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A member asked:
When a cold sore turns into a scab what should you do? any creams or should you pick it off?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Don't pick t it!: When cold sore begins to have that funny sensation before it breaks out or very early on, taking antivirals would help. Once scabbed over, just let it heal on its own. Do not pick off the scab as it can get infected and scarred!
Answered 12/12/2012
5.4k views
No picking: Definitely do not pick! picking the scabs may lead to scarring. The best treatment is to keep the scabs "gooey" with vasaline petroleum jelly. Whenever you think about it, rub some in. The petrolatum will dissolve the scabs faster and help decrease the scarring.
Answered 9/28/2016
5.4k views
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