How to Heal Cold Sore Scabs on Lips

Cold sores are a painful type of blistering that can happen on the lips and other areas of the mouth. Cold sores are viral in nature, which means that contact with other people who have cold sores can cause infection. Once a cold sore is healing, it will form a scab that needs to be protected from irritation which will allow it to heal on its own.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Vaseline
• Benzocaine

1. Apply sunscreen. Sometimes cold sores can be caused by sun exposure, so applying sunscreen that is SPF 15 or more can help prevent new scabs from forming near the already scabbed cold sores.

2. See a doctor. Make sure that you are actually getting cold sores and not something else, such as canker sores. If you get oral sores often, see a doctor to make sure you are treating them correctly.

3. Avoid eating salty and acidic foods. These foods can irritate a cold sore scab. It will take longer for it to heal.

4. Cover the cold sore. Petroleum-based products (such as Vaseline) can help cover up a cold sore, keeping it from drying out and allowing it to heal.

5. Use pain killers. Topical anesthetics, which use benzocaine, will help numb the affected area. Standard painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen will also help. This will help keep you from touching the sore to often, irritating it and preventing the scab from healing.

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