Treatment for fever blisters

Fever blisters, also called cold sores, usually appear as tingling or burning followed by small grouped blisters around the lips or nearby skin. They can break, ooze, crust, and settle, but the virus can remain in the body and sores may recur. Other causes of skin blisters can look similar, particularly when sores occur away from the usual area.

Avoid touching the sore, wash hands after contact, and do not share lip balm, drinks, towels, or utensils while it is active. Avoid kissing and oral contact until the area has fully healed, especially with newborns or anyone who is medically vulnerable.

Keep the area clean, avoid picking the crust, and use a cool compress for short periods if it feels sore. Protect cracked lips with a bland barrier product that does not sting, and drink enough fluid if eating or drinking is uncomfortable. Wash hands before applying any product.

A GP consultation can confirm whether the appearance fits a cold sore and discuss whether antiviral treatment is suitable. Antiviral medicine tends to be most useful when started early in an episode, so contact a clinician at the first tingling if outbreaks are frequent, severe, or disruptive. Use prescribed treatment exactly as directed.

Seek medical advice if the diagnosis is uncertain, the sore is unusually extensive or painful, episodes are frequent, or the skin is not healing. Arrange prompt care for sores near the eye, eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, widespread blisters, fever with marked illness, or difficulty drinking.

People with a weakened immune system, significant eczema, or a newborn in the household should seek advice early. A clinician can decide whether testing, antiviral treatment, or another treatment is needed.

Does this look like a cold sore or another type of skin blister? Should I start antiviral treatment at the tingling stage? How can I reduce transmission at home? What symptoms would require urgent eye or general medical care?