Fever blisters are small, fluid-filled blisters which erupt on the lips, gums, nose or roof of your mouth. Also known as cold sores and herpes oral, these may even appear on your chin, cheeks and the nostrils. Fever blisters may cause pain, tingling, or itching a couple of days before they actually appear. The sores that develop are quite painful and easily spread through contact.
Though they are more likely to appear during a cold or flu outbreak, they can also be triggered by some other factors, such as exposure to sun, fever, and stress. Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which attacks the body when your immunity is low. Given here are some natural cures that will help alleviate the pain and reduce the time during which the fever blisters can be contagious.
Natural Cures For Fever Blisters
Ice Is Effective
As soon as you see them appear, apply an ice cube on the affected area. Rub it gently all over the fever blisters for at least five minutes. You can do this application every few hours. This will help reduce the blood circulation in the fever blister and prevent it from growing and spreading.
Tea Bags
Tea contains tannic acid which has antiviral properties. Applying a tea bag over the affected areas will help heal the fever blisters and prevent them from spreading.
Just dip a tea bag in some cool water for a couple of minutes. Then, remove it and apply over the cold sores. It will be very soothing and provide relief from pain.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an herb with strong antioxidant properties, and is an astringent which is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is mainly used to treat sores, blisters and swelling on the skin.
Witch hazel is a very popular herb which is beneficial in treating fever blisters. You can dab some witch hazel oil on the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball. It will reduce the pain and prevent swelling.
Green Tea
Green tea is a powerful source of antioxidants and polyphynols, which are very beneficial for our health. It has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years.
It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an ideal natural remedy to treat fever blisters. Brew some green tea and apply over the affected area thrice a day. It will help destroy the herpes simplex virus and provide quick recovery from the infection.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains the good bacteria called acidophilus, which help in not only treating fever blisters, but preventing them from spreading further. Apply some fresh yogurt on the affected areas thrice a day.
It will provide a lot of relief from the pain and itching due to fever blisters. Also, eat plenty of yogurt every day as it helps in digestion and prevents the buid up of harmful toxins in your body.
Honey
Honey has been used as a traditional medicine for many ailments since centuries. It possesses powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make it a wonderful natural remedy for many diseases.
It is very beneficial in the treatment of fever blisters, too. Just apply a little honey over the fever blisters to speed up the healing process. It will also prevent infections from setting in and provide relief from pain.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea helps to soothe and heal your blistered skin. It is an effective natural remedy for fever blisters. You can make a hot cup of lemon balm tea and add a little manuka honey to it.
This will provide you with the best health benefits, and help boost your immune system too. You can also apply this tea on the fever blisters as well. It helps to soothe the pain and cleanses the affected area, thus preventing further spreading of the infection.
Petroleum Jelly
You can use some petroleum jelly to get relief from the pain due to cracking and bleeding blisters. Just get some vaseline from a nearby health store and apply all over the affected area. It helps to moisturize the sores and prevents them from cracking and bleeding.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is easily available in every kitchen and is an effective natural remedy for treating fever blisters. Add a little water to some cornstarch and make a thick paste.
Apply this paste over the affected areas to get relief from the pain due to fever blisters. It helps moisturize the cold sores and prevents them from cracking and bleeding.
Licorice
Licorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizic acid which works to destroy the cells infected by the herpes simplex virus. This will help to limit the growth of fever blister virus and prevent them from spreading.
You can chew on some licorice sticks daily as it will help you recover faster. You can also add a little licorice powder to a vegetable shortening and apply it on the affected area.
Eat Lysine Rich Foods
Lysine is an amino acid which has been found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of the herpes simplex virus. So, eat plenty of lysine rich foods, such as cheese, chicken, eggs, fish, lima beans, potatoes, brewer’s yeast and soy.
Increase their intake when you have an outbreak of fever blisters, reducing the amount but continuing with it as you are on the path to recovery.
Foods To Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided in order to keep the fever blisters from getting worse. Salt is one of them as it causes water retention and increases swelling. Foods high in a substance called arganine should be avoided as they make you more susceptible to future outbreaks.
Crab, lobsters, sesame seeds, spinach, turkey and peanut flour are some of the foods which contain high amounts of arganine. Avoid highly acidic foods as the herpes simplex virus thrives in an acidic environment. So, cut down on citrus fruits and tomatoes completely while you are suffering from fever blisters. Avoid coffee, soft drinks, chocolates, seeds, beans and legumes completely.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.