How Are Fever Blisters Spread?

What Causes Fever Blisters?

Fever blisters are painful lesions, which develop on the lips, inside the nose, or on the skin around these areas, including the chin or cheeks. Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are caused by a virus called the Herpes Simplex 1, or HSV-1. Sixty-five percent of the population carries this virus and most become infected before 10 years of age. Occasionally Herpes Simplex 2--the usual cause of genital herpes--can cause fever blisters and Herpes Simplex 1 can cause genital herpes. This flip-flop occurs sometimes because of oral sex and sometimes, if you simply kiss someone who is infected from oral sex.

What Do Fever Blisters Look Like?

You may catch the virus yet have no symptoms; Fifteen to 30 percent of people who have HSV-1 for the fist time have no signs at all. First, you might have a fever and swollen painful lymph glands in your neck. You may notice itching or burning around your mouth or nose. Second, after several hours (rarely, even days), the same area around the nose or mouth becomes red and small blisters appear. These fluid filled vesicles may multiply and grow into one large blister.

Third, the blisters open and fluid begins to leak out. This is when cold sores are at their most painful stage. The blisters finally begin to heal over into a yellow brownish crust, much like a chicken pox blister. Fourth, the rash resolves but the virus remains in your body forever. You may never have another episode or you may have recurrent attacks.

How Do You Catch Fever Blisters?

The fluid in the blisters actually contains live virus. When the blisters rupture, live virus spills out, making this the most dangerous time to catch fever blisters, Kissing the person, sharing their towel or washcloth, razor, eating utensils, or other personal items are different ways the virus spreads.

Herpes Simplex 1, the cause of fever blisters, is very contagious. Wash your hands and keeps your hands away from your face are about the best protection you can have.

For many, they may think they have caught this rash some someone for the first time when, in fact it has been dormant in their body for years and now flaring up. There are many reasons for such an attack: stress, sunburn, fever with a cold, flu, or other illness, dental treatment, hormonal change such as pregnancy, windburn or exhaustion.

Once you catch fever blisters, it is still important you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. You do not want the unfortunate malady of spreading the virus to your eyes or to your genital region.