Fever Blisters Treatment

It is said that fever blisters or cold sores cannot be cured. However, there are ways and methods that can help treat it. Most commonly seen on the lips, chin, cheeks and in and around the nostrils. Within few weeks they form a yellowish crust and eventually disappear.

A virus called Herpes labialis is known to cause these blisters in humans. This virus belongs to Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1. The virus is extremely potent and can be transmitted from one person to another. Common symptoms are fever, headache, nausea, painful throat, vomiting etc. This virus is infectious and can easily spread through contact and saliva. The outbreak lasts for 9-12 days, during which it goes through different phases that are outlined below:

1. Tingle Phase: On day 1 and 2, the area around the mouth or nose will be reddened, and there would be a tingling sensation accompanied by swelling and tautness. This phase is also known as the prodrome stage. Application of a topical anti-viral ointment can help relieve pain.
2. Blister Phase: On the 2nd and 3rd day, there would be an outbreak around the infected region. There will be a cluster of blisters filled with fluid.
3. Weeping Phase: Also known as the ulcer stage, it is the most painful phase. The ulcer ruptures, oozing out the yellowish fluid. This fluid is highly contagious.
4. Crusting Phase: The lesion becomes dry and starts forming a scab. The scab is characterized with a brownish crust which bleeds from cracking.
5. Healing Phase: Scabs are formed around the lesion. As the scabs flake off, new smaller scabs are formed. Ultimately, the blisters start flaking off and heals the lesion leaving no scars behind.

Treatment

There is no definite cure for fever blisters, though the medications mentioned here can help to treat and manage it.

Antiviral Medication
The treatment can be carried out with the help of some antiviral medications. These medications help to relieve the symptoms, and also curb viral multiplication. Antiviral medications are prescription-based and they include, famciclovir, valacyclovir and acyclovir. Products that contain docosanol are also prescribed as it has inhibitory effect on the herpes virus, thereby limiting the severity of the blisters. This product works best when applied during the tingle stage.

Other Compounds and Numbing Agents

1. Skin Protectants: It is important to keep the cold sore moist. There are a variety of skin protectants like moisturizers and lip balms which contain ingredients like petrolatum, allantoin, cocoa butter and glyercin. Since exposure to sun can trigger the outbreak, most of the lip balms contain zinc oxide that provides skin protection.
2. Analgesics : These are available in oral as well as topical form. There are various analgesics like benzocaine, lidocaine, phenol, camphor and benzyl alcohol which help in relieving pain. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen provides temporary relief from pain.

Natural Treatment

Though not proven scientifically, many people find natural treatment to be beneficial against fever blisters. The treatment can be done sitting in the vicinity of your home. Certain things which are readily available at home forms a part of the treatment.

1. Ice: Intermittent application of ice reduces pain and itching. If applied during the tingling phase, it reduces the temperature of the area where the blister will form, thereby lowering its metabolic rate and the duration.
2. Tea Bag: Tannic acid present in tea has antiviral properties. If applied during the tingling phase, it minimizes the extent of development of the cold sore.
3. Petroleum Jelly: A good moisturizer helps soften the lesion and thus, prevents them from bleeding due to cracks.

Other products like aloe vera and honey are also known to have antiviral properties, and are effective. Essentials oils like sage and tea tree oil are known to have antiseptic properties.

One can follow these simple things and curb the spread of fever blisters.

• Use ointments to soften the sores
• Clean the infected areas regularly to avoid bacterial infection
• Thrive on bland diets to reduce irritation of the cold sores
• Prevent yourself from touching the lesion
• Avoid kissing
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight
• Wash your hand regularly

Before taking these fever blisters treatment, it is advisable to consult your doctor. Our scientists are doing extensive research to come up with a vaccine to cure it. Till then, stay put with the treatments mentioned here and hope for the best!