Quick Fever Blister Cure

A fever blister, also known as a cold sore, is a painful and often noticeable condition that typically appears on the outside of the mouth, lips and face. It differs from a canker sore which occurs inside the mouth. A fever blister is very contagious and can easily spread to another person. As many as 100 million fever blister cases a year are recorded in the United States. Treating a fever blister quickly is beneficial to the patient and a protection for those with whom they come in contact.

Fever Blister Stages

• There are five basic phases of a fever blister, each with its own symptoms. The first day or two causes a type of "tingle" in the area. A puffiness or slight tenderness may be felt. The next phase is when the actual blister forms, filled with fluid. Later, the blister breaks open and starts the "weeping" phase. The next few days sees the blister begin to crust over, with scabs forming. The area can itch or burn and crack. Last is the healing phase as scabs flake off and the sore decreases in size.

Risks of Contamination

• Understanding and recognizing the phases of a fever blister is critical to reducing the chance of passing on the condition to another person. The fever blister is a virus, called herpes simplex. Once the virus has been contracted, it remains in the body and erupts at random for a lifetime. The most contagious period is the weeping phase, when the virus has a means of transmission to another host.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for a Fever Blister

• There are numerous non-prescription treatments available for a fever blister. A cure is not possible for the virus but symptoms can be reduced. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications work by helping treat the symptoms of pain and itching. Some can also reduce or actually stop the development of later stages of the fever blister. This not only reduces the discomfort of the patient, but lessens the chance of spreading the virus.

Treatments That Stop Blister Formation

• Some fever blister OTC medications contain a substance called docosanol. Docosanol has been found to actually reduce the virility of the herpes virus, which in turn eliminates later stages of the fever blisters themselves. The most critical time for application of these medications is at the first sign of a fever blister, and the ointment must be applied on a repeated and consistent basis. Waiting until later in the life cycle of a fever blister is not as effective.

Treatments That Help Healing and Pain

• Once the fever blister has passed the first stage, the only option is to let it run its course, but there are treatments that can make it a less painful experience. Lip moisturizers can help keep scabs soft and less likely to crack and bleed. Other products contain an antibacterial portion to lessen the chance of a subsequent infection. Using a sunscreen on a fever blister is recommended to reduce the chances of developing more blisters.

Home Treatments for a Fever Blister

• Ice has long been used to treat a fever blister during the initial phase before blister formation and also at other times in the cycle. Ice can help lower the temperature of the affected area and can reduce the severity of the blisters to come. The tannic acid in tea is also a well used treatment to reduce symptoms. Moistening with petroleum jelly is additionally helpful on fever blister scabs and keeps the surrounding area soft.