Stage Three: Painful Sores Emerge from Blisters
After a few days of blister formation, the third stage of cold sores begins. The blisters burst, transforming into raw and painful sores. At this stage, the sores are highly contagious. It is crucial for individuals with open cold sores to resist the urge to pick at them as this can lead to a bacterial skin infection or additional spreading of the virus.
Stage Four: Cold Sore Scabs and Healing
After cold sores have burst open and released fluid, they begin to dry out and form scabs. This stage is known as the crusting stage, during which the sores may turn yellow or brown in color. It is important for individuals with crusted cold sores to avoid touching them, as the body enters the healing phase. Healthcare professionals often recommend using zinc oxide or applying warm and cold compresses to alleviate any discomfort during this stage of the cold sore’s recovery process.