It isn't obvious what conditions caused you to gotten the cold sore lip problem. It is the herpes simplex virus 1 and once you have caught the virus it remains in the nerves able to be re-activated again. You may have gotten it from sharing utensils, a kiss, drinking from the same soda or from a towel you shared with someone. Though most of us have already been exposed to the herpes simplex virus since childhood, many don't have symptoms. The statistics say that approximately twenty five percent of the people with the virus will have active cold sore symptoms.

If you fall into this group, when you hear that the cold sore can re-appear since the virus is in your ganglions, it can be quite disturbing. Not only is it a fear for yourself, but it brings up the problem of infecting other people. First of all, if this is your initial cold sore blister outbreak, be careful about not spreading it to other parts of your body. If you suffer from eczema, this pink patches or skin rash can be a vulnerable area. Be careful to not touch your lip cold sore and then another part of your body. Always wash your hands or use hand gel sanitizers. Keep your hands away from your eyes as herpes simplex virus can attack the eye.

When you are around others during your active phase, refrain from kissing, sharing cups and use your own individual towel. Be very vigilant from the tingle through all the stages including the cold sore blister and the scab that follows it.

During the outbreak you can use ice to reduce swelling but be sure to wrap it first to not burn the lip. The lip area is quite sensitive. Soaking tea bags and apply the liquid is useful as well due to the tannic acid. Other home remedies for fever blisters include lemon balm , lysine capsules and coconut oil. Be sure to let the herpes scab heal and not pick at it because otherwise the scab will need to re-form and you'll lose extra days. Keep it moisturized since if the lip cracks it delays the healing.