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.