redness after cold sore

Is there anything I can do to reduce the redness after a cold sore. The final scab fell off 9 days ago and the skin has been the same degree of red for 9 days. My questions are:
1)Shouldn't the red have diminished SOMEWHAT in 9 days?
2)What length of time can I expect the redness to last?
3)Is there anything I can do to reduce the redness? I have been using hydrocortisone 1% per my physician for a few days, but no results yet. Should I continue its use? Is there a better treatment?
4)What would be some indicators that it is infected and not just inflamed?
5)Can ultraviolet rays hinder the healing process?
6)Again, how long should the redness last and what is the best way to treat it?
Please be sure to answer all of the questions, I know there are a lot!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

1)Shouldn't the red have diminished SOMEWHAT in 9 days?
Not necessarily.  It can take longer.
2)What length of time can I expect the redness to last?
If you leave it alone and don't rub, perhaps a month or two.
3)Is there anything I can do to reduce the redness? I have been using hydrocortisone 1% per my physician for a few days, but no results yet. Should I continue its use? Is there a better treatment?
No.  The best treatment for redness is no treatment (or cover-up.)
4)What would be some indicators that it is infected and not just inflamed?
Infection would show itself as scabbing, oozing, etc.  Doesn't sound like it.
5)Can ultraviolet rays hinder the healing process?
No.
6)Again, how long should the redness last and what is the best way to treat it?
These are repeat questions.  Please see answers above.

Dr. Rockoff