subject: Fever Blisters On The Lips: Causes And Treatments [print this page] Getting a fever blister on your lip can be a painful experience. Lip fever blisters can make it difficult to eat, smile and even talk. Understanding what causes fever blisters and how to treat them to relieve the pain and swelling and shorten the duration of the blister will help you heal faster and get you smiling once more.
What Causes a Fever Blister?
A fever blister is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is an extremely contagious disease. Anyone can pick it up by coming in contact with someone who is having an active outbreak. Kissing a person with an oozing cold sore is one way to catch the virus, you can also catch it by using the same eating utensils or drinking out of the same glass. Touching their sore and then not washing your hands before touching your own face or mouth is another way to catch it.
Once you contact the herpes simplex virus you have it for life. The virus lies dormant in your body and becomes active when your immunity system is lowered by catching a cold or other illness or by mental or physical stress. When this virus becomes active it appears as an outbreak around your mouth or on your lips.
Treatment For Fever Blisters
The very best treatment for fever blisters is maintaining your immune system. When your immune system is functioning at it's best it helps to keeps the herpes simplex virus dormant. A dormant virus will not cause fever blisters. Eating a balanced and healthy diet that strengthens and keeps your immune system strong is an important defense against not only fever blisters but other illnesses as well. Diets high in Vitamin A,C, and E and well as minerals such as Zinc and Iron will strengthen your immune system. Eating plenty of fresh fruits, orange, red and green leafy vegetables will help as well. Getting plenty of exercise and adequate rest also will help strengthen your immune system.
If a fever blister does develop then treating the swelling and pain will help ease the discomfort caused by the blisters. Ice can relieve some of the swelling as well as help prevent the blister from spreading. Taking an over the counter anti-viral medication can help as well.
Many times fever blisters are accompanied by fevers. If you are having a fever taking aspirin or buffered aspirin can help reduce your fever. Drinking plenty of fluids while the fever is present will also keep you hydrated.
Witch hazel can relieve some of the burning and aloe gel will also help relieve burning and stinging and help the blisters to heal faster.
Once the blisters have broken and a crust begins to form it is important to keep the scab from cracking. Vaseline will lubricate the scab and help prevent cracking. Using oils such oregano oil will also keep the scab from cracking but has the added benefit of soaking through the scab to the actual sore below and helping it heal.
While there is no cure for fever blisters there are things you can do to reduce the symptoms and help yourself to heal faster.
