sunshine.
People who suffer from cold sores often find they recur repeatedly. They’re painful, inflamed, and can often be noticeable on the lips, affecting a person’s confidence and self-esteem; however, there are ways sufferers can help keep them at bay.
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex, the NHS states. Most people are exposed to the virus when they’re children after close skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
One popular product is the LipQ Liquorice Balm, which is made with active liquorice extract to weaken the virus before outbreaks start, keeping lips protected and breakout-free, the brand says. Priced at £9.95 on Amazon, it has received glowing reviews from long-term users, many of whom say it cleared cold sores within days.
The LipQ Balm is ideal for summer use, as it contains Glycyrrhizic acid, which shields lips from sun-triggered cold sores, offering protection beyond regular SPF creams. The balm was found to be effective in a double-blind trial conducted by the Herpes Viruses Association.
LipQ Liquorice Balm
£9.95
Amazon
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It’s made with glycyrrhizic acid, which offers natural UV protection.
It reduced the severity and duration of outbreaks for over 73% of subjects tested. Furthermore, 83% of subjects using the liquorice balm reported fewer outbreaks than with their conventional treatments.
While using the liquorice lip balm, testers reported that, on average, their outbreaks were only half their usual length and that the time between outbreaks was much longer. Consumers interested in finding an alternative can find similar products on the high street.
For instance, Boots offers an Antiviral Cold Sore 5% ointment for £4.29. This topical treatment of cold sores of the lips and face.
Meanwhile, Superdrug offers the Blistex Relief Cream for £3.99. The remedy relieves and treats occasional cold sores and cracked, chapped lips.
However, the LipQ Balm has more than 650 customer reviews, with more than 400 bought in the past month alone. In the comments, a shopper said: “Amazing! This has been my miracle cure. I suffered from constant severe cold sores, but this has nearly got rid of them entirely! When I do get the tingle or the start of one, it cures within days, and it never truly appears like before. I use the balm all day, every day. It really has changed my life!”
Another user remarked: “Brilliant stuff. My daughter has not had a single cold sore since using this every day. I really believe in this. Excellent for cold sore sufferers. Will definitely purchase again.”
A third customer added: “I suffer from cold sores. Since using this balm daily, I haven’t had an outbreak in over four years. Feels nice on lips, not greasy or sticky. Highly recommend.”
Not all the reviews are glowing, as one person pointed out a downside, writing: “Helpful for cold-sore prone lips. Not quite as instantly efficient as its sister product that comes in a tube.”
Another user reported a better experience, saying: “I have been using this for years, and I’ve just bought this for the 10x. It is amazing how cracks can appear in the corners of your lips. I was told it was angular cheilitis and given a prescription cream that never worked. This is the only cream I have found that actually stops this.”
A final buyer concluded: “I purchased this as it stated it could help with the prevention of cold sores. It’s a lovely, hydrating lip balm that seems to never run out, despite being used. It glides on the lips, has a pleasant smell, and adds a little shine. I’ve also not had a cold sore since using it, so fingers crossed. Well worth the money – I would recommend!”
The LipQ Balm is £9.95 on Amazon.
