From the Guidelines
To treat a blister on your lip, apply an over-the-counter antiviral cream like docosanol (Abreva) at the first sign of tingling, as this can shorten healing time. This approach is supported by the current management and recommendations for access to antiviral therapy of herpes labialis, which suggests that patient education and self-medication with antiviral agents can reduce the delay in the start of treatment and improve outcomes 1.
When treating a blister on the lip, consider the following:
- Keep the area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water
- Apply a cold compress for 5-10 minutes several times daily to reduce pain and swelling
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to manage discomfort
- Avoid touching or picking at the blister to prevent infection and delay healing
- Apply petroleum jelly to keep the area moisturized and prevent cracking
It is essential to note that pharmacist and patient education on the efficacies of systemic and topical antiviral agents, and the importance of treatment adherence to prevent the emergence of resistance are crucial 1. For severe or frequently recurring blisters, consult a healthcare provider who may prescribe antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, which work by preventing the virus from replicating, reducing symptoms, and speeding healing.
From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 1.1 Adult Patients Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) VALTREX is indicated for treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
The efficacy of VALTREX initiated after the development of clinical signs of a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer) has not been established.
- Treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis): Valacyclovir is indicated for the treatment of cold sores.
- Efficacy: The efficacy of valacyclovir when initiated after the development of clinical signs of a cold sore has not been established. Valacyclovir can be used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) but its efficacy when initiated after the development of clinical signs has not been established 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Blister on Lip
- Episodic treatment for herpes labialis can be done using oral antiviral agents such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) 3
- Topical antiviral agents like 5% acyclovir cream/ointment (Zovirax) ± hydrocortisone (Xerese), 1% penciclovir (Denavir) cream, and 50 mg Buccal Adhesive Tablet (ABT-50 mg) can also be used for episodic treatment of herpes labialis 3
- A combination of 5% acyclovir and 1% hydrocortisone cream (Xerese) has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of ulcerative and nonulcerative recurrences of herpes simplex labialis 4
- Topical acyclovir cream is superior to acyclovir ointment in treating recurrent genital and labial herpes, with efficacy maximized by early patient-initiated treatment at the onset of prodromal symptoms 5
- Chronic suppressive therapy with oral antiviral agents should be considered for patients with severe or frequent (six or more episodes per year) recurrences of herpes labialis 3
Key Considerations
- Treatment should be initiated promptly, ideally in the prodromal stage and no later than 48 hours from the onset of lesions to achieve optimal results 3
- The choice of treatment approach (intermittent episodic therapy, intermittent suppressive therapy, or chronic suppressive therapy) depends on defined clinical characteristics and patient preference 6
- Topical therapy does not influence the natural history of recurrent HSV infections, but may be preferred for patients with less frequent recurrent episodes involving localized and accessible sites 5