How Do I Cover a Cold Sore?

--> Here's a helpful video that shows you how to cover up a cold sore. These nasty little things don't have to ruin your day, or your date, or rear their ugly head in pictures that you post to Facebook or Twitter. Remember, never try to pop it as it will take that much longer for the cold sore to heal. Guys, this may not be very helpful but you can always pass this along. -->

Is it OK to pop a cold sore?

No! Never try to pop cold sores. You may have seen YouTube videos that show you how to do it, or maybe you read advice elsewhere that it's ok to try and pop cold sore. Regardless, you should never try to pop them. There are several reasons why you shouldn't, and many of them are just common sense. Here are a few:

• Popping the cold sore could cause other areas of your face to break out in additional cold sores.
• If you pop a cold sore it's going to take much longer for it heal.
• Not allowing the cold sore to heal because you've popped it will prolong the healing process.
• Popping it creates a scenario where the HSV1 virus can more easily be spread to others.

It may seem like a good idea and we definitely understand why you would want to try and pop the cold sore, but don't; let nature take its course and heal the cold sore for you. The best way to treat the fever blister while it is healing is to apply ice to it when it is hurting and to always keep it moist with chapstick or Carmex.We hope this helps! Visit "what is cold sores".com if you have more questions.

Stages of a Cold Sore

Stage 1

The first stage of the sore occurs when the dormant virus becomes active and migrates to the facial skin, often appearing on the lips. Before the sore becomes visible you may experience a burning or tingling sensation at the area where the fever blister will eventually appear. This stage may last a few days. 

Stage 2

The next stage is sometime accompanied with a slight headache and/or a rise in body temperature. The affected area may also feel warm. At his stage the area will be swollen as the virus has now entered cells on the lips and is actively replicating. Discomfort is more pronounced and this is the ideal time to apply petroleum jelly to the sore in order to keep it moist.

Stage 3

During the third stage the blister continues to swell and eventually ruptures. You need to be especially careful during this stage not to use make up or touch other parts of the face or body as the liquid from the blister holds millions of viruses that can easily be spread to other parts of your body or to other people. Applying ice to the area will help alleviate the pain during this stage of the cold sore.

Stage 4
Towards the end of the cold sore cycle scabs will form.  Even though the cold sores appear to be dry and drained of fluid they still remain contagious. Scabs are also quite painful because they will often crack and this is why it is so important to keep the sore moist. (Remember, ice is an easy way to sooth pain and discomfort.)  The scab that forms will eventually fall off as new skin develops beneath it.

Stage 5
The affected area will then revert back to a dormant stage. While the cold sore appears to have completely healed, the virus still remains beneath layers of skin. During this stage be sure to avoid factors that may aggravate the area and encourage new cold sore formation.  And don’t forget, the virus is still communicable even when it is dormant. Here is additional info if you have more questions pertaining to what is cold sores.