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INTRO

TINGLE

BLISTER

ULCER

SCABBING

HEALING

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Swipe to explore the cold sore stages

INTRO

EXPLORE THE STAGES OF A COLD SORE

A cold sore is a blister that usually forms on or around the lips.

DAYS 1–2

TINGLE STAGE

This is when you'll feel those first few symptoms. Your skin could feel like it is tight and itchy, and the affected area may become red and swollen. It’s your body’s way of responding to the infection.

TIP

Treating with Abreva®Cream at the tingle stage will give you the best results.

DAYS 2–4

BLISTER STAGE

This is when you first see the blister. It probably looks like a group of small, painful bumps that may multiply or grow. When this is happening, your cold sore blister fills with fluid and the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen.

TIP

Never squeeze the blisters. Squeezing can reactivate the healing process and even lead to scarring.

DAY 4

ULCER STAGE

This can be the most painful stage, as the blisters burst and a shallow ulcer (open sore) develops. You may also see a red ring of inflammation around the affected area.

TIP

Wash your cold sore with soap and water to help avoid spreading the virus.

DAYS 5–8

SCABBING STAGE

This is when your cold sore dries out and forms a yellow/brown scab. As your scab shrinks, it may leave you with painful cracks, which are prone to bleeding. You may also experience severe itching and burning.

TIP

Don’t peel off the scab as you could damage the new, delicate skin. Instead let it fall off naturally.

DAYS 8–10

HEALING STAGE

As your scab starts to come off, you may notice some dry flaking and residual swelling. Your skin may also remain slightly pink or red.

TIP

Check whether or not you need to buy more Abreva® so you’re prepared for the next tingle.

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