Fact Checked
A fever blister is a condition caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. The virus is transmitted from person to person by entering through a break or cut in the skin around or inside the mouth. It can also be spread by direct contact with the fever blister or touching the infected fluid which is caused by kissing an infected person, sharing utensils and touching his/her saliva. The blisters cause severe pain and the skin around the area looks swollen and red.
Symptoms of a fever blister
- Itching, tingling and burning sensations around the lips.
- Within 24-48 hours the blisters develop on the edge of the lips and skin.
- The blisters will burst and starts oozing fluids and dries out and crust over.
- Scabs will form and protects new skin growing under the affected area.
Causes
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Injury or trauma to the affected area
- Hormone fluctuations
- Dental procedures
- Severe exposure to sun
- Depression
- High grade fever
- Sore throat
- Dehydration
- Muscle aches
- Swelling lymph nodes
- Headache
Treatment
- Prescribed pain medication to lessen the fever and the pain.
- Prescribed oral antiviral medications to lessen the symptoms of fever blisters.
- Apply a damp tea bag to the affected area for at least 10 minutes 3-4 times every day. Next apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel and place to the same area for at least 15 minutes 3-4 times every day. Apply a thick lemon balm ointment after each application of ice pack to lessen the pain and the symptoms of fever blisters.
- Prescribed vitamin C and lysine supplement for fast healing of the condition. another alternative is increase the consumption of lysine rich foods such chicken, cheese, eggs, lima beans, milk potatoes, fish, soy and brewer’s yeast
- Dab salt directly on the blisters, leave it on the blisters for a few minutes and then rinse it off and dap it using pure aloe Vera gel to lessen the pain caused by the salt.
- Prescribed topical antiviral medications to lessen the pain and the symptoms.
- Prescribed aloe Vera cream or 0.05% extract, applied to the affected area 3 times for 5 days for fast healing of the blisters.
- Topical zinc sulfate cream to heal the sores and lessen the risk of the condition to recur.
Tips
- Apply sunscreen on the lips
- Apply lip balm
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Get plenty of rest and lower the stress level
- Avoid staying under the sun for long periods of time
- Avoid trauma to the skin around the mouth
- Use sun block with high-SPF on the face and apply zinc oxide to areas susceptible to fever blisters.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-cold-sores
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/fever-blister-remedies
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-cold-sores-basics#1