Updated: 7/23/2019
Contents
Fever blisters, or cold sores, mostly appear on the lips, cheeks, fingers, chin, etc., and they are fluid containing lesions. These can be quite painful and even spoil your beauty while there. A virus named herpes simplex type 1 is the cause of fever blisters. An outbreak often occurs around or on the mouth and heals within 2 to 3 weeks. Other factors responsible for fever blisters are hormonal changes, stress, overexposure to sunlight, a weakened immune system, trauma to the skin, etc. The condition causes a painful, burning, and tingling sensation, swelling, and inflammation. There are various OTC drugs or medicines to treat fever blisters quickly, but they may have many side effects and actually take a longer time to provide the desired results.
There are natural remedies that may provide immediate relief from this condition in only 4 to 5 days. Read this article on Beauty Talk site to understand more about the best home remedies for fever blisters. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies that can be used with or without medical treatment. Always consult your doctor about recurrent fever blisters, or infections, and if symptoms are getting worse rather than better, as there may be an underlying immune issue to be addressed.
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18 Best Home Remedies For Fever Blisters You Should Not Skip
1. Tea Bags
“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful – Sophia Loren.”
Are you seeking for home remedies for fever blisters? Tea bags may help to treat it. The tannic acid in tea has astringent and antiviral properties which can be used effectively to eliminate the virus causing fever blisters [1] [2] [3]. Additionally the antioxidants and vitamins in tea will assist in healing the blisters.
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Ingredients:
- One cup of boiling water
- One green or black tea bag
Instructions:
Place a tea bag in a cup of boiling water for one minute. Remove the tea bag from the water and leave it to cool. Press a cotton ball soaked in the tea gently on the affected area for several minutes. Repeat this process 5-6 times in a day for 3-4 days. The pain and discomfort due to fever blisters will be removed rapidly.
2. Yogurt And Eggs
Basically,lysine, an amino acid found in yogurt can help to fight the virus responsible for fever blisters and even prevent them from becoming active [4]. Additionally, yogurt is full of calcium, zinc, protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. Zinc in particular, has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits [5] [6], which have the ability to fight against fever blisters. Also, it aids in restoring healthy bacteria in our body that combat the viral infection. Eggs have advantages for both health and skin. The high sulfur content in eggs is essential for the body’s ability to make keratin and collagen, which help to keep nails healthy, and hair and skin shining as well. Combining eggs and yogurt to create a face mask is an effective and excellent way to heal fever blister symptoms.
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of yogurt
- 1 tbsp of honey
Instructions:
Make the facial mask by mixing all the prepared ingredients together. Then, apply it to the fever blisters using 1 cotton ball. Leave this application on for ½ an hour and rinse off using lukewarm water. To achieve visible results, repeat the process once daily. You can also enjoy 1 cup of plain, ideally organic and grass-fed yogurt two to three times daily.
3. Using Toothpaste
Any excellent home remedy for fever blisters must include toothpaste [7]. Apart from its benefits for oral health, toothpaste may assist in drying out blisters rapidly since it contains a few helpful ingredients, such as alcohol, menthol, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Especially, toothpaste free from sodium lauryl sulfate is beneficial in reducing the fever blister size in 1-2 days [8] [9]. Here are two processes that can be used with toothpaste:
Process 1:
Put a little white toothpaste to the affected region. Leave the application on at least 2 hours or overnight. Afterward, use a damp washcloth to wash this application off and apply petroleum jelly or better yet, coconut oil. It’s recommended to follow this easy method once daily until the condition heals completely.
Process 2:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of white toothpaste
- ½ tbsp of salt
Instructions:
Mix the white toothpaste together with salt to form a paste. Apply this paste to the blisters with a cotton swab before going to sleep. Leave this application on overnight and rinse it off using lukewarm water in the following morning. Repeat daily as needed. Remember only to use white toothpaste for fever blisters.
4. Aloe Vera
The list of natural home remedies for fever blisters is incomplete without including aloe vera. Owing to its natural healing powers and antibacterial qualities [10], aloe vera helps to disinfect the infected region. Apart from that, aloe vera is known to encourage healing and reduce inflammation and pain associated with fever blisters. One study showed the significant inhibitory effect of aloe vera gel on the growth of Herpes simplex virus type 1 in the Vero cell line. Therefore, aloe vera gel could be an excellent topical treatment for oral infections caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 without any significant toxicity [11].
