Prevention of Fever Blisters

Although fever blisters are not curable, catching the virus that causes fever blisters can be prevented. Avoiding contact with contaminated items and people lessens the risk of catching the virus. Avoiding triggers that cause fever blisters also helps. It's better to prevent fever blisters than to treat them, once they've appeared.

Avoid Contaminated Items

• Avoid using items previously handled by a person with a fever blister. Fever blisters spread by sharing infected items, even if there is no residue on the item. The Mayo Clinic suggests not sharing towels, lip balm, utensils, cups, or any items that touch the lips or hands to prevent fever blisters.

Limit Sun Exposure

• Avoid too much sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun triggers fever blisters. To prevent fever blisters, apply sunscreen on the face and dab lips with a lip balm containing a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Healthline.com also recommends wearing a large brimmed hat, which provides additional protection against the sun.

Avoid Skin and Lip Contact

• Do not make any skin contact with a person that has a fever blister. The fever blister virus spreads through opened fever blisters and can transfer to the lips and hands. Avoid touching, kissing, or having sexual contact with a person with a fever blister because it is easily transferable. Person-to-person contact is the primary way that fever blisters spread.