Fever blisters also termed as cold sores are small sized blisters that generally develop in the regions of mouth, nostrils and cheeks. They are caused by the virus herpes simplex. This virus is contagious. Hence, it is essential to avoid activities such as kissing and sharing food. Though they are not very severe, they are highly painful. So, it is recommended to tackle them right at the onset or at least immediately after diagnosis. You can very easily take control over them with the use of anti-viral medications. Fever may sometimes accompany fever blisters. It is essential to check that fever is under control.

The virus is so contagious that frequent touching of the soar results in spreading it to other locations of your body. Hence, it is strictly essential that you wash your hands whenever you touch the soars. If the virus infects the eyes, it may result in blindness in more severe cases. It is sometimes possible that you might get frequent outbreaks of the virus through your toothbrush that lodges the virus. It is essential to use a new toothbrush if you have suffered with fever blisters.

Fever blisters are highly painful that you feel like to compress them off. But, never do that. It will worsen the condition and may result in formation of more blisters. An ice pack can be placed at the affected region to obtain relief. Some people say that the use of milk compress also gives relief. If you have used milk compress, then it is essential to wash the area thoroughly to prevent other bacterial infections. If the pain is not relieved with these simple measures you can try some of over the counter pain medications or consult a physician.

Research has shown that the virus cannot withstand the temperatures above 98.6 degrees. Hence, if you can expose the affected area to that temperature you can easily obtain faster relief from fever blisters. However, be careful not to burn yourself. You can use a hair dryer to have control over the temperature. It is also found that intake of the amino acid L-lysine gives relief from fever blisters. Some people have experienced profound results by the application of tea bags at the affected area. It is found that tannic acid present in tea is the active agent that acts against the virus.

As bursting of the blisters results in more severe infection, it is essential to keep them intact. It can be done easily by the application of moisturizer over the affected area. Use of Aloe Vera gel and tea tree oil is also found to give relief from fever blisters.

The worst part of fever blisters is that once you are infected with the virus there is a great chance that you will face it again. Some people say that they get fever blisters after they are exposed to heavy sun light or after a fever outbreak. Thus, to worsen the condition it is essential to take great care to avoid worsening of the condition. During the first attack it is essential to take internal medicines, while the recurring attacks can be cured with topical application of certain creams. Finally, whether it is a first attack or a recurring attack, it is essential to take great care to prevent its spread to others as well as to other parts of your body.

Jason Ladock

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jason Ladock