Ingredients:
- An aloe vera leaf
- Lukewarm water
- A soft towel
Instructions:
Extract aloe vera gel by cutting the leaf and apply this gel to the blisters with a clean finger or cotton swab. Let it dry on its own. After this, use lukewarm water to clean the area and pat it dry by using a soft towel. This procedure has to be repeated several times per day for 3-4 days. This treatment will keep your infected area soft and clean so that the skin does not split open, which may lead to further infection.
5. Whole Milk Remedy
Whole milk is one of the simple home remedies for fever blisters. Thanks to its immunoglobulins and calcium [12], whole milk may help to destroy the virus causing fever blisters. In addition, whole milk also comprises antiviral properties [13] and helps to enhance the healing process. Here are two processes that explain to you how to use milk for treating fever blisters:
Process 1:
Take a little cold whole milk at first and soak 1 cotton ball in it. Afterward, apply the milk to your affected area. After about 10 minutes, rinse it off. The cold milk assists in decreasing the pain and soothing the tingling sensation too. If you want to treat fever blisters quickly, you need to apply the milk several times per day for around three days.
Process 2:
Alternatively, you add 1 tsp of turmeric to warm whole milk (1 glass). Apply a little to the affected areas and afterward, consume it 2 times per day for one week. Turmeric in this remedy will help to soothe the pain related to fever blisters. It must be whole milk in order for the properties in turmeric to be activated.
6. Using Hydrogen Peroxide
The amazing home remedies for fever blisters must consist of hydrogen peroxide [14]. It may destroy the virus causing the fever blisters since it’s natural disinfection. Generally speaking, a herpes virus that is the cause of fever blisters may thrive in warm and moist environments; hydrogen peroxide will maintain the affected region free of moisture and dry. How to get rid of fever blisters with hydrogen peroxide? Follow the processes below:
Process 1:
Immerse a cotton ball in a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Dab it over the infected area and wait for several minutes. Thereafter, use a wet washcloth to rinse the area and pat it dry. The process has to be followed three or four times per day for about 2-3 days.
Process 2
Ingredients:
- One tsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 2 crushed aspirins
Instructions:
Make a paste of aspirin and the 3% hydrogen peroxide together. With the help of a cotton ball, apply it to the affected part. Keep the application on for 2-3 minutes and clean the area by using lukewarm water. To treat fever blisters soon, apply the paste once every day for not more than 2 days.
7. Garlic
Are you seeking for home remedies for fever blisters? Garlic will help a lot to treat these painful blisters.. The enzymes housed in garlic have antiviral properties that help to fight the virus causing fever blisters [15]. In addition, garlic comprises antibacterial properties thanks to its allicin content [16], which will help to disinfect the area and reduce the healing time as well.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves of garlic
Instructions:
Firstly, crush the garlic cloves into a paste and apply this paste straight to your infected area. Wait for 15 minutes and wipe off by using a wet cloth. It is advisable to apply this remedy three times a day for two days.
8. Tea Tree Oil Remedy
Tea tree oil is also regarded among the best home remedies for fever blisters. Being rich in the powerful antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral characteristics [17], tea tree oil combats infection and destroys the herpes simplex virus causing the condition. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, the oil aids in soothing the redness, pain, and swelling related to fever blisters.
Process 1:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of tea tree oil
- 1 tbsp of water
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions:
First of all, add the tea tree oil to the water and mix well. Afterward, soak 1 cotton ball in the resulting solution and apply that cotton ball on the fever blisters. It’s advised to follow this procedure daily to get rid of fever blisters quickly.
Process 2:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of tea tree oil
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of eucalyptus oil
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions:
In 1 bowl, you take the tea tree oil in it and add the olive oil along with eucalyptus oil to it. Later mix well and apply this solution on your fever blisters using a cotton ball. To quickly and naturally fight fever blisters, follow this process 2 times a day for five days.
