What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Cold Sore That Has Scabbed?

Without treatment, a cold sore will usually last 10 to 14 days. Once your sore has scabbed, it should heal rather quickly. You can try a few things, though, to speed the healing time of a troublesome scabbed cold sore.

Treating Scabbed Cold Sores

To help minimize swelling associated with a scabbed cold sore, apply ice directly to the affected area. This will provide temporary relief of pain and discomfort, but won't necessary make the cold sore go away.

To speed healing time, you could try lysine, an amino that counteracts arginine, a substance that can trigger cold sores. Lysine generally comes in tablet form, and can be found at health food stores.

Make sure that you sleep upright. Prop a few pillows behind your head at night, as this will help your blisters drain more quickly. If you don't sleep upright (or at least semi-upright with a few pillows propped behind your head) fluid may settle in your sore, which will delay healing.

Never touch or pick at your scabbed cold sore. According to the "Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women," cold sores are extremely contagious, and touching your scab too much could lead to a breakout on your hands.

Finally, never schedule a dental appointment when you have a cold sore, especially one that has scabbed. Opening your mouth wide for long periods could aggravate your cold sore. It could even cause it to break open and spread.

Preventive Measures

In addition to treating your cold sore that has already scabbed, you should try some preventive measures to help prevent future cold sore breakouts. As a simple precautionary measure, the "Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women" recommends using a heavy, greasy ointment such as Blistex or Carmex every night before going to bed. Also, when you're out in the sun, make sure to apply a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30.

When you first suspect you're getting a cold sore, place one drop of geranium essential oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the sensitive area.

When to See a Doctor

If you're plagued by frequent, severe cold sores, see your doctor. She may be able to prescribe a treatment to help prevent and also treat those troublesome sores. You may find relief from the prescription medication Zovirax. This fights the herpes virus that's responsible for cold sores.