What Is a Fever Blister?
4. Recurrence Triggers
Once infected, the virus that causes fever blisters will remain with the patient for the rest of their lives. However, the symptoms of the initial infection will disappear and the virus will go dormant. The virus can lay dormant for years and, in some cases, it will never become active again.
The virus will reactivate in some people, however, and there are certain triggers that can cause this. This includes changes in hormonal levels, stress, and fatigue. Injury to the skin can also reactivate the virus, as can changes in the patient’s immune system. The lips being exposed to harsh weather can also cause the virus to become reactivated.
Advertisement
