Hello! Do you know that the blister on the border of your mouth that usually heals on its own and recurs after some time due to some triggers may not be symptoms of malaria as you term it but could be Cold sores?
Now you would ask, what are cold sores? They are small often painful blisters on the border of the mouth or the lips. It is commonly caused by a virus named herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1). It is transmitted through physical contact e.g kissing even when the patient is asymptomatic. An infected patient is often unaware till symptoms appear. Once the virus enters the body it resides in the body. They often have this tingling or itching feel around the mouth which then develops to a blister and after some days this blister opens up to expel its fluid and later turns to a sore before it heals. Fever and sore throat may be accompanying symptoms. Blisters occasionally reoccur after the initial infection when there is a trigger. The weak immune system, cold, fever, allergies, exposure to the sun, hormone changes( e.g Menstruation), and stress are possible triggers.
There is no permanent cure for cold sore but treatment is available to speed up the healing process when it occurs. Pain medications help to ease the pain and fever that comes with the infection. Topical antiviral creams can be useful at the stage where you experience that tingling sensation in the mouth and it’s least needed when sores have occurred. Antiviral tablets are prescribed in more severe conditions.
Possible triggers can be avoided to prevent their recurrence. Avoid kissing anyone including babies or sharing eating utensils while you have a cold sore because it is easily transmitted at such times. Stay hydrated and eat fruits rich in vitamins would boost the immune system especially immunocompromised patients who are at greater risk of getting infected.
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