How to Treat Fever Blisters

Fever blisters are often called cold sores, and are caused by the oral form of the herpes virus (called Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1.) The blisters are highly painful and occur on the cheeks, nostrils, lips and chin. They start as blisters that break open, exude a puss or clear fluid, then crust over before drying up. While you can treat the blisters for pain, most people with the herpes virus will have reoccurring experiences. There is no cure for herpes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be sure you have fever blisters and not other types of sores, such as mouth ulcers. They should be smaller than canker sores and generally do not occur in the mouth itself. Doctors can confirm that they are in fact cold sores.

2. Seek medical treatment. Some forms of antiviral medication can be used to minimize the onset of the fever blisters. Medications used to treat the herpes virus include Acyclovir, Penciclovir, and Famiciclovir. They will not cure the condition, but they can reduce how severe the outbreak is and how frequently they occur.

3. Monitor your fever. Many fever blisters do in fact have an associated fever with them, as well as other symptoms that are similar to the flu. Treat these symptoms by taking an over the counter pain and fever medication, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Other symptoms can be treated with rest.

4. Apply a cold compress on the fever blisters. An ice pack can be effective at relieving the pain from the cold sore. Leave the ice on the sore for about ten minutes, then remove. Alternatively, some doctors recommend placing a warm compress on the region, which can reduce the pain.

5. Keep the area clean and keep from touching it. You will see more fever blisters if you touch, scratch, or squeeze the sores. Also, keep your toothbrush clean. These contaminated services can spread the fever blisters and cause more of them when a non-infected area is touched with it.

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