The Best Way to Remove a Scab From a Cold Sore

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, often arise after sensations of tingling and a small hard spot on the lip occur. Red blisters follow and usually can last seven to 10 days. The blisters eventually break, ooze and a yellow crust forms. After the crust sloughs off, the skin heals without a scar. Because the cold sore scab protects growing skin cells underneath, it is best to allow the scab to heal on its own by following some simple steps. These blisters generally come about due to exposure to the herpes simplex virus, according to uspharmacist.com.

Home Remedies

• To reduce discomfort caused by the cold sore, use over-the-counter ointments such as benzyl alcohol or topical lidocaine. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In addition, apply warm and cold compresses to the blisters to relieve pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Scab Removal

• Removing the scab by hand is not advisable because it will expose the new skin cells to bacteria. You will cause the cold sore to spread. If you've already begun picking at the scab, moisten it in the shower by letting water run over it until the area becomes soft. Use an FDA-approved product such as Docosanol 10 percent cream (Abreva) to shorten the duration and healing time, according to uspharmacist.com. This can be used at the first sign of infection or at a later stage (during the scab formation). Apply the cream five times a day—wash your hands before and afterward.

Prevention and Maintenance

• While blisters are present, avoid skin contact such as kissing, avoid sharing items such as towels and utensils, wash hands before touching others and make sure not to touch other parts of your body such as your eyes. In addition, stay out of the sun or use sunblock if you need to be in the sun for long periods, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stay away from people with colds or flu to avoid stressing your immune system.