A member asked:

My cold sore is starting to dry and crust. is it ok to take off that top layer of crust?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

No: Would recommend not removing the "crust" as this is protective and removing it renders the area potentially susceptible to secondary bacterial infection.

Answered 10/22/2018

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Cold sore: I agree with Dr. Raff. Not only is that top layer protective- but the area below the crust is probably teaming with virus.

Answered 10/23/2018

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How to take care of big cold sore?

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