How to Heal Cold Sore Crust

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman | Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: October 20, 2022 References

Cold sores are a frustrating flare-up around your lips that form due to the herpes simplex virus. These blisters are filled with fluid, but dry out and form a scab, or crust, along the edge of your lip after a few days.^{[1]
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Research source} While cold sore scabs will heal and go away on their own, you can try a few different remedies to make the healing process more comfortable.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Treating Your Cold Sore

1
Cover your cold sore scab with a cool compress or ice to reduce swelling and speed up healing. Soak a clean cloth or paper towel in cool water, then wring out the extra water. Fold the cloth or towel in half and drape it over your scab for a few minutes to keep it from itching or burning. After you hold the compress in place, you may notice flecks of the crusty scab begin to peel or lift away.^{[2]
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- Do this on an as-needed basis, depending on how often your cold sore bothers you.
- This helps reduce any temptation to scratch or pick at your scab, which can make the healing process a lot longer.
- You can also apply a little ice to help ease the discomfort.
2
Dab petroleum jelly over the crusty area. Scoop up a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly with a clean cotton swab and apply it directly to the scab. Spread the jelly over the entire scab to hydrate it so it's less visible and heals faster. Try doing this once a day, or whenever your skin feels dry.^{[3]
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- You can find petroleum jelly at a pharmacy, or any store that sells beauty or first aid supplies.
- Don’t use your finger to apply the petroleum jelly, as you don’t want to spread germs. If you do use your finger, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before using the jelly.
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3
Cover your cold sore with an over-the-counter ointment so it doesn’t last as long. Pick up a small tube of cold sore ointment, such as ABREVA, at your local pharmacy and apply it over the surface of your scabbed cold sore. Check the instructions to see how often you need to apply the ointment. Over a few days, you may notice your cold sore scab healing more quickly.
- You can apply most of these ointments up to 5 times a day. Dab a small amount onto your cold sore to get relief.
- Cold sore ointments don’t have a drastic impact on the healing process, but you may notice a positive difference.
- ABREVA is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment for cold sores in the U.S. This medication can soothe your pain and may speed up the healing process.^{[4]
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Tip: You can also look for antiviral creams and gels containing “aciclovir” or “penciclovir.” If you take these when you first start showing symptoms, you may be able to get rid of your cold sores more quickly.^{[5]
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PubMed Central
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4
Talk to a doctor about taking an oral antiviral medication. See if your doctor would be willing to write you a prescription for an antiviral tablet, or if they have another treatment suggestion. Mention any medication allergies or ongoing medical conditions you’re dealing with, so your doctor can make an informed decision.^{[6]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Call your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of a cold sore coming on, such as a burning or tingling sensation on your lip. The earlier you start the antiviral treatment, the more effective it will be.^{[7]
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  Harvard Medical School
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- If you suspect that your cold sore is infected, see if a healthcare professional can prescribe you some antibiotics to help.^{[8]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
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5
Manage your pain with over-the-counter medications. If your cold sore is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help. Follow the directions on the package, and never take more than the recommended amount.^{[9]
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- These medications are safe for most people when taken correctly, but talk to your doctor if you have any health concerns. For example, you may need to get your doctor’s advice if you are pregnant, using blood-thinning medications, or have problems with your liver or stomach.^{[10]
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  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Protecting Your Skin

1
Apply sunscreen and protective lip ointment on your cold sore crust if you’re going outside. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water so you don’t spread any germs to your crusty cold sore. Lightly cover the sore with a layer of sunscreen, which may keep you from getting new cold sores in the long run. You can also use a protective lip ointment or balm, especially one that has sun protection. Take time to protect your cold sore before you go outside so your skin doesn’t scar eventually.^{[11]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Like any other part of your skin, you don’t want to leave your cold sore unprotected when you go outside. Since cold sores can be triggered by sunny or windy weather, you want to protect yourself as much as possible.
Tip: Check that your sunscreen has a minimum SPF of 15!^{[12]
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2
Wear lip balm on a daily basis to protect your lips. Get in the habit of putting a thin layer of lip balm on once a day, or whenever your lips feel dry. For extra protection, look into lip balms with SPF protection built in.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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3
Avoid picking at the scab with your fingers. Scabs can get bothersome and itchy, and the temptation to pick, peel, and scratch at the edges of your crusty cold sore. If your cold sore is really bothering you, take a painkiller like ibuprofen, or use an over-the-counter cream.^{[14]
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4
Don’t eat foods that may irritate your cold sore scab. Adjust your diet if you’re a big fan of spicy, acidic, and salty snacks or beverages. Switch to simpler, more subtly seasoned food while you wait for your cold sore to heal completely. If your cold sore scab gets irritated, it may take longer to heal.^{[15]
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- For instance, instead of eating buffalo chicken, switch to chicken lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Stay away from acidic drinks, like citrus juices and sodas.
5
Don’t kiss or share drinks while your cold sore is scabbing. While cold sores aren’t that harmful, they are contagious if you share drinks, kiss, or do anything that causes your cold sore to touch another person. Even if your cold sore is scabbed over, give yourself plenty of space, and avoid sharing food and drinks until the cold sore heals completely.^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Sharing drinks may expose you to other germs, which may cause you to come down with a cold or other contagious illness.
- Don’t share personal items, like eating utensils, towels, or razors, with other people while your sore is healing.

Warnings

Don’t have oral sex with your partner until your cold sore is completely healed. Even if it’s scabbed and crusty, you can still risk spreading the herpes simplex virus.^{[20]
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Avoid sharing any lip makeup with your friends and family members, as this could spread the virus.^{[21]
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