Write an article based on this "Look at the color and location of the blister to determine if it's a cold sore. Apply ice to relieve pain and swelling 4-8 times a day. Use an over-the-counter antiviral cream for fast relief. Cover a visible blister with a cold-sore patch to hide it. Consult with your doctor if you get cold sores frequently. Avoid kissing or sharing food, utensils or care products during an outbreak."
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious. They develop most often on the lips, starting as a red patch and becoming a fluid-filled blister that may be light-colored at the center. They often feel painful, though your pain will fade over the 4-5 days after the onset of the cold sore. After a few days, a cold sore will drain or burst, leaving a red patch on the skin. Cold sores can have 1 or several fluid-filled bumps that are red around the base and ooze pus when they break. As the blisters burst and dry, they'll likely look crusty. Along with a cold sore, you may experience a fever, body aches, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. Wrap the ice in a clean rag or towel to protect your skin. Hold the ice on the cold sore for 5-10 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours as needed. Wash the rag or towel immediately after you use it or use a disposable towel. The herpes virus that causes cold sores is very contagious. There are a variety of topical treatments that will help your cold sore blisters to heal faster. These medications are available at all pharmacies. Follow the directions on the packaging, which usually instructs you to apply the cream 4 to 5 times a day for 4 to 5 days. For example, you can use OTC Abreva to speed up the healing of your cold sore. After cleaning the affected area, simply dab the ointment onto the cold sore every 3-4 hours (up to 5 times per day) for up to 10 days. Similarly, Blistex and Herpecin can reduce your pain and prevent drying. If you experience a lot of discomfort, take acetaminophen to help with the pain. Apply a lip protectant before you go outside. It's important to start applying them as soon as possible once you see a blister or feel one coming on. If the cold sore is in an area of your mouth that is visible, such as your lip, it's a good idea to cover it with a hydrocolloid patch. These patches protect the blister, hide it from view, and help prevent you from spreading the infection. These patches are available over-the-counter at any pharmacy. If you have cold sores often, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about them. They can make treatment suggestions, including prescribing you medications. For instance, prescription-strength Acyclovir cream can be used to shorten how long your cold sores last. It's important to use your medication as soon as you feel tingling that might indicate an outbreak. See your doctor prior to your next outbreak to get a prescription for the medication you need. Your doctor might prescribe an oral antiviral medicine, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir. The brand names of Acyclovir include Zovirax and Sitavig. The herpes virus is very contagious, so don't expose anyone else to your cold sores. Don't kiss anyone or have intimate contact with them. Similarly, don't share cups, utensils, food, towels, or razors, which can expose others to the virus. If you're worried about an item being contaminated, don't share it.