Fever Blisters in Mouth

One of my friends has a habit of eating a lot of green chillies. So one day he complained of blisters in his mouth and we thought that they were a result of overeating of spices. But when we consulted a doctor, he diagnosed those blisters as fever blisters in mouth.

Causes of Fever Blisters

Fever blisters in mouth are a result of a virus called the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV 1), which is more severe than the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV 2). In most cases the former causes oral herpes and the latter gives rise to genital herpes, but sometimes any part of the body can be infected by both. The elevation in the body temperature acts as a trigger to activate these virus, hence the blisters caused by it are called high fever blisters in mouth. Statistically, about 50 to 90% of the world's population is affected by HSV 1 virus, as its more dominant. Whereas, both these viruses are equally contagious. Cold sores or fever blisters in mouth can be caused by close contact, such as kissing or hugging an infected person, as the virus spreads through saliva or even playing with infected children. When an HSV 1 victim is subjected to stress, fever, change in diet, etc. the infection can increase. The victim then starts showing symptoms such as lesions on lips, mouth, gums and the roof of the mouth. Washing or keeping the mouth clean, cannot reduce these blisters, as there is no cure for them. Such contagious outbreaks can only be suppressed by using certain medications recommended by physicians.

Symptoms of Fever Blisters

Primary Infection
When the skin in and around the mouth, comes in contact with the Herpes Simplex Virus, it infects the tongue, gums and throat. This first or primary infection is called 'gingivostomatitis'. It occurs mostly in children between the age of 6 months to 3 years and they suffer from pain, fever, swallowing problems and swelling of the lymph nodes. Dehydration is one of the major symptoms seen in children, if the pain does not allow them to drink fluids.

Prodrome
This stage shows symptoms like pain and burning sensations, that lasts for about 2 hours to 2 days and comes before a recurrent infection.

Recurrent Infection
Once a person is infected with the virus, it harbors in some cells and can be activated again in favorable conditions. This reactivation can be enhanced due to trauma to the skin, stress, high fever, exposure to the sun, menstruation and other similar causes. The fever blisters in mouth start on the lips in the form of 3 to 5 vesicles and then turn into pustular and ulcerative in the next 3 to 5 days. The most severe symptoms can be seen 8 hours after its outbreak.

Treatment

As you know there are not many cures for fever blisters in mouth, however the pain can be reduced by using some allopathic medicines. To start with, using antibacterial mouthwash and brushing your teeth would reduce the chances of an oral sore or fever blisters in mouth. It is advised to take Penciclovir or Famciclovir on doctor's prescription, when the area starts burning. Avoid eating foods that are salty or spicy, during the onset of the disease. Tetracycline, can be used to reduce the spread of infection and Lidocai, to reduce pain, but should be consumed as prescribed by the physician. Hydrogen peroxide, an excellent anti-infectant, can also be used immediately when the blisters appear. Rinse your mouth with it 3 times a day and then with water. The same can be done with milk of magnesia. Another set of 'Over the Counter (OTC)' drugs like Super Lysine for Herpes, Herpecin-L Lip Balm, H-Balm and Viroxyn are also available which interfere with viral reproduction and help prevent the growth of the disease.

Home Remedies

The easiest ways to reduce the pain and irritation of fever blisters in mouth are some very effective home remedies such as:

• Reduction in the intake of chocolates, nuts, grains, peas and whole-wheat.
• When the infection is being initiated and you start getting an itching in the mouth and slight fever, apply aloe juice to the affected part as this will aid in the healing process and will not let the blister to grow.
• You can choose to apply some cornstarch paste or a mixture of grapefruit extract with olive oil to the affected areas.
• Ice cubes can also be rubbed on the blisters as it stops the movement of the virus.
• Applying some mint extract will help in the healing of the blisters.
• Vaseline can also help to prevent the blisters from cracking by moisturizing and keeping them soft.
• Witch Hazel can be used on the sores.
• Moisten your index finger and put some common salt on it and then hold it on the sore for a minute. Do this for 3 days.
• You can also apply some spirit or camphor to the sore.

If you are allergic to any of the above things then please do not try these remedies but if not, they will definitely prove helpful. Fever blisters in mouth can be avoided by taking precautionary measures so that it does not lead to any further complications. So always remember, as an old saying goes, "Prevention is better than Cure".