Fever blisters, also known as cold sores and oral herpes, affect about 90 percent of the population by the age of 50, according to University of Washington Professor Lawrence Corey, M.D., in the 2008 edition of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Most people suffer just one episode, but at least 20 percent of people experience recurrent episodes, Corey says. A single bout of fever blisters usually lasts between 10 days and two weeks.
Take Antiviral Drugs
In the June 9, 2008, edition of "Archives of Internal Medicine," dermatologist Christina Cernik, M.D., describes the antiviral drugs used to treat fever blisters. Choices, Cernik says, include valacyclovir, acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and docosanol. A doctor must prescribe the first four; the last, docosanol, is available over the counter. Antiviral drugs are most effective during the first outbreak of fever blisters. For example, Cernik says, clinical studies show that people who take acyclovir start to heal after four days during their first outbreak, compared to about nine days for people who take a placebo. Results in recurrent outbreaks are less impressive, with most patients demonstrating a reduction in symptom duration of only one or two days. All antiviral drugs, Cernik cautions, work best when they're started at the first sign of a fever blister.
Treat Discomfort
Fever blisters cause itching and pain which, in turn, cause people to pick or poke at them, often unconsciously. Treating fever blister-related discomfort can cut down on accidental touches or brushes that delay healing. Topical local anesthetics such as lidocaine, benzocaine and tetracaine can help. OTC preparations are available for external skin surfaces such as the lips and surrounding facial skin. For discomfort related to fever blisters inside the mouth or even the nose, FamilyDoctor.org, the American Academy of Family Physicians patient information website, recommends OTC oral medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Aspirin, however, should be reserved for adults. Giving aspirin to children with viral infections has been associated with a rare but serious neurological condition known as Reye's syndrome. For patients who prefer not to use medications, FamilyDoctor.org recommends using warm or cold compresses.
Keep Skin Clean
In the 2008 edition of "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine," National Institutes of Health dermatologist Adriana Marques, M.D., notes that all fever blisters really require for healing is to be kept clean. Skin oils and dirt can irritate fever blisters on the face, much like food particles do for fever blisters inside the mouth. In either case, the end result is delayed healing or, worse, secondary bacterial infections. Washing skin with mild soap and using a gentle moisturizer once or twice a day promotes healing for fever blisters on the lips and face. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash two to three times a day, promotes healing for fever blisters inside the mouth.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 23rd Edition"; Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., et al.; 2008
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D., et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th Edition"; Klaus Wolff, M.D., et al.; 2008
- Family Doctor: Herpes
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Sore: Treatments and Drugs
