Many people get cold sores—those painful and sometimes unattractive eruptions on or around the lips. These are infections by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
It is important to know that cold sores come in stages, one of which is the scab’s development. Now you might be wondering how long it will take the scab to heal or what you can do to have it healed faster. If ever you have been anxiously waiting for the scab of a cold sore to shed, you are absolutely not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss the typical duration of cold sore scabs and provide some recommendations on how to remove them faster.
Know The Stages of Cold Sores!
It will be beneficial to know the stages of a cold sore before getting into how long a cold sore scab lasts. A cold sore goes through several stages, each with its own distinct signs and symptoms:
Tingling and Itching: The first symptom of a cold sore is when you feel a sensation such as tingling or itching around or on the lips. This is the signal that a cold sore is the next thing to happen.
Blister Formation: After a tingling sensation, a small blister will develop filled with clear fluid; the blister is painful and sensitive when touched. This is the stage where the cold sore is most infectious.
Weeping and Crusting: A blister finally ruptures, releasing a clear-to-yellow fluid, and the skin forms a yellowish-hard layer or crust.
Healing: The crust that forms over the sores will slowly peel off, and the cold sore will disappear completely on its own.
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How Long Does a Cold Sore Scab Last?
A cold sore scab normally takes about 5 to 15 days to heal, but this depends on the severity of the cold sore, your health status, and the care you give to the scab.
It usually takes the form of a small bubble on the surface of the skin, and when this bubble bursts and the area forms a scab, then this is an indication that the worst is over. However, the scab itself may be irritating and can attract attention if it is on your lips.
The scab is your body’s way of protecting the new skin beneath it while the healing process takes place, so it is advisable not to pop it. If allowed to heal properly, it does not leave a scar, but if the wound is picked, it not only will take longer to heal but it will scar.
Factors Influencing How Long The Cold Sore Scab Will Last!
While a cold sore scab generally takes around a week to heal, some factors can influence the healing time:
Your Immune System: If the immune system is high, then there may be a faster recovery from the cold sore. On the other hand, it may take slightly longer if you are stressed, tired, or have low immunity, for instance, caused by illness or taking certain medications.
Treatment: When you realize you have developed a cold sore, then using antiviral creams or ointments can help quickly treat it. Some treatments work to help decrease the amount of pain, inflammation, and duration of the outbreak, which means the scab could potentially fall off a little sooner.
For individuals searching for a dermatologist near Moorestown, NJ, for their cold sore treatment, Meta Dermatology is the place!
Avoiding Irritation: You need to make sure that the cold sore is taken care of, and you should not try to touch or pick up the scab. Doing so will help the scab to heal faster. Also, it is recommended to use lip balm or any other ointments to avoid having the scab crack and possibly bring a quicker healing process.
Follow A Few Tips to Speed Up The Healing Process!
While there’s no magic cure for cold sores, there are several things you can do to speed up the healing process and reduce the discomfort that comes with it:
Start Treatment Early: The moment you experience that tingle or itch, it is advisable to visit the store and buy ointments or antiviral creams and apply them to the cold sore. It is found that these treatments can help to lessen the intensity and length of the cold sore.
Keep It Moisturized: A dry scab is more likely to become cracked and cause further soreness. Apply some lip balm or some ointment that is good for healing, like petroleum jelly.
Avoid Touching the Scab: It would be wise not to try to touch the cold sore scab with your fingers because it can cause infection. If touched, it can accumulate bacteria and will take longer to heal.
Avoid Triggers: Cold sores tend to appear due to stress, sun exposure, or an illness. Lip protection must be done by applying sunscreen whenever you are under the sun, and you should try and minimize stress through practices such as breathing exercises and yoga.
Stay Healthy: Minimizing the intake of foods that can weaken the immune system and ensuring that you eat a balanced diet.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most cold sores heal on their own, you should consult a healthcare provider if:
- The cold sore persists for more than two weeks.
- Pain is unbearable or swelling is significant.
- You get multiple cold sores.
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or there are issues with your vision.
Conclusion
The cold sore scab healing process may cause an itch and may be present for some time. Usually, they become healed between 5 to 15 days, depending on the immune system of the individual and the severity of the outbreak. To avoid soreness, have the area treated early, and make sure to apply moisture. Just keep in mind that you should not scratch the area and must wait for the healing process to kick in.
If you are having recurrent cold sores and looking for the best dermatologist in NJ, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist at Meta Dermatology to get proper treatment. If you get the proper care you need, you’ll get back to your normal self in no time.