9. Baking Soda
Typically, baking soda functions as an astringent to treat fever blisters [18]. Besides, it may relieve some of the discomfort and pain due to fever blisters. When applied to the fever blisters, baking soda will create an alkaline environment, so the virus can’t survive in this environment. As a result, fever blisters are treated totally. Here’s how to use baking soda for fever blisters removal:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp of baking soda
- 1 tbsp of water
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions:
Combine the baking soda with water and mix well to form a paste. Apply the prepared paste with 1 cotton ball on the areas affected by the blisters. Leave it for a couple of hours.. Follow this simple remedy frequently to remove fever blisters soon.
10. Licorice
According to a few medical researchers, licorice extract or root comprises the glycyrrhizic acid, which may kill the virus and relieve the symptoms linked to fever blisters. In addition, it comes with anti-inflammatory characteristics making this herb an effective cure for fever blisters. Furthermore, it’ll minimize swelling & redness and promote the healing process too. A 2014 study found that licorice has an antiherpetic effect, but its effects on viruses in humans still require more research [19].
Process 1:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of licorice root powder or extract
- 1 cotton swab
- ½ tsp of freshwater
Instructions:
Mix the water (½ teaspoon) and Licorice root powder or extract (1 tablespoon). Use a cotton swab to apply this combination on the blisters. You need to keep this combination undisturbed for a couple of hours to quickly fight fever blisters. It is suggested to follow daily to treat cold sores and fever blisters on the lips, tongue, and inside the mouth as well.
Process 2:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of licorice root powder or extract
- 2 tsp of petroleum jelly or coconut oil
- 1 cotton swab
Instructions:
Mix the petroleum jelly or coconut oil with the licorice root powder, creating a smooth mixture. Apply to the blisters using a cotton swab. Keep the mixture undisturbed for a few hours to effectively work on the fever blisters and cold sores. Follow this remedy daily.
11. Vanilla Extract
Generally speaking, using pure vanilla extract is one of the effective home remedies for fever blisters [20]. The alcohol housed in the pure vanilla extract is recognized universally as an antiviral property, which helps to kill the virus causing cold sores or fever blisters. Additionally, the vanilla extract comprises the anti-inflammatory activity, which helps to calm the tingling and pain and battles this viral infection.
Ingredients:
- One Tbl pure vanilla extract
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions:
Soak a cotton ball in the vanilla extract. Apply to the fever blisters. Follow this process about 4 times per day.
12. Cornstarch Remedy
Cornstarch is also one of the natural home remedies for fever blisters [21]. Cornstarch aids in neutralizing the pH of the blister. Additionally, it’s known to consist of natural healing qualities that may fight against herpes simplex virus, causing fever blisters rapidly. Here’s the recipe that describes you on how to get rid of fever blisters with cornstarch:
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbl cornstarch
1 Tbl warm water
Instructions:
Add cornstarch to the warm water. Blend these ingredients together to create a paste and use your fingers to apply the paste on your affected region. Continue following this process till you alleviate these painful fever blisters totally.
13. Using Salt
Both table salt and sea salt can be used effectively to cope with fever blisters. Surprisingly, table salt may function as a potent treatment for fever blisters since it comprises antiseptic properties decreasing the risk of infection [22]. It helps to soak moisture from the blisters and completely dries them out. Moreover, it assists in accelerating the healing process. Last but not least, it reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling of the blisters.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of table salt
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 cotton ball
Instructions:
Take 1 cotton ball and dip it in hot water. Later place this wet cotton ball in table salt (1 tablespoon). Thereafter, gently move the cotton ball on your affected area of fever blisters. Follow the method regularly.
14. Peppermint Oil
Topical application of peppermint oil is another effective cure for fever blisters. This oil has the ability to directly destroy the virus particles responsible for fever blisters [23]. Additionally, this oil provides a cooling & soothing sensation to the fever blisters and removes the pain and burning sensation as well, as it comes with menthol content.
Ingredients:
- Peppermint oil
- A towel
- A cotton swab
Instructions:
Clean the blisters’ surface with warm water and pat dry with the help of a towel. Immerse a cotton swab in the water and dip it into some peppermint oil. Presently, directly apply to your blisters and reapply this natural treatment twice in one day for several days.
