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Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips, although they can also occur on the nose, chin, or cheeks. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected person, as well as through sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or utensils.
Fever blisters typically last for 7-10 days, and can be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, or tingling before the blister appears. Over-the-counter creams and ointments may help relieve symptoms and speed up healing time, and antiviral medications may be prescribed in severe cases or for people with weakened immune systems.
To prevent the spread of fever blisters, it's important to avoid close contact with others while the blisters are present, and to avoid sharing personal items. Additionally, maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding touching the face can help reduce the risk of infection.
While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers such as sun exposure or certain foods may also help prevent outbreaks.