Tiny blisters that sometimes appear on the lips are also known as cold sores. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 but it’s not the same kind of virus that is commonly associated with the genital herpes which gets transmitted sexually. The virus is dormant in nature and it stays in the body because it cannot be eliminated.
It gets stimulated by skin chapping, stressful situations, sunburns and various allergic reactions. Before the blisters get developed, one usually feels burning and itching at the area that is to be infected. Blisters that appear in the form of raised skin that is filled with clear fluid. Once the blisters burst they form a crust within a period of just a few days the scab usually peels off and heals. All lip blisters caused by this type of virus are self-limited and require no treatment in order to heal. But they can cause excessive discomfort and may be filled with pus so in order to clear these symptoms one should seek immediate medical attention.
There are certain types of medications that can relieve the symptoms of the syndrome and make the healing process shorter and more bearable. The virus that causes the syndrome itself cannot be cured, though. Its common to use pain relievers during the healing process because they also reduce inflammation and ibuprofen and Aspirin are among the most popular ones.
Topical anesthetics numb the area that surrounds the lip blister so they also can come in very handy in relieving the symptoms of the syndrome. The skin that surrounds the blisters must be soothed and prevented from cracking or bursting by using various types of lip balms and moisturizer creams. An antiviral agent called docasanol can also be purchased at pharmacies since it is very beneficial in fighting the virus and its symptoms.
Severe cases of lip blisters require proper diagnosed and prescribed therapy. The doctor must be informed about the patient’s health history and medications currently taken, if any. The most commonly prescribed medications are acyclovir and famciclovir and they help in relieving pain and healing faster. It is recommended that a patient starts taking these medications during the early phases of the syndrome in order to gain the best results.
One should always keep the blisters dry because it will speed up the healing process. The blisters should not be punctured since it will spread the virus further. Arginine should also be avoided in the daily diet.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...