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Fever blisters, or cold sores, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1.
© iStockphoto.com/Rebecca EllisYou wake up with a burning or tingling sensation on your lip, and within a day or two, you're bracing for a painful cold sore, also known as a fever blister.
Cold sores are triggered by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The type 2 variant typically affects the genital area [source: MedlinePlus]. Only those carrying this virus will develop cold sores, though not everyone with it will experience recurring outbreaks. In fact, just about 10 percent of infected individuals will develop sores [source: American Academy of Dermatology].
Cold sores can be a persistent nuisance for those who carry the virus, as there's no permanent cure. The frequency of outbreaks varies by individual. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in your nerve cells and can occasionally reactivate, traveling along the nerve to the skin. Although the exact cause of cold sores is unknown, factors like the flu or overexposure to sunlight can trigger an outbreak [source: MedicineNet].
Cold sores typically last from 7 to 10 days and most often appear around the mouth, lips, or nostrils [source: Mayo Clinic]. Red blisters form, burst, and leave behind a yellow crust that protects the new skin underneath. These blisters are highly contagious until fully crusted over [source: WebMD]. Even after the blister is gone, the virus can still spread, particularly through kissing [source: MedicineNet].
Fortunately, there are treatments available that can minimize the impact of fever blisters on your daily life. To explore your options, check out the next page.
Fever Blister Treatments
While there's no cure or vaccine for the cold sore-causing virus, certain medications can alleviate the symptoms and help manage outbreaks.
For less severe cases, doctors typically recommend allowing the painful blisters to heal naturally, as they usually last around a week. If the sores are especially painful, applying a topical treatment like lidocaine or benzyl alcohol can help alleviate discomfort [source: Mayo Clinic]. However, over-the-counter products generally provide only short-term relief, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can also help ease the pain [source: MedicineNet].
If your cold sores are more severe or you experience frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. In more extreme cases, daily medication may be prescribed to prevent outbreaks altogether [source: Pennsylvania State University]. However, even some prescription treatments only reduce healing time by less than a day [source: MedicineNet].
Medications aren't the only way to prevent or lessen the severity of fever blister outbreaks. There are several simple home remedies that can help accelerate the healing process. Continue reading on the next page to discover more.
Both strains of herpes can affect any type of skin, but the type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV) is typically responsible for cold sores, while type 2 usually causes genital sores. Type 2 infections typically result in sores 2 to 20 days after contact with an infected person, most commonly through sexual activity. Symptoms include mild rashes, itching, painful sores, fever, muscle aches, and a burning sensation during urination [source: American Academy of Dermatology].
Home Remedies for Fever Blisters
Before resorting to medications, it's a good idea to make sure you're doing everything possible to manage your outbreaks. Simple hygiene and self-care practices listed below may help you keep cold sores under control.
Be mindful of spreading the virus—not only to others but also to different areas of your own body. Washing your hands thoroughly can prevent transmission. Take extra care when touching sensitive areas, such as your eyes and genitals, which are especially vulnerable to infection [source: Mayo Clinic].
While not all causes of outbreaks are known, certain environmental factors can trigger cold sore flare-ups. These include fever, colds, flu, prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen, stress, and changes in your immune system. Leading a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and applying sunscreen to your lips and face can help reduce these triggers. If you have an active outbreak, applying ice or a warm compress can ease the pain. It's also important to resist the urge to pick or squeeze the sores, as this can hinder healing [source: Mayo Clinic].
If you're not infected yet, avoid kissing and close contact with individuals who have active outbreaks, as the virus spreads easily. Never share personal items like utensils, towels, or lip balm, as they can transmit the virus from one person to another [source: Mayo Clinic].
