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It tingles. It itches, and it burns. What is it and how can I stop it?

Unfortunately, by the time you feel these symptoms it is often too late. Those pesky and painful fever blisters (also known as cold sores) are already on their way to make your life miserable, and maybe a bit embarrassing.

Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex type I virus, which is not only highly contagious but also incurable. It sounds harsh, but while there may not be a way to prevent the virus, there are ways to mitigate the symptoms. The virus is spread by contact, so no kissing! And yes, you can contract genital herpes by engaging in oral sex during an outbreak.

Once a person is infected with HSVI, it stays in the body, remaining near a nerve located near the cheekbone. It can stay dormant there, or occasionally travel down the nerve to the skin surface, where it appears in the form of blisters erupting on the outside edge of the lip or edge of the nostril, sometimes also appearing on the chin, cheeks, or inside of the mouth. Recurrence seems to be less frequent after age thirty-five.

Common sense is a great preventative measure. For instance, practice good hand washing habits. Avoid touching anything that touches the sores, and avoid sharing soaps, washcloths, cosmetics (especially lip products,) drinking and eating utensils, and don't touch the sores directly. Since outbreaks are thought to be triggered by stress and exposure to sunlight, keeping stressors to a minimum and applying lip balm with a sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) may also help in the prevention of a painful episode.

Although not supported by medical research at this time, some think zinc, l-lysine (an amino acid,) phenol and tannic acid may have anti-viral properties and in fact, may prevent the formation of cold sores.

Other suggestions include the application of ice during the "tingle stage" (before the actual breakout of blisters) which appears to slow the metabolism and inhibits the formation of the blisters by lowering the temperature of the affected tissue.

Because tea contains tannic acid, it is thought the application of a tea bag, also during the "tingle stage," may also reduce the severity and length of the outbreak. Herbal remedies such as sage, tea tree oil and the herbal sedative violet have been touted by some as helping ease outbreaks.

Famciclovir (generic for "Famvir") is an antiviral drug used to suppress the virus and is also used for HIV patients, people suffering from genital herpes and also in the treatment of shingles. Ask your doctor if this medication is appropriate for you.
Keep your hands clean, stressors to a minimum, and remember, no kissing during an outbreak!

Of course, check with your medical professional before attempting any self-treatment.

Learn more about this author, Annetta Ribken.
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