Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, or HSV-1, a very common infection in adults. Cold sores are contagious, and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. According to MayoClinic.com, they can be spread even a few days after they have healed.
Causes
There are two different strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These strains share about 50 percent of their DNA, making them very similar. The biggest difference between the two is where they establish latency. Herpes.com writes that HSV-1 usually establishes latency in a collection of nerve cells near the ear and produces sores on the lower lip or face. HSV-2 usually establishes latency at the base of the spine and produces sore in the genital area. However, either type of the virus can cause sores in the facial area or on the genitals.
According to MayoClinic.com, a person first contracts HSV-1 from another person who has an active lesion. Sharing food and eating utensils, personal items, as well as kissing, may spread herpes simplex virus type 1. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells, but may emerge again as an active infection. Fever, hormones, stress, or exposure to the sun can trigger a recurrence.
Symptoms
Fever blisters are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on a raised, red area of your skin, typically around the lips or mouth that last somewhere between 10 and 14 days. Before the blister appears, it is common to feel a tingling sensation or pain for 1 to 2 days. They appear most often on the lips or skin around the mouth, but can appear on the skin of the nose, chin, fingers, or inside the mouth. Fever blisters usually break, ooze their fluid, then form a crust that eventually falls off to reveal healing skin.
Treating Fever Blisters
Many people report a tingling sensation as the first sign of a cold sore. This is the ideal time to seek treatment because early treatment can reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak. During an outbreak, the infected area should be kept clean and dry. Getting proper nutrition, exercise and rest also supports healing. Though there is no cure for the herpes virus, some medications reduce the frequency, severity and duration of outbreaks. Speak to your doctor about the different treatments available.
