New cold sore cream shows promise in small study
NCT ID NCT06558838
First seen Jan 10, 2026 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 27 times
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.
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Utah MidValley Dermatology
Murray, Utah, 84107, United States
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.
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.