It first is important to note that fever blisters are not curable; the best treatment tips typically focus on preventing their spread. Other good tips suggest being patient while the blisters heal on their own and avoiding picking at them, as this may make matters worse. Additionally, a person with fever blisters may benefit from tips that involve using prescription antiviral medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and home remedies to reduce the severity of an outbreak and to stay comfortable until a fever blister goes away.
One important tip for treating fever blisters is to understand there is no way to cure them. So far, there are no prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or home remedies that are capable of ridding someone of fever blisters altogether. Instead, treatment is usually based on preventing the spread of fever blisters and staying comfortable. There are, however, some antiviral medications that can be used to lessen the severity and length of an outbreak when one does occur. If a person gets frequent fever blisters or is embarrassed by them, he may consider asking his doctor about these medications.
Another important tip for treating fever blisters involves preventing their spread. Unfortunately, the virus that causes fever blisters is contagious. A person can spread it by kissing someone while he has a fever blister and by sharing eating utensils. He can also spread fever blisters through oral-to-genital contact. There is even some chance that a person could spread the virus to his own genitals by touching a fever blister and then touching his genitals, though this may be less likely to occur.
Often, the best tips for treating fever blisters deal with being patient. Eventually, fever blisters usually go away on their own. In most cases, the blisters heal within about two weeks. During this time, it is critical that a person avoid picking at them in the hopes that they will go away sooner. This is unlikely to work and may make them take longer to heal. In fact, an individual could even cause a fever blister to become infected by picking at it.
Fortunately, there are some things a person can do to treat fever blisters and stay comfortable while he waits for them to go away. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help to treat pain. Cold compresses may help as well. Some doctors also recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.
