Fever blisters are small sores that typically occur outside the mouth on the lips, cheeks, chin, or in the nostrils. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is spread through direct contact with the blister or through indirect contact by sharing items. While there is no fever blister cure, medications are available to speed up healing and reduce symptoms.
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.
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