What is a fever blister?

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Fever blister or cold sores are considered as common skin conditions that affect many individuals all over the globe. Fever blisters are actually triggered by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the usual manifestation of a herpes simplex virus infection.

Connection of fever blisters and herpes simplex virus

It is important to note that fever blisters are caused more often by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) than the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Remember that a high percentage of the world’s population has been infected with HSV-1. These types of infections typically follow the standard progression of herpes simplex virus infections in which the initial outbreak is more throbbing and persists longer than the recurrent infections.

Fever-blister
It is important to note that the usual prodromal symptoms for fever blisters include tingling, pain and burning sensation.

Fever blisters – initial infection

Upon the first contact of the skin within or around the mouth with the herpes simplex virus, an outbreak occurs within the mouth particularly the tongue, gums and throat of the individual. This condition is called as gingivostomatitis in which the first infection occurs most often during childhood and the highest incidence occurs among children between 6 months up to 3 years of age.

If children are affected by this condition, they develop pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever and difficulty swallowing. These indications usually persist for about a week long and resolve naturally. Children suffering from gingivostomatitis face might end up with dehydration in case the pain prevents them from drinking adequate amounts of fluids. Oftentimes, water-based popsicles can be given in order to provide hydration as well as relief from pain.

Recurrent infection

Once an individual has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, the virus stays in certain cells in the body and can reactivate at any time. The reactivation can be instigated by skin trauma, sun exposure, menstruation, fever, stress and other causes.

The reactivation generates the lesions called as fever blisters or cold sores. The fever blisters are most often seen on the lip borders and comprised of 3-5 vesicles. After the following 3-5 days, the vesicles become pustular, ulcerative and then crust over. The symptoms become severe 8 hours after the outbreak. Many individuals usually experience 2 outbreaks in a year.

Prodrome

The recurrent infections are often preceded by a prodrome period in which the symptoms manifest before the actual outbreak occurs. It is important to note that the usual prodromal symptoms for fever blisters include tingling, pain and burning sensation. This period can last from 2 hours up to 2 days.

How fever blisters spread

It is important to note that fever blisters are considered highly transmissible and spread via direct contact with infected droplets in the breath or saliva as well as skin to skin contact. The herpes simplex virus can be reactivated as a response to a variety of stimuli including stress, exposure to cold and UV radiation, dental work or certain illness.

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