Fever blisters are sores that appear on or near the mouth, caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. There are many over the counter medications available at drug stores, but due to either money, time, or a history of ineffectiveness individuals may wish to try one of the many home remedies for fever blisters. These can be used b themselves or in conjunction with prescription or drug store treatments for fever blisters.
While the effectiveness of fever blisters home remedies will vary from person to person, some have reported that they have cleared up their blisters in under a week. Continue reading for a list of 12 natural remedies for fever blisters that you can try at home.
1. Vaseline
Vaseline is useful as one of the home remedies for fever blisters because of its ability to keep the fever blister moist and protected, as well as reduce the pain associated with the blistering. When fever blisters are allowed to become dry, they tend to crack which can be extremely painful and prolong the healing process. Vaseline is readily available at any store but can cause rashes and itching for some. If you have an adverse reaction to the vaseline, discontinue use immediately.
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Necessary Items
- Vaseline lip therapy.
- Cotton swabs, or other applicators (optional).
Directions
Apply vaseline to the fever blister several times a day until it has cleared up. Avoid touching either the vaseline or the fever blister with your fingers, instead, apply with a glove and immediately dispose to prevent the virus from further spreading.
2. Ice
Applying ice directly to the fever blister is a home remedy for fever blisters that you probably have available right in your freezer. Ice has many benefits for treating blisters, including temporary and natural relief of pain, swelling reduction, reduces redness, and will even prevent the virus from spreading. While it is hard to keep ice on your face for an extended time, this method is very safe and can be quite effective.
Necessary Items
Directions
At the first sign of a fever blister, which is usually a tingling sensation, wrap a few pieces of ice in a washcloth and hold it to the location of tingling for at least ten minutes. If you can handle the cold, try placing the ice directly on the skin. Repeat this process every three to four hours. This treatment is most effective before a blister presents and for the first several days after it has appeared.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Due to its antiviral properties, tea tree oil is an effective essential oil for fever blister treatment. When Australian scientists performed a study using tea tree oil, they found it able to kill the herpes virus within a test tube. It makes sense then to assume that applied topically, tea tree oil is one of the proven home remedies for fever blisters. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally, and can sometimes contribute to rashes and other irritations. Also not a great choice for those sensitive to strong smells.
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Necessary Items
- Tea tree oil.
- Cotton swabs.
Directions
Dip your Q-tip into the tea tree oil; you will not need a lot as a little goes a long way. Gently dab your fever blister with the Q-tip, repeating up to 4 times a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
As one of the oldest remedies for just about any ailment, it comes as no surprise that Apple cider vinegar would make it to a list of home remedies for fever blisters. Apple cider vinegar is useful in the fight to get rid of fever blisters due to its ability to rid the body of toxins. It also can be used externally on a blister, or internally as a preventative measure and to flush the body of any toxins. For maximum effectiveness, combine apple cider vinegar with lemon juice. As long as you dilute apple cider vinegar before use, side effects are mild and uncommon. However, if you use any medications check with your doctor to ensure there are no adverse interactions.
Necessary Items
- Apple cider vinegar.
- Lemon juice.
- Cotton swabs.
Directions
Dab a combination of Apple Cider vinegar and lemon juice onto fever blisters using a cotton ball. To take internally, mix 1 TBS of the vinegar with a glass of water and drink daily.
5. Plum Juice
Plum juice is one of the most efficient home remedies for fever blisters due to its antioxidant contents. It is also helpful for reducing any pain you are experiencing. While plum juice should never be used instead of antibiotics ordered by a doctor, drinking plum juice can be a great alternative when you are not extremely sick but could benefit from naturally occurring antibiotics. This option is great to know about because viruses will not adapt to the healing powers of plums and result in superbugs. A study published in the Journal of Comparative Immunology, Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases revealed that plums do have potential use as an immunostimulatory assistant.
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Necessary Items
Directions
For this remedy, simply swish your mouth for 2 or 3 minutes with plum juice. You can also dab a bit of juice directly to the sore with a cotton swab.
