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Over the Counter Fever Blister Prevention

Fever blisters, more commonly known as cold sores, are typically small blisters that infect areas of the cheeks, mouth and nostrils. Fever blisters are symptomatic of the herpes simplex virus Type 1. HSV --Type 1 is a contagious condition. The virus usually stays dormant, but many factors may instigate an immediate outbreak.

  1. Creams

    • It is very important to treat symptoms immediately after getting diagnosed. It is very easy to manage the condition using over-the-counter creams and medications. Herpecil-L is one example of cold sore cream. This topical medication protects the lip area and relieves the pain brought about by the fever blisters. Creams and ointments useful at treating fever blisters generally have components such as lysine and vitamins to promote and speed up the healing process, so look for these ingredients when looking for an over-the-counter cream. Antibiotic ointments such as Polysporin and Neosporin or anesthetic creams such as Benzocaine also fight bacteria and relieve pain and therefore may be useful to treat fever blisters.

    Other Drugs

    • Antiviral agents may be used to treat fever blisters and the HSV --Type 1 virus. Docosanol or Abreva are two examples. These ointments reduce discomfort and control the outbreak of fever blisters. Its effects are similar to an antiviral cream. The ointment is applied on the affected region at the initial onset of the outbreak. The ointment is applied on the lips and face, but not on the inside of the nostrils, mouth or around the eye area.
      Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Dolgesic) and Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol, Feverall, Aceta) may be taken to treat the pain brought about by the fever blister outbreak. Dosage will depend on the severity of the pain you are experiencing. Ibuprofen medications should be ingested along with food and water.

    Natural Remedies

    • For immediate comfort and pain relief, ice pack or cold presses may be used on the affected areas. Milk compresses have also been suggested as an effective pain relief treatment by HeathGuidance.org. Other natural home remedies include herbs and supplements such as tea bags, petroleum jelly, sage, tea-tree oil and olive leaf extracts.

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