Fever blisters are very painful and troublesome. This article provides some home remedies that might prove beneficial to reduce the condition and stop it from spreading.
Fever blisters or cold sores are fluid-filled blisters which are very painful, and they generally occur outside the mouth, nostrils, chin, and cheeks. They might also occur inside on the gums or the mouth palate. They are mostly caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Once a person gets affected by this condition, the virus stays in the body for the rest of his/her life. This contagious virus present in the body usually remains dormant, and gets reactivated when the body’s immune system is weak. Furthermore, there are some other causes that activate the virus besides the weak immune system. Here are some of them:
Causes
- Dental treatments
- Pregnancy
- Cosmetic surgery
- Injury to the mouth or lips
- Extreme fatigue
- Emotional stress
- Overexertion
- Exposure to constant bright sunlight
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Nutrient deficiencies
Though there are so many causes of this condition, it can be prevented by taking simple prevention measures like avoidance of sharing cups, towels, plates, razors, etc., using of good sunscreen, replacing toothbrush after the first outbreak, etc.
Home Remedies
This condition has no cure and can reoccur frequently, depending on each individual. However, here are some cures that might help to ease the discomfort, fasten the healing, and stop the same from spreading. Also, one should be aware that a cold sore is not the same as a canker sore. The latter can be described as mouth ulcers that occur inside the mouth, and they are not contagious and are not caused by a virus. Whereas cold sores are highly contagious and can develop inside the mouth but are usually smaller than canker sores. The following mentioned treatments might prove beneficial:
- Ice Pack: It is believed to be one of the best home remedies for this condition. One actually needs a single ice cube for this treatment. Rub an ice cube on every blister for about ten minutes, every hour. This will not only help reduce the condition but also prevent the spread of the virus.
- Common Salt: Take little common salt in a dish, wash the hands thoroughly. Press the index finger on the powdered salt, and then press it on the blisters gently but firmly for a minute or so. Repeat this treatment twice a day for 2-3 days at least.
- Honey: Honey has been used since centuries for the treatment of many ailments. In this case, directly apply a drop of honey to all the fever blisters, it will start healing due to the antiviral and antifungal properties of honey.
- Witch Hazel: This is also considered to treat the condition effectively. Just like honey, directly apply witch hazel to the cold sores for a couple of days, the blisters will start healing gradually.
- Sage Tea: Consuming sage tea can prevent and treat this condition. To make sage tea, boil 1 cup water, add sage leaves, and a small ginger root piece or ginger powder to it, steep and let cool. Drink 2-3 cups of hot sage tea everyday.
- White Vinegar: Dip a cotton ball in white vinegar. Dab it on the fever blisters, and let stay for 5-10 seconds and then remove. White vinegar might help to reduce the swelling caused due to the blisters.
- Homemade Antiseptic Solution: Make this solution by combining 100 ml coconut oil, 2 ml Dettol, 3 ml carbolic acid. Store this solution in a clean glass bottle and apply on the cold sores twice to get rid of this condition within just a couple of days.
- Cornstarch: Take a little cornstarch in a bowl, and add two to three drops of water to it, only to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected areas once a day.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe is also considered as a very effective and soothing treatment for the same. Apply aloe juice on the cold sores whenever one experiences tingling or burning sensation. Aloe gel can also be used instead of aloe juice.
- Camphor: Apply camphor or spirit on the sore to heal it fast.
One can try out the aforementioned remedies, that might prove beneficial to reduce the condition and prevent it from spreading. However, if there is no improvement within a couple of days, one should consult the concerned doctor.
Disclaimer: This HolisticZine article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
