New cold sore cream shows promise in small study
NCT ID NCT06558838
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a cream containing acyclovir and penciclovir against an over-the-counter cream (Abreva) for preventing cold sores caused by UV light. Forty adults with a history of cold sores were exposed to UV light to trigger an outbreak, then treated with one of the creams. Researchers tracked whether the cold sore progressed to a blister and how quickly it healed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- acyclovir-penciclovir cream
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a more effective cream for preventing cold sores from forming after sun exposure.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early pilot study with only 40 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The cream may not work better than the existing treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Utah MidValley Dermatology
Murray, Utah, 84107, United States
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