what is the treatment for fever blisters

Medication

To Get Rid of a Fever Blister:

1. Zinc. Zinc is needed in many chemical reactions that help rebuild skin and protect the body from viruses and infections.
2. Vitamin E. Research published in Alternative Medicine Review suggests that vitamin E soothes the skin and may help to relieve pain and discomfort from fever blisters.
3. L-lysine. ...
4. Baking Soda. ...
5. Peppermint Essential Oil. ...

More items...

Self-care

Oils and salves to treat fever blisters

1. Tea tree oil. I’m a sucker for tea tree oil. ...
2. Peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil has been shown to have a direct virucidal effect on the HSV1 virus when used topically.
3. Coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for so many skin issues, and it’s no different in this instance. ...
4. Vitamin E oil. ...
5. Grass fed beef tallow. ...

Nutrition

• Firstly, soak one cotton ball in a cup of hot water. Later cut a leaf of aloe vera to extract the gel.
• With the help of your fingertips apply the gel on your affected area. Let it dry on its own.
• Use lukewarm water to clean the area afterward and pat dry by using a soft towel
• Follow the process a few times per day for about 3-4 days.

What is the best home remedy for a fever blister?

Treating Cold Sores With Valtrex and Other Prescription Drugs

• A Word on FDA Approval. A number of antiviral medications are used to treat herpes infections, which cause cold sores, also known as fever blisters. ...
• Treatment Benefits. Antiviral drugs can have several effects on oral herpes simplex viral infections, including cold sores. ...
• The First Outbreak. ...
• Topical Denavir for Cold Sores. ...
• Acyclovir. ...
• Famciclovir. ...
• Valtrex. ...

What are the best tips for treating fever blisters?

How to get rid of a fever blister immediately?

What is the best prescription medicine for fever blisters?

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What cures fever blisters fast?

There are antiviral drugs that can help cold sores heal faster, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and penciclovir. If you're having frequent outbreaks or experiencing some of the serious side effects of having a cold sore, your doctor may consider prescribing antiviral medication.

What triggers a fever blister?

They are also called fever blisters. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The most common strain of the virus causing cold sores is herpes simplex virus 1. It can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils or even sharing towels.

What ointment is good for fever blisters?

The over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore.

How do you get fever blisters away?

Cream that you apply on the sores. Acyclovir (Zovirax) and penciclovir (Denavir) need a prescription, or you can get docosanol (Abreva) over the counter. Pills that you swallow, like acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex). You need a prescription to get these.

What gets rid of cold sores overnight?

Unfortunately, you can't get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours, but you can shorten cold sore healing time and cut down the duration of painful cold sore symptoms. Just because there isn't a cure for cold sores, doesn't mean you have to suffer patiently until it clears up on its own.

Does toothpaste help cold sores?

According to the Wound Care Society, toothpaste may not get rid of cold sores overnight but can help reduce pain, prevent blisters from forming, and promote faster healing. Most toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can numb the area and help dry out blisters or halt their progression.

Can you buy aciclovir cream over the counter?

Are Aciclovir tablets available over the counter? No – Aciclovir is a prescription-only treatment that must be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. You can purchase Aciclovir through The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation.

Will Neosporin help a cold sore?

Once it's dry, stop the soaks and keep the area moist with a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. This helps prevent secondary bacterial infection—meaning it keeps any opportunistic bacteria from jumping into the broken skin and causing you more trouble—and aids the healing process.

What is the difference between cold sores and fever blisters?

Fever blisters, commonly known as cold sores, present as tiny, fluid-filled blisters on lips, under the nose, or around the chin. There is no difference between cold sores and fever blisters, simply different terms for the same virus.

Is Vaseline good for cold sores?

Applying petroleum jelly to the sore and surrounding skin can reduce dryness and cracking. To reduce the duration of cold sores and relieve symptoms, the nonprescription antiviral cream docosanol (Abreva) may be worth a try.

How fast does Abreva work?

When applied at the first sign, Abreva® is clinically proven to heal a cold sore in as little as 2½ days*. Simply put, it's your best defense for fighting off a cold sore. *Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed in 2.5 days.

How do I get rid of a fever blister in 24 hours?

Dab a bit of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the sore directly. Be sure to repeat this several times during the day and before you go to bed. Tea tree oil is a great option because it contains anti-viral properties that kill infection that spread bacteria and expedite the healing process.

Overview

Both fever blisters and canker sores are common across all ages and can be painful. However, they are separate conditions with different causes. Read further to learn how to tell them apart and find out which treatments might help ease the pain.

Causes

Fever Blisters are caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus, usually type 1, or HSV-1. It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of U.S. adults have been infected with the virus, although many people with the infection do not ever show symptoms.

Diagnosis

The main way to tell the difference between a fever blister and a canker sore is by location. Fever blisters occur outside the mouth, generally around the border of the lips. Canker sores occur inside the mouth.

