Can a thin, invisible patch really speed up cold sore healing and save you the embarrassment, or is Mederma just cashing in on a clever marketing trick?
That’s the question I had when I first came across the Mederma Cold Sore Discreet Healing Patch. Unlike creams, this product promises to both hide and heal cold sores at the same time. But with so many “fast-healing” solutions on the market, I wanted to see if Mederma actually works or if it’s just another expensive gimmick.
Key Takeaways
- Marketed as a discreet hydrocolloid patch for cold sores.
- Claims to speed up healing, reduce scabbing, and hide sores.
- Some users saw faster healing and appreciated the coverage.
- Others reported patches peeling off too quickly and offering no real difference.
- Pricing is much higher than generic hydrocolloid patches.
What Is Mederma Cold Sore Patch?
Mederma’s cold sore patch is a thin hydrocolloid sticker that covers active cold sores. It’s marketed as both a treatment and a cosmetic cover-up, designed to reduce healing time while making sores less visible. The patches are sold in small packs (usually 15–21 patches) for $15–$20, placing them among the higher-priced options compared to generic pimple patches or cheaper cold sore treatments.
How It Claims to Work
The patches are said to:
- Create a protective barrier that keeps out dirt and bacteria.
- Absorb excess fluid from the sore, reducing scabbing.
- Promote faster healing through a moist wound environment.
- Provide discreet coverage for up to 12 hours.
Reality Check
Hydrocolloid dressings are proven to aid wound healing, so the science checks out. However, these patches don’t contain antiviral medication, meaning they won’t kill the herpes virus itself.
Customer feedback shows mixed experiences:
- Some users noticed their sores healed more cleanly, with less scabbing.
- Others said the patches fell off within hours, making them impractical for daily use.
- Quite a few said they worked no better than cheaper hydrocolloid alternatives.
Red Flags To Consider
Overpriced for What It Is
At $15–$20 per pack, Mederma’s patches cost significantly more than generic hydrocolloid bandages or pimple patches that perform the same function.
Doesn’t Treat the Virus
The patch may help with appearance and comfort, but it doesn’t contain docosanol (Abreva) or antiviral medication, so it won’t actually shorten outbreak duration in the way a true antiviral might.
Adhesion Problems
Numerous reviews complain that the patches don’t stay on, especially when eating, drinking, or talking. Some users reported them peeling within 1–2 hours instead of the advertised 12.
Small Quantity, Big Price
Each box only comes with around 15 patches. For people with frequent outbreaks, this adds up quickly compared to longer-lasting creams.
Does It Really Work?
Yes, but only in a limited way. The patch can protect sores, reduce irritation, and make them less visible. But it does not cure or significantly shorten cold sore outbreaks. Effectiveness largely depends on how well the patch adheres, which seems inconsistent.
Pricing
Mederma Cold Sore Patch: $15–$20 for ~15–21 patches
Alternatives
- Abreva Cream – FDA-approved docosanol treatment that targets the virus directly.
- Lysine supplements – Some users report fewer outbreaks with daily lysine.
- Generic hydrocolloid patches – Cheaper and often stick better.
- Prescription antivirals (Valtrex, Acyclovir) – Most effective option for frequent outbreaks.
What To Do If You Feel Scammed
- If bought from Amazon or a pharmacy, request a refund citing poor adhesion or lack of results.
- Contact Mederma’s customer service directly.
- Report misleading claims to the FDA or consumer protection agencies.
Conclusion
The Mederma Cold Sore Patch isn’t a scam, as it does provide a discreet barrier and may help with healing, but it’s overpriced, inconsistent in adhesion, and doesn’t contain antiviral medication.
Final Verdict: Works as a cosmetic cover-up, but not a true treatment.
Also Read – I Tried Alien Power Multi-Purpose Stain Remover – Here’s My Honest Review of it!