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How Can I Minimize Cold Sore Scars?

Patrick Lynch
Patrick Lynch

Cold sores are a result of a herpes virus that is currently incurable. Cold sore scars are occasionally left behind, and even though they are not always noticeable, those who suffer from them look for various methods of removal. Vitamin E oil is one effective way of removing these scars. Bleaching creams are also useful. Commercial skin products have gained popularity and promise gradual results while surgery is a more immediate, albeit expensive, removal method. Some medical professionals claim the scars will simply disappear over time without surgery, however.

These blisters normally form around the mouth and nose. The herpes virus is responsible for the cold sores and for the time being cannot be cured. Fortunately, the blisters eventually heal but they do leave scars behind.

Commercial skin products may be used to reduce the appearance of cold sore scars.
Commercial skin products may be used to reduce the appearance of cold sore scars.

Cold sore scars can be removed by vitamin E oil. Apply this oil on the scars every day to gradually remove them. Vitamin E oil is particularly useful because the majority of scars from cold sores are small and can be concealed with the appropriate product.

Bleaching creams are another effective means of getting rid of scars caused by cold sores. This form of cream eventually evens out the skin tone which causes the scars' color to become lighter. These creams contain a bleaching ingredient known as hydroquinone. Other useful bleaching ingredients include kojic and glycolic acid.

There is also a popular skin product available online called Mederma. Use this on the scar twice a day with results expected to appear within a couple of months. This apparent effectiveness of this product is backed up by hundreds of testimonials.

Some medical professionals claim that cold sore scars will disappear over time.
Some medical professionals claim that cold sore scars will disappear over time.

A more dramatic option for removing cold sore scars involves a chemical peel. A qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon performs this medical procedure. It involves burning off the top layer of skin with acid. This results in blisters which should clear up within a few days.

The skin in the human body goes through a renewal process after it has been damaged. After a chemical peel, new skin grows over the area where the scar was. This can be an expensive procedure, particularly because several operations may be needed. Lactic and glycolic acid are contained in the chemical peel.

A chemical peel is a more dramatic way to remove cold sore scars.
A chemical peel is a more dramatic way to remove cold sore scars.

A number of medical professionals have spoken out against invasive treatment for cold sore scars. They believe that most scars eventually fade by themselves. These physicians contend that patience will see the scar disappear, thereby rendering expensive surgery unnecessary.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

Topical products for stretch marks work for scars from cold sores too. I'm using one right now with vitamin E, vitamin A and calendula and chamomile oil. It's really good, the scar is fading.

fify

@burcidi-- Keeping the lips moisturized with a lip balm that has natural oils in it helps a lot with scarring.

I try to use lip balms with vitamin E oil, coconut oil, olive, almond or emu oil in it when I get a cold sore. These oils nourish the skin and help with new skin regeneration. I get cold sores on my lips occasionally and I don't have any scars because I use these lip balms religiously.

If the scar is really bad, you can also ask your doctor for a scar cream. There are special creams that doctors will prescribe to patients after surgery for scars. I don't know if they're safe to use on the lips, so you can check about that but I'm sure they would help with cold sore scarring.

burcidi

I got a cold sore for the first time in my life last week. It was one of the worst experiences ever. It is much better now, it has passed the ulceration and scabbing stage but it looks like it's going to leave behind a scar.

Bleaching or chemical peel is out of the question because the cold sore was on my lip. I think I will try vitamin E oil. Is there any other cold sore scar treatment I can use that is also safe to use on the lips?

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    • Commercial skin products may be used to reduce the appearance of cold sore scars.
      By: markcarper
      Commercial skin products may be used to reduce the appearance of cold sore scars.
    • Some medical professionals claim that cold sore scars will disappear over time.
      By: LoloStock
      Some medical professionals claim that cold sore scars will disappear over time.
    • A chemical peel is a more dramatic way to remove cold sore scars.
      By: belahoche
      A chemical peel is a more dramatic way to remove cold sore scars.
    • Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a cold sore may promote faster healing of the lesion.
      By: theartofphoto
      Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a cold sore may promote faster healing of the lesion.
    • Bleaching creams can be used to get rid of cold sore scars.
      By: Olga Lyubkin
      Bleaching creams can be used to get rid of cold sore scars.