Fever blisters are also known as cold sores. They appear around the mouth and lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. While there is no cure for a fever blister, there are ways to help relieve the symptoms and to delay new outbreaks.
Available Treatments
Currently, there are only medications and treatments that provide relief for a fever blister once it has occurred. Medicines are being developed and tested that may one day treat and help prevent cold sores from developing. Right now only topical treatments are available.
Home Remedies
To help decrease pain and help keep the cold sore moist, apply a washcloth dampened with cool water or ice to the blister. Apply a moist tea bag to the cold sore when it is developing to minimize the size of it.
Nonprescription Medication
Most over-the-counter medicines for fever blisters are designed to relieve the symptoms, not make the blister heal. The active ingredients in the nonprescription medicines contain products such as lidocaine or benzocaine. These medications help with pain, itching and burning.
Abreva
Abreva is the only over-the-counter medicine that is made to help to promote healing. It initially soothes the and decreases discomfort. It also changes the cell membranes of the healthy cells surrounding fever blister. The healthy cells help prevent the spread of the virus.
Prescription Medications
Antiviral cream medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help decrease healing time and the reduce pain of the fever blister. The prescription cream works to inhibit the duplication of the virus and allow the skin to begin healing. Currently, Zovirax and Denavir creams are available.
Moisturizers
Petroleum jelly and lip balms keep the fever blister moist. This prevents the cold sore from cracking open and bleeding. Keeping the blister moist also helps to decrease the pain associated with the scabbing process.
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