Fever blisters, also called cold sores, are caused by the herpes virus type 1 and sometimes type 2, says the Mayo Clinic. While a cure for oral herpes does not exist, there are many treatments that may help diminish the symptoms and speed the recovery of the fever blisters. The herpes virus is contagious and can be spread from one person to another, especially when a fever blister is present. Symptoms of fever blisters include skin redness, fluid-filled blistering, pain and oozing or bleeding of the blisters before healing. Medical treatments for fever blisters consist of a small variety of medications.
Pain Relief
Lidocaine can be applied by a medical professional to provide temporary pain relief, says the Mayo Clinic. Oral pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can also be taken to diminish the pain of the fever blisters. More natural pain remedies may include applying a cold pack or cool wash cloth to the affected area.
Protection
A topical solution, called benzocaine, can be applied to the cold sore to prevent greater irritation. The cold sore is susceptible to infection. Rubbing, picking or other types of tissue damage can lead to permanent scarring. Applying benzocaine before an athletic event, such as wrestling, can help reduce the risk of tearing the skin further or allowing the fluid inside the blister to infect others. A bandage or dressing can also be useful in protecting the sensitive skin until the fever blister heals.
Antiviral Medication
Several brands of antiviral medications are helpful for speeding the healing of recurrent blisters. These medications help boost the body's immune response to the virus to help heal the symptoms, such as pain and the open sore. Individuals with occasional fever blisters may not benefit from this type of medication. The key to the success of this type of drug is to apply it or take it at the first sign of fever blister symptoms, says the American Social Health Association.
