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Breaking out a cold sore can lead to infection, scarring, and spreading the virus to others. Treatments like cold and hot compresses, aloe vera gel, and antiviral medication can help. Avoid sharing items and switch to a new toothbrush after healing to prevent the spread of the herpes simplex I virus.
You shouldn’t break out a cold sore because doing so generally increases the likelihood of infection and scarring. It can also significantly increase the chances of spreading a cold sore to others. Popping a cold sore can result in a secondary bacterial infection that complicates the primary viral infection that initially causes cold sores to form. Several methods of treating cold sores are effective and easy to follow without these risks of making this common condition worse.
A cold sore can often be uncomfortable and irritating, even if it’s temporary and usually clears up on its own within about a week on average. It can be tempting to break out cold sores due to itching, particularly when it’s on the edge or corner of the lip. The itchy sensation is often part of the natural healing mechanism, so scratching or pinching the sore tends to interrupt and slow down this process.
Cold and hot compresses can both be helpful measures for relieving cold sores. Some people have also found that topical remedies such as aloe vera gel and witch hazel are effective for treating cold sores as well. Both can relieve some of the swelling and itching, as well as keep harmful bacteria away from the area. More severe cold sores that don’t heal within a week may sometimes need to be treated with a prescribed antiviral medication.
Because cold sores are caused by the spread of a virus called herpes simplex I, it can easily spread through contact. Not only should you resist the urge to break out a cold sore, you should also be careful not to share glasses, silverware, lipstick, or other items with others until your cold sore has fully healed. Health professionals usually recommend switching to a new, unopened toothbrush after cold sores heal, to avoid possible reintroduction of the infection.
While many cold sores are mild and only appear one at a time, some more serious cases can involve multiple, larger sores around the mouth. It is even more important not to break out a cold sore in this case because this can lead to complications such as swelling of the lips, lower jaw and even other areas of the face. These types of cold sores can also sometimes leave noticeable scars known as post inflammatory marks, another incentive not to break out a cold sore.
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