What causes fever blisters and cold sores?
468735
A Dermatologist told me that the reason some people get cold sores and others don't is because you have to be exposed to the virus before the age of five. After five an immunity is built up and you cant catch them. Unfortunately once you have it you will always have it . He also said that it is commonly caught from a family member who has the virus kissing you on the lips. I used to get them all the time and it seemed like every time was worse then the time before. I take one 400MG Acyclovir everyday as a preventative and haven't had a cold sore in two years. I tried that prescription cream first (I think it started with a Z) but it made my lips so dry that I got even more cold sores.
855159
The virus starts to multiply when it gets into the skin cells. The skin becomes red and sensitive, and soon afterward, one or more blisters or bumps appear. The blisters first open, and then heal as new skin tissue forms. During a first outbreak, the area is usually painful and may itch, burn or tingle. Flu-like symptoms are also common. These include swollen glands, headache, muscle ache or fever. Herpes may also infect the urethra, and urinating may cause a burning sensation
70850
A viral STD that causes erupitons of small, and usually painful, blisters on the genitals. Genital herpes is herpes simplex 2, herpes simplex 1 is the virus responsible for the common cold sore. 5-10% of the cases of herpes simplex 2 are caused by herpes simplex 1. So, if you have 1 don't perform oral sex and if your partner has it don't let them perform it on you. Additionally, herpes simplex 1 can be transmitted through oral secretions during kissing. So, pecks only folks. Eighty percent of the adult population that has simplex 1 aquired it in a non-sexual manner.\n\nSYMPTOMS:\n\n    * itching, burning, tingling\n    * painful fluid filled blisters in the genetal or rectal areas. Blisters can merge to form really big blisters and the crust that forms on them when they start to heal is yellowish.\n    * mild fever\n    * groin lumps (inguinal lymphadenopathy)\n    * pain when urinating\n    * urinary hesitation\n    * increase in urinary frequency and/or urgency increased sometimes to the point of incontinence\n    * intercourse hurts\n    * genital sores \n\nA Google.com image search should show some interesting examples.
1021513
First of all, you can get an oral form of herpes (which I am assuming this is to what you are referring) through contact with another person who has an active outbreak of the viral infection.  This means that just being in contact ONCE can cause you to become infected.\n\nThe sores are also known (on the mouth) as "cold sores" or "fever blisters" sometimes.\n\nI suggest you take a look at the link in the "sources" section.  This page from Medline Plus lists a lot of different links to take you more specifically to different sites to help you find some answers about what you need to know.
136657
The herpes simplex virus can cause what are called "cold sores".\n\n"Herpes simplex is commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. It is a viral infection of the skin that may occur once or return again and again. This is because when the virus is cleared from the skin by the immune system it hides in the nerves and is never completely removed from the body. Herpes infections are very common. It is estimated that nine out of ten people have been exposed to herpes. Many people are infected and don’t even know it. Unfortunately those who carry herpes can spread the disease without even knowing it.\n\nHerpes simplex begins as a group of small red bumps that blister. Sometimes this is preceded by itching and burning of the area. The blisters begin to dry up after a few days and form a yellow crust. The crust then falls off and the redness slowly goes away. The whole process takes about 10-14 days. Scars rarely form. Some people experience just some itching or burning in the area while most people have no symptoms at all."
522519
IT could be an infection of some type. There are also diseases that cause fevers, such as lupus. Also it could be the heat. I know in the summer time I run a low grade fever, it's pretty normal for me. I did talk to a doctor about it. \n\nSeeing a doctor is advisable. ;0)
345583
Cold sores are a form of the herpes virus and yes you can spread from one area to the next.  Make sure you wash you hands very well, and watch what you have come in contact with the sore until it heals.  If you have sores on your genitals, then you need to see a Dr. right away.  Hope this helps you.
442050
Stress tends to make them appear.  So does fluctuations in temperature.  Try not to stress out. Apply lip balm regularly.  Abreeva works great.  Don't pick or play with the cold sore.  Scars are very easy to get.
33975
A common question is ‘Are colds sores on the mouth the same as genital herpes?’\nThey are caused by two different strains of the herpes virus.\n \nHerpes Simplex Virus Type 1 commonly causes sores on the lips known as ‘fever blisters’ or ‘cold sores’ but it CAN also cause genital infection. \nHerpes Simplex Virus  Type 2 most often causes genital sores.\nIt can also infect the mouth. (CDC)\n\nSo, you can have an unpleasant sore on your mouth and it MAY not be from oral sex \n\nOr you can have a sore on your mouth and it IS genital herpes.\n\nHSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to be broken or to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected. \n\nHSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called "fever blisters." HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.\n\nhttp://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
5552
Varicella Zoster Virus\nA herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
915815
Sounds like you have type 1 & 2 herpes - otherwise known as oral & genital herpes.  When you have an outbreak (blisters, etc) then you "shed" the virus - if they do a swab they'll be able to find the virus.  Otherwise, the blood (antibody) test shows that you have the viruses but not for how long.  I hope the folks who did the testing also talked to you about treating it - you can get medicine that can help cut down on the number and severity of outbreaks you have, although nothing's gonna cure it.
150939
Cold sores seem to be triggered by stress and/or a depressed immune system (which is why they are called cold sores - they can occur when you're sick) so keeping healthy and relaxed can help a lot.\n\nSee the below page for some helpful treatments/prevention measures.  I have used L-Lysine to some success in the past - I have not had a cold sore in over three years!
154550
when it's fully healed....period.. and take some L-lysine vitamins.. they help prevent cold sores
216964
It really isn't known for sure why some people break out with cold sores and others don't. Some think that it could be stress triggered. It is a type of herpes like the other users did say.\n\nPlease follow the link for more information.\n"The herpes simplex virus (HSV) (also known as Cold Sore, Night Fever, or Fever Blister) is a virus that manifests itself in two common viral infections, each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present-day technology. An infection on the lips is commonly known as a "cold sore" or "fever blister," though this should not be confused with a canker sore, which appears inside the mouth and is not caused by the herpes simplex virus."
506994
use a block of ice on the blister for a few minutes then apply tea tree oil, it will kill the infection, it will dry it out but once the scab forms apply a cream such as zinc to moisten the scab so that it doesnt crack.\n\nsome ppl have the virus in their system and some people dont. Ive always gotten them the most in my family out of my brother and sister, but my mom never gets them.\nFever blisters come up for lots of reasons, stress, excitement, when you're sick and your immune system is run down.  Any kind of major hormone change could trigger an outbreak.  i also find that if i have been out in the sun the whole day (my skin is very fair and sensitive to sun) then i tend to get one but it is different for each person.\nwhen i was ounger i used to get so excited going on holdays i used to get one just before.\ni have a fever bister at the moment which came out less than an hour after i heard my best friend had died - the cause of this one: the stress and the enormous sudden emotional change that caused my body to become vulnerable to them.
673779
a cold sore is the herpes Virus...it is possible to spread it even without an outbreak..be very careful and NEVER drink from anyone's glass or eat from the spoon or fork.
725124
Isn't chilitis just the medical term for chapped lips?  I don't think its caused by uncleanliness.  I'm on a medication that causes chilitis, and I just use blistex.  If youre not on anymedication or anything its probably just the weather and lack of humidity this time of year causing it.