Stages of the virus
After the itchy, tingly stage, the site of the cold sore gradually develops into a blister or a small group of blisters, surrounded by red and swollen skin.
After a day or so these burst to produce the typical open sore.
Like a sore anywhere on your body, these sores gradually dry up and form a crusty scab, which is usually a yellow-brown colour.
The sore gradually heals.
The scab falls off over a few days and should completely disappear after around 10 days, or faster with the use of Zovirax Cold Sore Cream.
The area may be a bit swollen for few days.