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Cold Sore & Fever Blister Remedies
by Kyle Martin
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Overview
A cold sore or fever blister is a small red blister that is usually found on the lips or edges of the mouth. They weep a clear liquid and scab over after a few days. This should not be confused with impetigo, which weeps a cloudy and honey-colored liquid.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, but there are several triggers, such as sun exposure and hormones. While there is no cure for cold sores, there are several remedies that can ease the suffering and speed recovery.
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Common remedies for cold sores
Cold sores will eventually heal without help, but over-the-counter ointments such as lidocaine or benzyl alcohol (Zilactin) can help. Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can also soothe irritating symptoms. Avoid aspirin, which can cause a rare but sometimes fatal disorder called Reye's syndrome. Applying ice or a warm compress to the blister will also calm the blister. Eventually, the cold sore will heal itself; in the meantime avoid squeezing, pinching or picking at the blister.
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When a doctor's attention is needed
While most cold sore treatment can be accomplished at home, there are a few instances a doctor's help is required.
The first time a person gets a cold sore, known as the "primary" attack, the symptoms can be severe. Symptoms include fever, bleeding gums, swollen glands and, of course, painful sores around the mouth. While the symptoms disappear within a few days, it can take between two and six weeks for the sores to heal. A doctor should be contacted if the symptoms lead to difficulty eating or drinking, which can lead to dehydration.
There is medicine available to shorten the attack's duration. Doctors may also prescribe medicine for people who have frequent attacks.
Besides herpes, people with immune systems weakened by chemotherapy or other disease may be susceptible to cold sore outbreaks. Medical professionals should be consulted about these outbreaks.
On rare occasions, the herpes virus can affect the brain, causing disorientation and fever. This requires hospitalization and antiviral medicine taken intravenously.
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Prevention of cold sores
As with all medical conditions, prevention is as important as treatment. Herpes simplex is very contagious, so avoid kissing someone with cold sores or having sex with someone with genital herpes.
Exposure to sunlight can also lead to cold sores, so it is advisable to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 on your lips. Use relaxation techniques if stress causes your cold sores and avoid using the same towels, razors or silverware as someone with cold sores.
Finally, some natural herbs are believed to boost the immune system. These include echinacea and Vitamin C. When applied topically, Vitamin E is said to relieve pain. Similarly, zinc reportedly reduces the duration of a cold sore. Zinc tables can help, but it's not suggested to take more than 15 milligrams for more than a week without a doctor's permission.
Also, eating plain yogurt with live cultures is a good preventive measure. Heat-treated yogurt won't work. People who have added yogurt to their daily diet have discovered that they don't get cold sores, or very few. Yogurt seems to stimulate the immune system.
