What Are Fever Blisters?
When you have a fever blister, it’s painful at first, and then it surfaces into a sore on the lip. The sores may be embarrassing. Immediate handlings are available. Some you might be surprised to find out how easy it is to remedy one of these sores.
For the most part, everyone most likely has herpes viruses — even multiple types. Majority of us have strong immune systems to keep them at bay. What causes them to flare up? (x)
Trauma to the nerve cells can activate your herpes. Even stress to your body can cause them to surface. The stress includes synthetic drugs, cold temperatures, allergies, unhappiness and too much sunlight. (x)
Fever blisters, or cold sores, form from the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The virus passes from person to person by direct contact with infected skin or secretions, including saliva. Fever blisters are sores that usually appear as clusters of tiny blisters. They can form on the lips, chin, cheeks or nose. The virus can also develop on the genitals and esophagus, called genital herpes and herpes esophagitis. They spread by kissing, sharing utensils and oral sex. The virus is still contagious even if a blister has not yet formed. There is no cure for the herpes virus, but you can resolve them quickly. (x) (x) (x)
What Causes Fever Blisters?
The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common infection, and almost half of the total population of the United States between the ages of 14 and 19 carry the virus. Cold sores are highly transmissible. The virus transfers through contact like sharing utensils or towels, kissing or oral sex.
Viruses are smaller than cells. You cannot see them even with a standard microscope. They cannot remove them from drinking water with household filters. Viruses also float in the air and travel in water vapor — virtually everywhere. Herpes simplex viruses like nerve and skin cells.
(x)
The virus is contagious before the blisters form and after they heal. Fever blisters can recur several times during a lifetime, and they may develop in the same place every time. After the cold sore disappears, the virus still remains in the body and can reactivate again from specific triggers: (x) (x)
- Anxiety and stress
- Certain food
- Sun or wind exposure
- Hormonal changes
- Fatigue
- Weak immune system
- Cold or fever
- Other viral infections
Risk Factors for Fever Blisters
Over 90% of adults test positive for the herpes simplex virus even if they haven’t manifested any symptoms.
People with weak immune systems are at higher risk of developing the virus and fever blisters. Herpes viruses are super sensitive to their environment. These viruses will sense stress, aging, physical injury and cancer has weakened your body. They will attack your body. For this reason, herpes outbreaks follow another form of illness or emotional stress. (x) Medical conditions and medications that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of contracting the virus include: (x)
- Eczema
- HIV
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Severe burns
- Organ transplants
Symptoms of the Virus
Fever blisters form in several stages when they recur. At least 24 hours before the blisters begin to form, the virus causes itching and tingling in the affected area. Tiny pimple-like blisters then start to form, and they develop into a watery blister. Once fully developed, the blisters may last for up to four weeks before they burst, ooze and produce a painful sore. The sores then dry out and form scabs as they heal. (x)
Other than the fever blisters, the virus also causes other symptoms, including: (x)
- Headache
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- High temperature
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Swollen lips
- Sore throat
- Tingling around the mouth
Swollen glands Caused by Herpes
Although they are unlikely, the virus can cause complications that affect other parts of the body. It can cause secondary infections that cause swollen, irritated eyes and sores on the eyelid. It can even cause infection in the cornea and vision loss without treatment. The viruses that cause mouth sores and genital herpes can transfer to the fingertips through cuts in the skin. Rarely, cases occur in which the virus can affect the brain, which can cause brain damage or death. (x)The herpes simplex virus can also spread to other parts of the skin, especially in those who have a pre-existing skin condition like eczema. When such a condition breaks out, the patient may develop eczema herpeticum, a rare but severe infection. It usually occurs on the head, neck and torso. (x)
Treatments for Fever Blisters
Without treatment, most cold sores will resolve themselves within one to two weeks. Treatments range from home remedies to over-the-counter antiviral ointments that reduce infection, prevent future outbreaks and alleviate pain and discomfort. Patients with weakened immune systems may have other complications that require more treatment if the infection spreads to other parts of the body. (x) (x)
Supplements for Fever Blisters
Several home remedies and supplements can help relieve fever, blisters, and pain and fight infection. Any new supplement you want to take, talk about with your healthcare provider. Some supplements include:
- Zinc Oxide Powder
Zinc helps heal wounds. Studies show that glycerin and zinc oxide cream shorten the period of fever blister outbreaks. (x) The recommended dosage for a zinc oxide health supplement is 32 to 64 mg once a day.
- L-Lysine HCL Powder
L-Lysine HCL powder is a common supplement that treats cold sores and fever blisters. It helps prohibit the HSV virus from reproducing, shortening the duration of the outbreak. (x) The suggested daily dosage of L-Lysine HCL powder is 680 mg once or twice a day.
- Vitamin E Softgels
Vitamin E is an excellent supplement for treating fever blisters. It can be taken orally or applied directly to the infected area in the form of a cream to soothe discomfort and prevent scars. The recommended dose for Vitamin E softgels is one soft gel a day with a meal.
- Larrea Extract
More studies and reports support using larrea extract for cold sores. You use it as a topical cream or spray over the infected area. Some reports state the extract is a thousand times more potent than synthetic antiviral medications. Larrea extract comes from the desert plant known as creosote plant larrea. The plant extract also treats shingles. (x)
- Vanilla Extract
Some report applying pure vanilla extract with a cotton swab to the cold sore or fever blister remedies the pain and dries out the blister fast. The effectiveness of the extract stems from having antibacterial and nutraceutical properties. (x)
- Peppermint Extract Powder
Peppermint extract has antiviral properties and is a good supplement for those with blisters in their mouth. It is especially effective during the early symptoms of fever blisters. Apply a considerable amount of diluted peppermint oil to the area where the tingling sensation occurs and when the blisters form. As an extract, it can relieve pain and fight fatigue. Take 700 mg once or twice daily.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is packed with antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties and is an excellent supplement to treat fever blisters. It helps to keep the infected area clean and quickens the healing process. Dilute one or two drops with a carrier oil and apply directly to the skin. (x)
Where to Buy Supplements for Fever Blisters or Cold Sores?
You can purchase these supplements for fever blisters and cold sores at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements.
BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other food and supplement brands to make their products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying any of these powders or supplements mentioned in this article as a possible solution to helping you with fever blisters and cold sores? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
The Bottom Line
Fever blisters or cold sores are viruses caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It shows up as clusters of tiny blisters filled with fluid on the lips and passes from person to person by direct contact with infected skin or secretions, including saliva. They can also form on the genitals and in the esophagus.
Stress, fatigue, hormonal imbalances brought on by menstruation, colds and fever, sore throat, other viral infections and extreme exposure to sunlight and unclean air can trigger fever blisters.
Symptoms range from headaches and fever to a tingling sensation around the mouth, small painless bumps on the lips and muscle pain. While there is no cure for the virus, you can treat cold sores with antiviral medications. Supplements are alternative treatment options, including zinc, Vitamin E, L-Lysine HCL powder, peppermint oil, vanilla extract, larrea extract and tea tree oil.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.