Cold Sores and Fever Blister Remedies
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are manifestations of a herpes simplex infection. The herpes simplex virus, once it has entered the body, is usually dormant, but it never really goes away and causes recurrent infections. Cold sores are actually among the mildest conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus, so in a sense you should be glad your infection isn’t as bad as it could be.
Cold sores are however rather troublesome and painful; the blister is of course painful in itself, and the part of the lip affected by the blister also stays inflamed and sore for a couple of days. In fact the pain and a tingling sensation often begin a couple of days before the sore itself appears. It is important to start your treatment and precautions right at this time. The precautions are particularly important to ensure that you do not spread the virus to someone else. Avoid kissing people, and avoid sharing items that come into contact with your lips, such as cups, handkerchiefs, towels, lipsticks, etc. The herpes simplex virus spreads very easily, and once you have it, it will trouble you for life.
The virus can also get onto items that you use daily, such as your toothbrush, and can then reinfect your lip a couple of days later, giving you another cold sore. You should therefore replace your toothbrush once the sore has healed, and disinfect any other items you have been using, such as towels and cups.