Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are common blemishes that appear on the skin and are both unpreventable and incurable, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can, however, limit the duration of these sores and reduce their frequency. Using ointments like topical lidocaine and benzyl alcohol can help relieve the pain along with over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Cold or hot compresses may also help reduce the irritation. Above all else, avoid squeezing and picking at these blisters.
Small Blisters
Fever blisters are small bumps that typically appear on the mouth. The surrounding area may be red and itchy. Many individuals are alerted to the onset of a fever blister by pain and tingling sensations that precede the blisters by a day to a few days. According to the Mayo Clinic, these blisters may last from a week to 10 days, although antiviral treatments may shorten their duration, if used early on.
Fluid Filled
Though fever blisters most commonly appear on the lips, they can occasionally occur on other parts of body, like the chin, nostrils or fingers. These blisters are filled with fluid, much like acne lesions, but can also appear in clusters that are contagious. Transmission can occur by kissing, sharing towels or utensils, or close contact with an infected individual. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), these clusters can break and leave small ulcers that crust over or develop scabs.
Crusted
According to the AAD, the number of blisters that appear may vary from one to many, and when these blisters break, the fluid can ooze and crust. When the crust falls off, slightly red skin is visible. These sores generally heal completely and leave no visible scars. The virus that causes the blisters, however, remains in the body in a rested state. The blisters can reappear with stress, overexposure to the sun, cold and flu, or sleep deprivation.
