How to manage a fever blister

Fever blister is a common name for a cold sore, usually a group of small fluid-filled blisters around the lips or mouth. It is commonly linked with herpes simplex virus and can return after an earlier episode. Tingling, burning, or itching may happen before the skin changes. The blister can break, form a crust, and gradually settle. Touching the sore can spread the virus to another part of your body or to another person.

Keep the area clean and avoid picking, squeezing, or peeling the crust. Wash your hands after touching your mouth, and avoid kissing or oral sex while the sore is present. Do not share lip balm, towels, cups, or cutlery. A cool compress can calm soreness; a pharmacist can advise about suitable pain relief or an antiviral cream. If episodes are frequent, severe, or affecting eating, a clinician may discuss prescription antiviral medicine, which works best when started at the earliest warning sensation.

Arrange medical advice if the sore is near an eye, spreads widely, lasts longer than expected, or makes drinking difficult. Seek prompt care if you have a weakened immune system, significant illness, or a newborn has been exposed. Eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes need urgent assessment because herpes infection can affect the eye. A clinician can also check sores that are unusually painful, recurrent, or not behaving like a typical cold sore.

Could this sore be something other than a cold sore? Would an antiviral be useful at this stage? How can I reduce spread to people at home? What should I do if sores keep returning?