Posted on March 13, 2010.
Fever Blister Viral Infection Cold sores also called oral herpes and cold sores are painful lesions which usually form on the lips, chin, cheeks, or nostrils. The blisters become crusted sores usually yellow, and then disappear in a few weeks. Unfortunately, people who are cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually Type 1), generally get outbreaks again and again, and they are highly contagious. Although there is no cure or vaccine for the moment, there are things you can do to ease the pain of cold sores, speed up healing, and stop their spread. There are two types of HSV type I and type II. In general, type I, also known as herpes labialis, causes infections above the waist, most commonly as oral "cold sores". Type II infections occur mainly below the belt, leading to genital herpes. However, both types of HSVs are capable of infecting the skin anywhere on the body.
Treatment of Cold Sores
Cold sores and fever blisters can be treated with antiviral drugs. These drugs are of little value if treatment is started after the blisters appear. Antiviral creams applied directly to the sores shorten the healing time by at least one day. Antiviral medications taken by mouth may help prevent cold sores in the tropics where exposure to sunlight can trigger an epidemic.
Wounds caused by herpes often return again and again. Antiviral drugs more effective if you take it when the virus is just starting to come back - before you see any injuries. If the virus returns frequently, your doctor may recommend you take drugs all the time.
Cold Sore Treatment - Acyclovir 5% cream (Zovirax) is also approved by the FDA for the treatment of recurrent cold sores. oral acyclovir five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children shorten the course of 10 days to four days and reduced duration of fever, eating and drinking difficulties, and viral shedding.
Cold Sore Treatment - Famciclovir is approved by the FDA for the treatment of herpes labialis. If started at the first sign of symptoms, take Famvir 1500 mg once shortened the herpes two days.
Cold Sore Treatment - Valacyclovir is approved by the FDA to treat cold sores. If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking Valtrex 2 grams twice daily for a day shortened by herpes a little over one day.
Cold Sore Treatment - Therapy repression to take medication daily to prevent outbreaks, is not yet approved by the FDA. Other possibilities are famciclovir 250 mg twice daily or valaciclovir 500 mg once daily.
Prevention and care for cold sores
The wind and other weather conditions can also trigger cold sores if your lips are too dry. It also helps to keep clean the affected area and apply soothing lip balm if your lips are involved. Try not to touch the affected area and avoid kissing anyone while you have blisters and sores.
A product of mud mask is great for an oozing sore. Apply it on the wound at night to help dry up. It will heal faster as well. To hide during the day, use a lip brush (that you disinfect after) and mix a little red lip with mud.
If the plague breaks out on your lips, apply lib balm several times a day. If implemented early in the epidemic which can stop the blister from forming a crust and thus reduce the duration of the epidemic.
Be careful - if you press too hard on the wound, you can break and cause the scab.
An inexpensive solution to relieve pain is the use of oral anesthetics such as Chloraseptic. It can be applied several times a day with the use of a Q-tip.
Some people apply antiperspirant gel for sore in the night to dry and speed healing.
Some people find that prescription drug Valtrex is the best way to get rid of a cold sore, consult a physician.
