Topically, there is NOTHING better than Compeed for cold sores -- no ointments, or drops, or other topical remedies even come close. And while the topical remedies do have medicine in them, Compeed does not. It only contains hydrocolloid to help in the healing process and it keeps the area dry to promote healing and not allow the virus to propagate. The boxes of 15 do not expire for over 3 years so I have lots of them on hand and use them (with my dosage of acyclovir) at the first tingle. These are a must-have for any cold sore sufferer.