How to Treat Cold Sore Scabs

Cold sore scabs form when blisters caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus break and crust over. While sufferers may find the appearance of these scabs unsightly, they are an important stage in the healing process. For this reason, the scabs should not be disturbed, but be allowed to fall off of their own accord over the course of several days. Cold sore scabs cannot be prevented or cured once you have the herpes simplex type 1 virus. However, appropriate treatments may help relieve the discomfort felt during this stage of the virus, and encourage the skin's natural healing process.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 tsp. cooking or table salt
• 1 cup water
• Soft towel
• Over-the-counter topical antiviral product
• Flannel
• Petroleum jelly

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Instructions

• 1

  Dissolve 1/2 tsp. salt in a cup of lukewarm water. Splash the salt water on the affected area, or hold a flannel soaked in the salt water against the skin. Gently pat dry using a soft towel.

• 2

  Apply an over-the-counter topical anti-viral product to shorten the length of an outbreak. Brand names include Abreva, Lipactin, Zovirax, Denavir and Valtrex.

• 3

  Make a cold compress by soaking a flannel in cold water, or wrapping ice in a flannel. Hold the cold compress against the affected area.

• 4

  Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area to protect and moisturize the scabs. This will help prevent them from cracking or falling off prematurely.