Fever blisters are not only unsightly but also very itchy and distressful. They appear in clusters and are commonly known as cold sores. The characteristic symptom of herpes infection around the mouth, it is caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and is medically referred to as herpes labialis. The appearance of fever blisters doesn’t always indicate a recent viral infection. If you had suffered a herpetic infection in the past and are suffering from a weakened immune system, the dormant virus in your body can reactivate leading to fever blisters.
Common Triggers Of Fever Blisters
In children, the elderly and people with weak immunity like HIV patients, small, red painful blisters can be seen on the lips and around the mouth. These appear when the individuals are suffering from:
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression and stress
- Persistent trauma in and around the mouth
- Cross-infection from dental procedures
- Hormonal changes
- Excessive sun exposure
8 Wonderful Home Remedies To Treat Fever Blisters
Home remedies include herbs and essential oils wth anti-herpetic activity. The best thing about natural treatments is that they prevent the risk of developing drug resistance with anti-viral drugs and they are pretty safe for usage.
1. Lemon Balm Extracts
Studies have proven that lemon balm leaf has rosmarinic, caffeic, ferulic acids and terpenoids that prevent the HSV-1 and 2 strains from multiplying. Crush lemon balm leaves and apply them to the affected areas several times in a day. Even drinking tea brewed with lemon balm leaves has been found to effective in healing fever blisters soon.1
2. Chinese Rhubarb And Sage Leaf Extracts
Researchers have proven that applying crushed sage leaves with Chinese rhubarb root on fever blisters helped them heal in the same time as popular anti-viral creams like acyclovir. The tannins in Chinese rhubarb have good anti-viral properties that aid in the healing process.2
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe is the wonder herb with excellent healing benefits to treat burns, irritated skin, and cold sores. Studies have proved that applying aloe vera based creams or aloe gel on the blisters 3 times daily for a period of 14 days showed faster resolution of the sores. The anthraquinones in aloe gel are known to have virucidal effects that kill viruses and stop their multiplication.3
4. Licorice Root Extracts
Applying a diluted licorice root extract on fever blisters with a sterile cotton swab is the best way to prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading infection. Oral ingestion of licorice root is not advised due to potential side effects but the topical application is safer and effective.4
5. Eucalyptus, Peppermint, And Tea Tree Essential Oils
Studies have found that dabbing essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree can soothe fever blisters and help them heal faster. The oils have strong antioxidant and antiviral properties that provide relief from pain and itching around the blisters. However, it’s best to apply the oils in the initial stages of the blisters for maximum efficacy.5
6. Echinacea Extracts
With proven antiviral properties, echinacea has been used for centuries together to prevent the spread of viral infections of the skin. Studies have proved that echinacea preparations like juice, tablets, and tea are very effective in boosting the immune response to viruses to prevent their multiplication.6
7. Reishi Mushrooms
The shiny brown Reishi mushrooms are pretty common sightings with numerous health benefits. Scientific research has proven that they are not only delicious to taste but also an effective immunity-boosting herb in herpes simplex infections. Oral intake is safe as they are generally non-toxic in nature.7
8. St. John’s Wort
Popularly used as a natural antidepressant, extracts of the St. John’s Wort plants have proven antiviral activity against herpes simplex infections. When orally administered or topically applied, the extracts were seen to have excellent wound healing properties that led to faster resolution of the fever blisters.8
The above home remedies are very effective if they are followed regularly. In addition to that, make sure that you avoid touching the fever blisters, kissing others or sharing utensils, straws, hankies with them to prevent the spread. It’s also best to eat healthily and de-stress yourself to help the body fight the virus faster for a speedy recovery.
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