What is fever blisters?
Fever blisters are painful sores, which most people associate with an intending illness, they appear mostly on the lips but can also be found on the cheeks, chin, fingers and nostrils. These are caused by a virus. Fever blisters are contagious Several cures are available for soothing and healing fever blisters. Before going for any medication, you can also use the ingredients from your kitchen counter to get rid of the fever blisters.
Some Causes of Fever Blisters Include;
There are several things that may cause a fever blister with the most common believed to be ‘an intending illness’. Other causes of fever blisters may include;
Kissing, hugging or being in close contact with a person that is having fever blisters
Through indirect contact, like sharing a towel/handkerchief or lip balm of the infected person
Virus can easily spread through cuts or bruises on the skin
Cosmetic surgery
Lip injury
Dental treatment
Stress
Hormonal changes
Basic Symptoms may Include;
Symptoms of fever blisters are very easy to detect and they are as the name implies; small, red blisters filled with fluid, fever, pain and irritation, itchiness, headache, swollen lips and swelling of lymph nodes. Generally it is the blister at the corner of the lip mostly the lower lip that gives it away.
Tips on Managing Fever Blisters
The causative virus is highly contagious, so avoid kissing or other mouth-to-body activities at any time during an outbreak. Also avoid sharing utensils, cups, or straws with other people, and clean your plates and utensils thoroughly with disinfectant soap. Gently washing the blisters with soap and water may also help to prevent the spread of the outbreak. Make sure you wash your hands frequently, and try to avoid touching the sore. If you touch the cold sore, you can then spread it to other people or to other places on your own body.
Treat the accompany fever
As the name implies, there is an accompanying feverish feeling and since this is a viral infection there is no direct cure. You need to manage the fever. Take fever relieving drugs such as acetaminophen (panadol, paracetamol), ibuprofen or any analgesic you can lay your hands on and is hygenic for you. Have a cold shower, take cold tea and monitor your temperature from time to time.
Seek Medical help
If your fever lasts for more than a week, please go seek medical help. Your immune system might be compromised or you might have an impending outbreak.
Try and be patient
If left untreated, a cold sore can last from eight to 10 days. Until then, there’s not much you can do. Avoid squeezing or picking at a sore, as this will only slow healing.So hands off and discipline yourself appropriately.
Put ice on it
Ice cubes work jointly to create an environment inhospitable to the virus that causes the blister, as well as to reduce pain that it may be causing. Use an ice pack, rather than touching ice directly to the blister, and keep moving the ice around. Do not ice for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
Eat more amino acid, lysine
It is believed that a primary protein in the virus that causes fever blisters can be combated with a protein found in dairy products – lysine. Eat cheese, yogurt, and milk daily and look for lysine supplements at your local health food store. Ask the local pharmacist or dietician for help and get the required lysine dose.
Apply some milk
Dab the blister with a cotton ball of milk. The proteins in the milk helps heal the sore and the cold nature of the milk soothes the sore. You can do this several times daily.
Cover up with petroleum jelly
You can cover the sore up with petroleum jelly as this will soothe the pain as well as prevent the spread of the virus. it will also prevent secondary bacterial infections that might worsen the the sore.
Other Tips Include;
You can also apply cider Vinegar
You can clean the sore with hydrogen peroxide to heal and prevent spread.
You can also apply garlic juice to increase the rate of healing
You can also apply pure aloe vera paste or topical ointments
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