Cold Sore Scabs and Scars
Cold sores are not preventable or curable, but you can speed up the healing process and make sure they don’t leave a scar. Products containing benzocaine can help reduce some of the pain associated with cold sores. You can also take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce swelling and pain. According to Cleveland Clinic, prescribed oral antiviral medications will decrease pain and make your cold sore heal faster. An over the counter antiviral cream can help as well, but not as fast as an oral version.
How do you get the cold sore scab stage to heal faster? Leave it alone. Do not touch or pick at your cold sore. If you pick the scab, it will only make it deeper, leading to a scar. Also, touching it can cause an infection, which will lead to a longer healing time and possible scarring. You may be wondering if you should keep a cold sore scab dry or moist? Well, Cleveland Clinic recommends moisturizing your lip and scab area to keep it from drying out and peeling.
Cold sores happen to the best of us. When you feel one coming on, the wise thing to do is not to irritate it. Use over-the-counter benzocaine products and pain relievers to help with the swelling and pain, or talk to your doctor about a prescription treatment. Try and keep your fingers away from it to reduce the chances of scarring. Cold sores are a nuisance but don’t let them bring you down.