6. Toothpaste
Fever blister home remedies do not get a whole lot easier than attacking the blister causing virus with toothpaste. The effectiveness of toothpaste is due to an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. A study by Jocelyne Piret et. al showed the ability of sodium lauryl sulfate to necessarily inactivate the virus that causes your fever blister, allowing sores to heal. Toothpaste is generally safe for children and adults alike, making it one of the most accessible home remedies for fever blisters; however, those with sensitive skin may find it irritating.
Necessary Items
- Toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate listed as an ingredient.
- Cotton swabs.
Directions
All you will need to do for this home remedy for fever blisters is apply a bit of toothpaste to your blister several times a day. Try doing this when you have the freedom to leave the paste on the blister for quite a while, to give it time to kill the virus. Repeat until the blister is gone.
7. Garlic
Garlic is another herb with antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities, which makes its use as one of the better fever blister remedies well known. It can kill the bacteria that is responsible for fever blisters because of two compounds, alliinase and alliin, that when combined form allicin. Garlic is safe unless you take blood thinning medications.
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Necessary Items
Directions
To use garlic, take 3 or 4 cloves and crush until you have formed a paste. Apply this paste regularly for a few days, allowing it to sit on a blister for at least 15 minutes each time.
8. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Home remedies for fever blisters include many fruit based remedies, one of which is Grapefruit seed extract. The seeds of a grapefruit are naturally full of antioxidants and have anti-microbial properties which make the extract particularly helpful for the healing of fever blisters. Because this extract can stop your body from absorbing certain medications, always consult with your primary care physician before use. Ensure you are purchasing a high-quality extract from a trusted source.
Necessary Items
- Grapefruit seed extract.
- Aloe vera gel.
Directions
Combine 2 or 3 drops of grapefruit seed extract to some aloe vera and apply directly to the blister. This remedy does not need washing off, and can be repeated several times a day.
9. Whole Milk
A simple home remedy for fever blisters is whole milk. Whole milk is host to both immunoglobulins and calcium, which are capable of fighting the virus responsible for fever blisters. Monocaprin is another beneficial ingredient, as fat with antiviral properties. Milk can additionally accelerate the healing process, a benefit as blisters tend to linger. This is a very safe method for those of all ages.
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Necessary Items
- Whole milk.
- Cotton balls or swabs.
- Turmeric.
Directions
Approach this home remedy for fever blisters with these two methods. The first is to soak a cotton ball with very cold whole milk and allow it to sit on the blister for 10-15 minutes. Second, add one teaspoon of turmeric to warm milk and drink 2x daily.
10. Rhubarb and Sage
When combined into a cream, rhubarb and sage can be nearly as effective as prescribed medications, making it one of the fever blister remedies that should be tried. Rhubarb is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, never ingest the leaves of a rhubarb plant as they are toxic. Sage is a helpful addition for its ability to clean wounds.
Necessary Items
- Rhubarb extract.
- Sage extract.
- Coconut oil.
Directions
Combine equal parts rhubarb extract and sage extract into coconut oil or another carrier oil to form a paste. Apply to the fever blister several times daily. You should see results within six days.
11. Baking Soda
No list of home remedies for fever blisters is complete without baking soda. This kitchen staple is beneficial for bringing relief from the discomfort these blisters can cause by pulling out acids in the surrounding area that contribute to irritation. Because this remedy can be drying, follow it with another of the fever blister remedies such as vaseline.
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Necessary Items
Directions
Slowly add small amounts of water to a teaspoon of baking soda until you have formed a paste. Apply this paste to your blister and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat twice a day until the blister is gone.
12. Egg and Yogurt Mask
Lysine, which is present in yogurt is one of many fever blister remedies that is capable of destroying the virus responsible for a fever blister breakout. Because it is especially effective at preventing the virus from activating in the first place, this remedy is great for use when you start to feel the warning signs of an impending blister. If you already have blisters, it will help to heal as well as soothe the outbreak.
Necessary Items
Directions
Mix all ingredients and apply to face with a cotton ball, allowing to work for 30 minutes. Rinse and repeat daily.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many home remedies for fever blisters that are easy and can be quite effective. One of the best parts of these solutions is that you can use several in conjunction to maximize your results. However, if you experience any adverse reactions or your blisters seem to bet getting worse, consult your primary care physician. Do you have experience with any of these remedies or another that has worked for you? Tell us about it in your comments!
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