Remedies for Cold Sores and Fever Blisters

Cold sores and fever blisters are not only extremely painful, they're a cosmetic nuisance, erupting in and around noticeable parts of the face---the lips, mouth, and sometimes on the chin and under the nostrils. It might be tempting to pick at these watery blisters, but medical experts say that most cold sores and fever blisters heal more quickly---and result in far less complications---if you leave them alone and use home remedies sparingly.

More Common Than You Think

Cold sores and fever blisters are synonymous terms, but they also go by more ominous medical names: oral herpes or herpes labialis. The virus that causes these unsightly lesions to erupt is caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1), which is usually acquired innocently when an infected person receives a loving kiss from a family member or friend.

The American Social Health Association estimates that 50 to 80 percent of people in the United States have had a cold sore or fever blister caused by HSV-1. Moreover, HVS-1 is most often acquired during childhood. A cold sore or fever blister usually erupts after one or two weeks after exposure to HSV-1, but sometimes symptoms are delayed for up to three weeks, says the National Institutes of Health. After an initial cold sore or fever blister resolves, the HSV-1 continues to reside in the trigeminal ganglion at the top of the spine, closest to the face, where it lays dormant until the virus activates. ASHA states that at least 25 percent of people experience a subsequent outbreak caused by HSV-1.

First Rule: Don't Pick

The Mayo Clinic warns against popping or squeezing cold sores and fever blisters. The watery blisters contain live HSV-1, which can be transferred from the hands to other, more tender parts of the body, such as the genitals or eyes---not to mention other people. Most cold sores and fever blisters resolve between seven to 10 days without the need for medical treatment. Keeping the lesions clean and dry can greatly increase the healing process. However, because these blisters can be irritating, the Mayo Clinic and ASHA offer suggestions for at-home treatment to reduce discomfort.

Drugstore Remedies

Over-the-counter topical applications with anesthetic properties such as Blistex, Carmex and Campho-Phenique can help temporarily reduce the pain associated with cold sores and fever blisters. However, ASHA notes that using these topical treatments too frequently may hinder the healing process because the sores are touched repeatedly. There is one drugstore treatment, Abreva, that is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to help cold sores and fever blisters heal more rapidly (see Resources).

Severe Symptoms & Repeat Performances

When cold sores or fever blisters are particularly severe or if you get them frequently, it might be time to seek medical advice---always inform your doctor immediately if lesions spread to the eye area. Oral antivirals used to treat genital herpes such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir offer patients a reduction in outbreak frequency, severity and duration. ASHA notes that topical antivirals such as cyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream can be applied to blisters to help them heal more rapidly, but also can be used when the first signs of tenderness are noted.

Cold Sore Cautions

Cold sores and fever blisters are contagious to those who are not infected with HSV-1. To avoid passing HSV-1 on to others, avoid having face-to-face contact with others until lesions have fully healed and always wash your hands before touching other people. Also, Mayo Clinic experts advise avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, eating utensils and lip balms. Of particular note is that the HSV-1 that causes fever blisters and cold sores can also be the cause of genital herpes when someone with HSV-1 of the mouth performs oral sex on an uninfected partner. ASHA advises those with oral HSV-1 to use or condom or other barrier, such as a dental dam, during oral sex, even when no blisters are present.