15. Lemons For Getting Rid Of Fever Blisters
As we know, lemons are a wonderful ingredient that is used widely in lots of skin or hair care products. Lemons are full of antioxidants & vitamin C [24] [25], which help the immune system to defend against free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to heal cuts and wounds such as fever blisters. This citrus fruit is also anti-inflammatory [26] that will help to calm redness and pain as well.
Instructions:
Take one lemon and scrape the fleshy part and apply on your fever blisters with a Q-tip. Leave it to remain in the area for fifteen minutes and lastly, rinse the area with warm water. Reapply this remedy several times daily or as needed to control the pain.
16. Echinacea
Echinacea is potential antiviral, so it’s a great treatment of fever blisters [27] [28]. As discussed earlier, a weakened immune system is a major reason for fever blisters. Echinacea tea has the capacity to boost the immune system’s defense mechanism [29] so that the body may combat the viral infection more effectively and accelerate the recovery process too.
Ingredients:
- One Echinacea tea bag
- One cup of water
Instructions:
Boil a cup of water first and then dip 1 Echinacea tea bag into the boiling water. Cover the cup and leave the tea to steep for around ten minutes. Remove the tea bag out and drink the tea. You can consume two to three cups of Echinacea tea a day for a few days.
17. Hazel
Generally speaking, extracts from both bark and leaves of witch hazel is effectively used to fight off different types of skin diseases. Additionally, witch hazel contains tannins that reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation caused by the blisters. It also assists in encouraging the healing process. Moreover, witch hazel soothes inflammation and shrinks the blisters thanks to its natural astringent properties. A 1996 study found that witch hazel may help to fight the herpes virus and reduce inflammation [30]. Here’s how to use witch hazel for curing fever blisters:
Ingredients:
- Liquid witch hazel
- A cotton ball
Instructions:
The initial step is soaking a cotton ball in the prepared liquid witch hazel. Later directly dab the liquid on the blisters and leave it on there. You should apply this remedy twice daily for a few days.
18. Using Onion
Onion is another efficient remedy to get rid of fever blisters you shouldn’t neglect. Onions are rich sources of vitamin C, B6, B1, K, biotin, folic acid, dietary fiber, and calcium chromium. In addition, they have immune-enhancing properties [31] and comprise a direct antitumor effect as well [32] [33]. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antibiotic effects [34] [35], making it ideal & effective for treating fever blisters naturally. For this remedy, you can also consume onions often. Alternatively, cut a thin film from it and simply apply straight to the fever blisters. Repeat regularly to achieve visible results.
Additional Tips
In addition to these excellent home remedies, you should follow several easy tips to prevent and get rid of fever blisters:
- Eat more lysine-rich foods: Basically, dairy products have a particular protein named lysine found that combats the hepatitis virus causing fever blisters. Foods rich in lysine include cheese, milk, and yogurt. You should include them in your daily diet to prevent fever blisters. If you are dairy allergic or sensitive, consider taking 1000 mg lysine on empty stomach in the morning.
- Consume vitamin C-rich foods: Eat foods having vitamin C such as kiwi, tomatoes, red berries, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers because they are really effective for healing fever blisters. Vitamin C helps to enhance white blood cell count combating the inflammation caused due to the herpes simplex virus.
- Change your toothbrushoften: The virus causing a new outbreak of the blisters may live in your toothbrush. Thus, it’s suggested to discard the toothbrush once your blisters have cleared up.
- Enhance your immune system: Consume immune-boosting foods – berries, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Avoid touching your blisters: Squeezing and picking the blisters will slow down the process of healing. This bad habit also spreads the infection to other regions of the face. In addition, make sure to regularly wash your hands so that you don’t spread this virus.
- Avoid stress: As you know, one of the primary triggers for fever blisters is stress. Take the time to decrease anxiety and stress levels to inhibit future outbreaks.
- Apply sunscreen on the lips:As we know, sunburn and excessive sunlight exposure also lead to fever blisters. So, it’s the best idea to apply lip balm or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 20 on your lips as well as other vulnerable regions before you go out in the sun.
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For such articles, you should directly visit the line of Health on our site. We recommend you to try following any of the natural cures for the blisters that are provided here since all of them are generally tried and tested as well. Your feedback, questions, or comments on these home remedies for fever blisters would be welcomed heartily.