Fever blisters are an extremely common condition of the mouth. Also known as
cold sores (and known medically as herpes labialis), fever blisters are the result of being infected with a herpes simplex virus.
Despite its two common names (fever blister and cold sore), you do not need a cold or fever to get the condition.
(Click Causes of Fever Blisters to learn more about the different types of herpes simplex viruses and how they can cause fever blisters.)
Fever Blisters Versus Canker Sores
Many times, fever blisters are confused with another common mouth condition known as canker sores. Both can cause small sores in or around the mouth. Canker sores, however, occur only inside the mouth -- on the tongue and the inside linings of the cheeks, lips, and throat.
Fever blisters, on the other hand, usually occur outside the mouth -- on the lips, chin, cheeks, or in the nostrils. When fever blisters do occur inside the mouth, it is usually on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Inside the mouth, fever blisters are smaller than canker sores, heal more quickly, and often begin as a blister.
Fever Blister Transmission and Symptoms
A fever blister is spread through direct contact with it or through indirect contact by sharing items such as towels, toothbrush, razor, drinks, or utensils
(see Transmission of Cold Sores).
When the fever blister virus is first transmitted, symptoms do not typically appear. In fact, up to 85 percent of people will not have symptoms with the first infection. However, the body is not able to completely get rid of the herpes virus. Therefore, at some point in the future, the herpes virus can become active again
(see Cold Sore Triggers) and cause symptoms.
Fever blister symptoms can vary. Some people may have early symptoms one to three days before the blisters develop. They may feel pain, itching, tingling, or a burning sensation.
Others may just develop blisters. These can be small, sometimes painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips or corner of the mouth. Over several days, the blisters tend to merge and then collapse. A yellowish crust often forms over the sores, which usually heal without scarring within two weeks.
There are no
fever blister cures; however, a fever blister will get better on its own, even without treatment. For someone who gets frequent fever blisters, healthcare providers can prescribe one of several medications that are approved for this use. Some medicines are available without a prescription. All of them work best if used at the first signs of a fever blister (symptoms may include tingling, itching, burning, or redness).
Preventing Fever Blisters
Because fever blisters are so common, they can be hard to prevent. However, there are some things that you can do to decrease the chances of getting a fever blister. If you have fever blisters, there are also some things that you can do to decrease the chances of spreading them.
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