Lip blisters are also called as fever blisters or cold sores. It is contagious and is passed on to another person through saliva or sharing glasses. A lip blister occurs in groups on the upper part of lips and is caused by herpes simplex virus-1. Generally the virus attacks your body and remains inactive inside and develops further when you have some infection or fever or weakened immunity due to other reasons. It remains inactive on the nerves of the face and slowly becomes active when the right time comes.
The virus of herpes simplex can cause potential danger to people with lowered immunity level.
Causes :
Lip blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus HSV-1. It may occur due to emotional stress or trauma on the lips or due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Sometimes it may infect your eyes, fingers and even genitals.
Symptoms :
Fever, nausea, vomiting, headache are some of the common symptoms of lip blisters. You may have painful sores on the lips and inside the oral cavity. The area may develop inflammation and you will have difficulty to eat and drink. Sometimes, there may be sore throat.
The above symptoms do not occur immediately after HSV enters your body. It takes minimum of one week to act on your body and causes painful sores on the lips.
The border of the lips becomes reddish and will have multiple sores on it. People with weakened immunity may have additional problems. The sores may be itchy and may cause burning sensation. They look like scabs covered by crusts.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will find and identify lip blisters on physical examination of the lips and mouth cavity. The symptoms and pain may last for two weeks and takes around 10 days for complete healing.
Prevention :
Since it spreads from skin contact, do not allow anyone who is infected to kiss your child. You can apply sunscreen lotion on the lips while going out in hot sun. Take antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor for preventing virus infection.
Keep your mouth clean and hygienic. Do not touch the lips by your fingers through which infection can spread fast.
Pictures of Lip Blisters :
Images, Pictures, Pics and Photos of Lip Blisters
Treatment :
Doctors may prescribe zovirax, famciclovir and valacyclovir for healing painful sores. These drugs will act fast on the sores providing relief from pain. The medicines will stop further occurrence of cold sores in the lips.
You can try over the counter topical ointments like lidocaine and benzocaine for treating lip blisters. Take Ibuprofen if you have more pain and itching.
Just wash the lips and mouth frequently to reduce spreading of virus to other parts. Apply cold compress on the affected area to get relief from pain.
You can also add lysine supplement in your diet and include vitamin C and E for getting protection against herpes simplex virus.