Fever blisters occur as a result of direct or indirect contact with someone who has an active infection. This eMedTV article describes this condition in more detail and explains how the blisters can be diagnosed, transmitted, and treated.
Fever blisters are primarily caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. As this eMedTV article explains, while herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 are both causes of fever blisters, over 95 percent of recurrent outbreaks are caused by the type 1 virus.
Up to 85 percent of people do not develop any symptoms of fever blisters during their initial infection. This eMedTV Web page lists possible symptoms that may occur during an outbreak, including symptoms of recurrent fever blisters.
When diagnosing fever blisters, your doctor will look for signs and symptoms of the condition. As this eMedTV resource explains, he or she may also use a blood test or viral culture to help confirm the fever blister diagnosis.
Various ointments, creams, and oral tablets are available for fever blister treatment. This eMedTV resource lists the different kinds of fever blister medications and describes remedies that are often used to help relieve pain and discomfort.
To prevent fever blisters, avoid direct contact with people who have an active infection. This article on the eMedTV Web site contains other strategies for preventing fever blisters, including tips on preventing recurrent breakouts.
Fever blister medication can be taken to help decrease pain and discomfort, and to speed up healing. This eMedTV segment lists both prescription and non-prescription fever blister medicines that are available and describes the effects of the drugs.
There are currently no available cures for fever blisters. As this eMedTV page explains, fever blisters generally heal within 4 to 10 days, without using drugs. However, many medicines are available to decrease the severity and duration of symptoms.
