Millions of sufferers wonder what causes fever blisters? Fever blisters are one of the most common mouth disorder causing discomfort and annoyance in those that suffer from it. These blisters are also known as cold sores and are small sores outside of the mouth, around the lips, cheeks, chin or even in the nostrils.
When the blisters are present the herpes virus is very contagious and is often passed along by kissing. Children often get it from their parents and can then pass it along to other kids by rubbing their sores and touching them.
The herpes virus stays in the body and once a person is infected with oral herpes, the virus stays in a nerve near the cheekbone. Now the virus can stay there or it can travel down the nerve of the skin surface which then causes a recurrence.
There was a time in ancient Rome, that an epidemic outbreak of fever blisters prompted the Emperor Tiberius to ban kissing in public ceremonies. Even today there still is an epidemic of fever blisters. About 100 million recurrent cases happen in the United States. An estimation of about 45 to 80 percent of Adults and children have had a bout with fever blisters.
Cold sores go through 5 stages:
1. The tingling stage - This stage lasts 1 to 2 days. A tingling sensation starts where the fever blister is going to form. This spot may swell, redden and become sore.
2. The blister stage - This stage usually lasts 2 days. A blister filled with fluid will appear.
3. The weeping stage - This stage is when the blisters burst open. This is the most contagious stage because this is when the fluids are leaking out.
4. The scabbing stage - In this stage the blister scabs over for 2 or 3 days. This scab usually breaks open in which another forms in it's place. This second scab flakes off in which an even smaller scab appears. The fever blisters disappears, usually not leaving a scar.
5. The healing stage
Cold sores are very common. They can seem that they appear at the worst times. A date, vacation or job interview.
Now that you know what causes fever blisters, don't live in fear and embarrassment.
Look and feel better by healing your fever blisters naturally at [http://www.cold-sore-free-forever.info]