Hi dukeguy,

Do you find that the area becomes more red or inflamed after you shave?  If the redness is actually scar tissue (meaning a permanent loss of pigment in the area) shaving should not cause further problem provided you do not scrape or tear the skin in the process.

To help ensure the best recovery of your skin it would be best to refrain from shaving for as long as possible after each outbreak.  I know this can be difficult and not always possible, so during this period of time it is important that you work consistently to nourish and repair the skin.

You can help to regenerate new skin in the area and heal the redness and inflammation through both topical and internal approaches.  Here are some that are recommended:

Apply a product to soothe and minimize scar tissue, such as:

• Pure Vitamin E oil or cream. A very high quality source of Vitamin E Oil can be obtained from Vitamin E capsules. 
• Sunflower oil contains useful amounts of essential fatty acids and a high amount of vitamin E.
• Olive leaf Repair Cream works wonders to repair skin tissue
• Lavender is one of the most valuable essential oils. It promotes growth of new skin cells and exerts a balancing action. It has a pronounced healing effect on burns and sunburn and helpful in cases of acne, eczema and psoriasis. Also heals abscesses, boils and fungal growth, swelling, scarring.
• Aloe vera gel has excellent skin regeneration properties, is readily available and inexpensive.
• Pawpaw Ointment helps most skin conditions
• Gotu Kola and Calendula oil are also indicated for skin repair and healing

Take a daily supplement which supports skin regeneration, such as:

• Flaxseed Oil is important for all skin disorders and aids in preventing dryness.
• Vitamin E (internally) helps restore collagen and strengthen the skin.
• Vitamin A protects the skin tissue.
• Zinc is helpful for skin disorders.
• Selenium has powerful antioxidant properties.
• Vitamin B Complex is necessary for all cellular functions.
• Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is important for formation of collagen and skin tissue.

When you do begin shaving again make sure to use a non-irritating but strong lather and a sharp, clean razor to avoid tearing the skin again.  As soon as you have finished shaving try applying jojoba oil to immediately soothe and nourish the newly shaven skin (almond, peach kernel or vitamin E oil all work similarly but I find that jojoba tends to work best).

• NO Mineral Or Other Petroleum Ingredients: cannot be absorbed into the skin; may clog your pores.
• NO Propylene Glycol or DPG or Sorbital:  cheap synthetic fillers, also used in anti-freeze products, can damage skin & muscle tissue.
• NO Lauryl, Laureth or Ammonium Sulfates: these are potent irritants and they literally strip-away fatty acids, moisture and amino acids from your hair and skin.
• NO Drying SD Alcohol: a harsh, drying chemical ingredient and potentially irritating to the skin.
• NO Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin: formaldehyde-releasing agents; formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin irritations, and trigger heart palpitations; formaldehyde is toxic to the immune system, a human mutagen, and is carcinogenic.
• NO Lanolin: an animal by-product (sheep's wool); maybe allergenic to some individuals.
• NO Triethanolamines, DEA or MEA: harmful thru inhalation, ingestion & skin absorption; may cause irritation & rash; repeated skin applications have resulted in a major increase in liver and kidney cancers.
• NO Artificial FRAGRANCE/COLORING: maybe allergenic to some individuals.
• NO ANIMAL TESTING & No Animal Products

The second point is in regards to prevention.  It is important never to scratch or pick the cold sore when it is healing (even though it can be tempting).  If you pick or pull at the scab, you can undo the repair process and rip your skin again, which means it'll probably take longer to heal. You may even get a scar. So let that scab sit there - your skin will thank you!

No matter which treatment you use, the best thing that you can do is to be gentle with your skin and allow the area to heal naturally. You can also encourage new skin growth and regeneration using certain products.

When the area is still healing (i.e. once a scab or crusting has formed or when the cold sore has closed over) you can apply Aloe vera gel onto the sore.  Aloe vera gel grows very easily and could be in your backyard already.  Stay away from Aloe creams as they are normally mixed with many other solutions, if you buy an Aloe vera gel make sure that it is a 'pure' gel and not just a gel that contains Aloe vera.