The herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, causes painful, fluid-filled blisters--referred to as fever blisters or cold sores--to occur on the edge of the mouth and the lips. Exposure to HSV-1 occurs for up to 90 percent of the adult population in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The contagious virus transfers from person to person through kissing and sharing personal items, such as a razor. The goal of treating a fever blister is to reduce the severity and duration of the sore because there is no cure for the virus.
Step 1
Visit a physician for proper diagnosis of the virus. Obtain a prescription from the physician for an oral antiviral medication, such as acyclovir or famciclovir.
Step 2
Take the antiviral medication as prescribed by the physician. The medication helps shorten the amount of time the fever blister will remain on the mouth. Taking the antiviral medicines within the a few hours after the first symptoms begin can help shorten the duration of the fever blister by one to two days, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Step 3
Apply an ice pack or a warm compress to the fever blister. The heat and cold therapy can help ease pain from the sore.
Step 4
Use and over-the-counter cream to the fever blister to help provide relief from the sore. The nonprescription products contain a medication called docosanol and individuals apply the cream five times per day to help treat the fever blister, according to the Merck Manuals. Other over-the-counter treatments such as benzocaine and lidocaine applied topically can help treat the pain from the fever blister.
Step 5
Wash the affected area with a mild soap and water. A physician may recommend an antiseptic soap, according to MedlinePlus. Avoid using the same washcloth on other portion of the body.
Step 6
Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease the pain.
Step 7
Avoid picking at the blister or sore. Irritation to the area can cause a delay in healing or complications such as a bacterial infection.
