8. Itchy and Crusty Phase: The Road to Recovery
After the blisters rupture, the cold sore enters a new stage: the itchy and crusty phase. This phase sees the formation of a yellow or brownish crust over the affected area. While it might seem like the worst is over, this phase brings its own set of challenges.
What’s happening underneath this crust is a healing process. The body is working diligently to repair the damaged skin, and this crust acts as a protective shield. However, the itchiness that accompanies this phase can be quite testing, especially for the young ones.
There’s an intriguing reason behind the itch. As new skin forms underneath, the crust becomes an unnecessary layer. The body sends signals, causing the itch, hinting that it’s time for the crust to shed. But for children, resisting the urge to scratch can be a monumental task.(8)
