Cold sores/fever blisters

According to Wikipedia Herpes labialis, or orolabial herpes, is an infection of the lip by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). An outbreak typically causes small blisters or sores on or around the mouth commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. It t take up to 3 weeks for the blisters to heal, but the herpes virus remains dormant in the facial nerve, it might reoccurs in the future.

HSV-1 affected 57.7% of Americans tested in a 1999–2004 study. By age 50, 80%–90% of adults have the virus. More than 50 million adults in the U.S. develop symptomatic episodes every year. Cold sore has a rate of frequency that varies from rare episodes to 12 or more recurrences per year. People with the condition typically experience one to three attacks annually. The frequency and severity of outbreaks generally decrease over time.
According to WebMD, you can’t cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore.

If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. You can follow the instructions bellow, to prevent or minimize the cold sore effect.

It’s important to remember to wash your hands after touching a cold sore. Don’t rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection, which may lead to blindness if left untreated. Don’t touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; you could develop genital herpes. Replace your toothbrush. Don’t kiss someone who has a cold sore or use that person’s utensils, towels, or razors. Apply sunscreen to the face and lips before prolonged exposure to the sun. Cold sores could get complicated with bacterial infections, so keeping them clean, and avoid irritants is important.