About Fever Blisters

Also known as a cold sore, a fever blister is a form of the herpes virus that forms around the mouth, on the lips, the skin around the mouth, the inner mouth and even the gums. A fever blister is the form of herpes labialis commonly referred to as herpes simplex virus 1, while the form of herpes labilais that causes genital sores is referred to as herpes simplex virus 2.

Symptoms

The earliest symptoms of an oncoming fever blister is an itchy, tingling or burning sensation in the infected area up to two days before the actual blister appears on the surface of the skin. The fever blister appears as a lesion or blisters in or around the mouth and appears to be filled with a clear or yellowish liquid. The blisters may break and ooze or form yellow crusts. Several smaller blisters may form into one larger blister.

Causes

Like its cousin the genital sore, a fever blister or cold sore is contagious, and may be contracted either through direct or indirect contact with a person suffering an active blister. Herpes simplex virus 1, the fever blister virus, may also be spread during acts of oral sex. Not all fever blisters may be contacted from contact with an infected person. Persons who have been victim to chicken pox in the past may develop fever blisters later in life when they have been sick and their immune system drops; this is because the chicken pox virus lies dormant inside the body until the immune system is lowered, then it will potentially form fever blisters.

Treatment

Treatment of a fever blister is intended to make the blisters disappear faster than if left untreated, and to reduce the pain associated with the blister. Oral numbing medications, like Orajel, offers gels triggered directly at the treatment of fever blisters or cold sores. Antiviral medications may also reduce pain and cause the blister to disappear more quickly. Some people experience reoccurring fever blisters; in such situations doctor's usually prescribe antiviral medications to be taken either all of the time, or as soon as one suspects an upcoming outbreak.

Warnings

Persons with suppressed immune systems are advised to avoid contact with persons with active fever blisters. Fever blisters are potentially life-threatening to such persons. It is also advised that a person with a fever blister avoid touching the blister to prevent the virus from spreading. If the fever blister develops in the eyes it could potentially cause blindness; so a person should always thoroughly wash their hands after cleaning or treating a fever blister.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent the spread of fever blisters the blister should be washed in antiseptic soap numerous times a day. Avoid sharing. Silverware should be washed in extremely hot water, as should other objects that are shared that come into contact with the mouth. Toothbrushes should be separated to prevent the spread and oral sex and kissing should be avoided until the blisters and symptoms have disappeared.