Cold Sore Associated Skin Discomfort & Appearance Study

Evaluating a topical botanical formula for recurrent cold sores

Join an at-home study evaluating how a topical, natural formula may support cold-sore associated skin discomfort and appearance. Participants must report and apply treatment for 10 days during one cold sore episode at any time during the 26-week study to be compliant.

See If You Qualify
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About This Study

At-Home Remote Study
No clinic visits. Everything is shipped to your door. You’ll complete online check-ins and remote screenings throughout the study.
Participant Compensation Available
Participants who meet adherence requirements will receive a $25 Amazon gift card at the end of the study.
Data Collected
Daily surveys and photos collected on the Alethios platform.
Randomized Control Trial
Participants will receive one of four formulas during the study, one of which will be a placebo.

What's Involved

For 26 weeks at home, you’ll complete a 1-question daily check-in on whether or not you are starting to experience a cold sore. If one appears, you will be instructed follow a 10-day routine in which you will apply your assigned topical ointment three times a day, upload one quick photo daily, and answer a short set of questions, with a final survey on Day 10. A final assessment on Day 182 wraps up participation—all tasks are done in the Alethios portal.

Verify Eligibility and Enroll

Complete a short screening questionnaire through our online platform to confirm eligibility for the study. If eligible, you’ll review the study details and sign an electronic consent form through the Alethios platform.

Begin Onboarding

Your Study Kit will be shipped to you once you complete your Onboarding Activities, such as surveys and connecting your wearable. Your final Onboarding Activity will be to confirm receipt of your Study Kit. Your study will begin the day after receipt is confirmed.

Complete Surveys and Check-Ins

Log a 1-question daily outbreak check; if an cold sore appears, complete a 10-day routine with a quick daily photo and brief skin discomfort and appearance questions, plus a Day-10 resolution check, and finish with a final Day-182 assessment. Adherence is tracked in the Alethios platform and must be met to receive compensation.

Close Out and Compensation of $25

After completing all study requirements, adherent participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and access to their individual study data

What's Being Studied?

This multi-group, decentralized study observes improvements in skin discomfort and appearance during active cold-sore periods during which participants use either a placebo, an over-the-counter product, or either of two natural formulations developed by Sonoran University. This study is being conducted double-blind, meaning that neither the research team nor the participant knows which product the participants will be using during the study

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements

See If You Qualify
Have recurrent cold sores
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
No known allergies to comphor or botanical ingredients
Not currently taking any prescription antiviral medications for cold sores
Willing to provide pictures of your cold sore progression throughout the study