The word "fever blister" is pronounced as /ˈfivər ˈblɪstər/. The spelling of this word reflects the phonetic sounds of each syllable. The "f" sound at the beginning of "fever" is followed by the "v" sound, which makes a smooth transition between the two phonemes. The second syllable, "blister," has the short "i" sound followed by the "s" sound, and the word ends in the "er" sound. This spelling accurately represents the sound of the word when spoken aloud.
A fever blister, also known as a cold sore, is a small, painful, fluid-filled sore that typically appears on or around the lips, although it can also develop on other areas of the face or inside the mouth. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and is highly contagious.
The appearance of a fever blister is characterized by a cluster of small, red, raised bumps that may be filled with clear fluid. Over time, the blister may break open, releasing the fluid and forming a yellowish crust or scab. The sore can be accompanied by symptoms such as tingling, itching, or a burning sensation in the affected area.
Fever blisters are often triggered by factors such as stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, or exposure to sunlight. Once infected with HSV-1, the virus remains dormant in the body and can be reactivated by these triggers.
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected individual, usually through kissing, sharing utensils, or touching the active sore. It can also be transmitted through oral sex. After infection, the initial outbreak can be severe, but subsequent outbreaks are typically milder and resolve within 1 to 2 weeks.
Treatment for fever blisters usually involves over-the-counter antiviral creams or ointments to alleviate symptoms and speed up healing. It is important to avoid picking or scratching the blister to prevent infection and scarring. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with others during an outbreak, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
Herpes labialis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fever blister" is a compound word comprising two distinct parts: "fever" and "blister".
The word "fever" can be traced back to the Old English word "fēfor", which meant "fever" or "feverishness". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*febrą". Over time, the term has remained consistent in meaning and pronunciation and is still used today to refer to a state of increased body temperature associated with various illnesses.
On the other hand, the word "blister" has a slightly different origin. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "blister" or "blustre", which referred to a "bubble" or "pimple". This term was derived from the Old French word "blestre" with the same meaning.