Adult Skin Problems Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal after several days to 2 weeks. Cold sores are caused by the
herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus types can cause lip and mouth sores and genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the
mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid-such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to their child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body. Read more about symptoms and treatments for cold
sores. Slideshow: Skin Pictures Slideshow: Photos and Images of Skin Problems Article: Cold Sores - Topic Overview A cold sore is a group of tiny, painful blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They’re also called fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis. Up to 90% of people around the world have at least one form of HSV. The symptoms are usually the most severe the first you time you get cold sores. A first-time cold sore can make a child seriously ill. After the first outbreak,
your body should make antibodies, and you may never have another infection. But many people get cold sores that come back. Cold sores are most likely to show up on the outside of your mouth and lips, but you can also get them on your nose and cheeks. You may get cold sores as late as 20 days after you’re infected. The sore might appear near where the virus entered your body. Cold sores happen in stages: You might also have red or swollen gums, swollen glands in your neck, fever, or muscle aches. First-time infections can also cause: You catch HSV when you come into contact with people or things that carry the virus. For instance, you can get it from kissing someone who has the virus or from sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors. Two types of the virus can cause cold sores: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can also cause sores on your genitals and can be spread by oral sex. Type 1 usually causes cold sores, and type 2 mostly causes genital herpes, but either can be found in both areas. Certain things can trigger an outbreak, including:
Cold sores generally aren’t serious, but the infection may be life-threatening for
someone who has a weakened immune system because of AIDS, another condition, or medications. If you have a severe case of a skin condition called eczema, you may get cold sores over large parts of your body. Your doctor might diagnose a cold sore just by looking at the blisters. They can also swab the blister and test the fluid for HSV. There’s no cure for cold sores. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body. The sores themselves usually heal on their own in 1 or 2 weeks. Antiviral medications can speed healing, especially if you take them at the first sign of an outbreak. Your doctor might
tell you to use: Some home remedies can help you feel better while you heal: Complications from a cold sore are rare, but can happen if the virus spreads to another part of your body, including your:
To lower your risk of another outbreak: To keep from spreading the virus, when you have cold sores, don't: Keep in mind that you can spread the virus even without symptoms. How do I get rid of a blister on my lip?Treating blisters on the lip can involve taking antibiotics or antivirals to clear up bacterial and viral infections. If a person is in pain when they eat and drink, OTC painkillers can help reduce discomfort.
Can you have a blister on your lip that isn't a cold sore?Gingivostomatitis is a mouth infection that causes blister-like sores to form on the gums and inside the lips. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, such as your nose or genitals, but it usually remains in the mouth area.
What does lip blister look like?A fever blister on your lip will appear as a small area of red, inflamed skin that may feel sore. A blister will then form, and may break apart and weep clear liquid. After a few days, the fever blister will be covered by hard crusts or scabs.
Can you get a lip blister from stress?If you're wondering if stress causes cold sores, the answer appears to be yes. When we're under mental stress, our immune systems suffer. This gives your dormant cold sore virus a chance to replicate itself and cause havoc in the form of blisters.
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