Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. An outbreak usually occurs on or around the mouth and typically heals within two to three weeks.
Fever blisters can be a lifelong irritant, since the virus remains dormant in the body throughout your life. Outbreaks can be triggered by stress, overexposure to sunlight, hormonal changes, trauma to the skin, or a weakened immune system.
Fever blisters are painful, accompanied by tingling and burning sensations along with swelling and inflammation. They appear as a cluster of small, white blisters and typically manifest on the same spot or area whenever the virus gets activated. Getting fever blisters can be a real pain and can even spoil your beauty.
There are many over-the-counter medicines for fever blisters, but they are not always effective and can take a lot of time. Instead, you can try some simple, natural home remedies that can help provide relief in just four to five days.
For best results, use these remedies as soon as you notice the initial tingling sensation. It will help reduce the duration and severity of an outbreak.
Here are the top 10 home remedies to get rid of fever blisters.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can quickly and effectively treat fever blisters due to its antiviral properties.
Dilute tea tree oil by combining one part oil and three parts water. Using a cotton ball, apply the diluted tea tree oil on the affected area three times a day. Within a few days, the fever blister should heal completely.
Alternatively, mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and olive oil. Add a little bit of eucalyptus oil. Apply this solution on the blister three times daily for four to five days.
2. Whole Milk
Another very simple treatment for fever blisters is whole milk. Whole milk contains immunoglobulins and calcium, which help fight the virus that causes fever blisters. Plus, it has a type of fat known as monocaprin with antiviral properties. Milk also helps accelerate the healing process.
Soak a cotton ball in cold whole milk and apply the milk on the affected area. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. The cold milk will reduce the pain as well as soothe the tingling sensation. Do this several times a day for three to four days.
Also, drink a glass of warm whole milk with one teaspoon of turmeric in it two times a day for a week. Turmeric will help reduce the pain associated with fever blisters.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfection and hence very effective in killing bacteria that may infect the fever blisters. The herpes virus that causes fever blisters thrive in moist, warm environments; using hydrogen peroxide will keep the affected area dry and free of moisture.
Dip a cotton ball in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and dab it over the blisters. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse the area with a wet washcloth and pat dry. Repeat this remedy three or four times a day for two to three days.
Alternatively, make a paste of two crushed aspirins and one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste on the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for just two to three minutes. Clean the area with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for not more than two days.
4. Ice
Cold compresses can alleviate pain significantly, as well as reduce the swelling and redness associated with fever blisters. It will also prevent the condition from spreading.
Wrap a few ice cubes in a washcloth.
Place it over the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat this every three to four hours.
After each session, apply a thick layer of lemon balm ointment to the area.
This remedy works best when used as soon as you feel the initial tenderness or a tingling sensation on your lip, which usually happens during the first few hours or a couple of days before the blisters develop.
5. Garlic
Garlic is one of those ingredients that you can rely upon when you want to get rid of fever blisters as fast as possible. Garlic has enzymes that work as antiviral agents that help treat fever blisters. Plus, its antibacterial properties will help disinfect the area and decrease the healing time.
Gently crush two to three garlic cloves to make a paste.
Apply it to your fever blisters.
Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat the process three times a day for two days.
Warning: Garlic is potent and may sting a bit when applied.
6. Licorice
Licorice has an active ingredient called glycyrrhizin that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that make this herb an effective treatment for fever blisters. It will minimize redness and swelling and also speed up the healing process.
Make a thick paste of one tablespoon of licorice root powder and one-half teaspoon of water. Dab the paste on the affected area using a cotton swab. Leave it on for a few hours. Reapply it three to four times a day for several days until the blisters heal completely.
You can also drink licorice root tea or take supplements to speed up the healing process.
Note: Those who have high blood pressure should avoid licorice remedies.
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