Treatment

Typically, both types of sores go away on their own and treatment is not usually required. There is no known treatment that can permanently cure fever blisters or canker sores and prevent them from recurring. Treatment focuses on minimizing the pain and speeding recovery time.

Helpful Tips

Both fever blisters and canker sores can have triggers that produce flare ups. Try to identify and then avoid triggers so your flare ups become less frequent.

Additional Resources

MedlinePlus (Fever Blisters) Information about oral herpes (the infection that causes cold sores) from the NIH National Library of Medicine.

How to get rid of fever blisters?

To Get Rid of a Fever Blister: 1. Zinc. Zinc is needed in many chemical reactions that help rebuild skin and protect the body from viruses and infections. Research shows that topical zinc formulas have been found to be effective for the treatment of fever sores and for prolonging the remission of herpes.

How to reduce swelling and redness of fever blisters?

To reduce the redness and swelling of a fever blister, place a cool, wet towel on the blister three times a day for about 20 minutes. Applying ice directly to the blister also helps to reduce inflammation and slow down blood flow to the sore, which helps to relieve pain and swelling.

How to prevent fever blisters in children?

To help prevent the spread of fever blisters in children, don’t let children share toys that others have put in their mouths and be sure to clean their toys occasionally with a natural disinfectant like lemon essential oil. Children should avoid close contact if one has a fever blister until it begins to scab over.

What causes a fever blister on the lips?

Fever Blister Causes and Risk Factors. A fever blister develops as a result of the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 is a rash of the skin and mucous membranes (in particular, the lips). It’s characterized by irritation, reddening of the skin and blisters that can cause a burning pain.

How long does it take for a cold sore to heal?

Fever Blisters (aka Cold Sores) 1 develop on the outside of the mouth, usually along the edge of the lips 2 are contagious until they scab over and heal completely 3 appear as red, swollen blisters until they break, ooze and form a crust 4 generally heal within 10 days 5 caused by herpes simplex virus-1 6 can be triggered by fever, sunlight, stress, menstruation and upper respiratory infection

What is a fever blister?

Fever blisters are groups of small blisters that are usually found on the lip and around the mouth. The blister can be painful and cause the skin around the fever blister to look red and swollen. There are usually several stages of a fever blister.

How long does it take for a fever blister to form?

Within 24–48 hours, the blister typically forms on the border of the lips and skin.

What is the best medicine for fever blisters?

Aloe Vera. 7. Witch Hazel. 8. Lemon Balm Tea. 9. Peppermint Oil. The fever blisters are typically built in and around the mouth, nose, and chin. There is a lot of burning, swelling, and itching.

How to stop fever blisters on lip?

As you feel a tingling sensation or the initial tenderness on your lip, which often happens during the first a few hours or some days prior to before the blisters develop, this remedy really works best. Cold compresses can eliminate pain significantly, and reduce the redness and swelling related to fever blisters.

How to get rid of fever blisters on a swollen ear?

Directions: At first, soak a cotton ball in 1 cup of hot water. Later place that wet cotton ball in one tablespoon of table salt. After this, gently move the cotton ball on the affected area of the fever blisters. 6.

How to get rid of cold sores on lips?

Repeat this procedure every 3-4 hours. Apply a thick lemon balm ointment layer to the area after each session, Read more: 18 Solution For Cold Sores On Lips.

Can baking soda help with fever blisters?

As applying baking soda on your fever blisters, it will create an alkaline base, so the virus causing fever blisters can’t survive in this environment. Here is the detailed recipe that explains you on how to get rid of fever blisters with baking soda at home:

Does vanilla extract help with fever blisters?

The presence of alcohol in the pure vanilla extract is an antiviral agent, which kills the virus causing fever blister. Vanilla helps to keep skin damp to inhibit it from bleeding or breaking, hence making the blisters much more distressing. Here is the recipe that shows you on how to get rid of fever blisters with pure vanilla extract:

Does witch hazel help with fever blisters?

Witch hazel contains the powerful antioxidant properties that treat fever blisters effectively. It reduces the inflammation and acts fast on your sores as well.

What is the best way to heal a fever blister?

Toothpaste. Toothpaste features ingredients that can dry blisters out so they heal faster. Things like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, alcohol, and menthol all have properties that can stabilize and shrink fever blisters. Toothpaste features ingredients that can dry blisters out so they heal faster.

How to get rid of fever blisters?

Tea tree oil is widely available and can be a great home remedy for fever blisters. Its antiviral properties are quite strong, and if the tea tree oil isn’t diluted it may cause some irritation—especially in your nose! To use tea tree oil this way, dilute it using one part tea tree oil and three parts water.

What to take for fever blisters on lips?

In addition to using these items as home remedies for fever blisters on the lips, taking vitamin C and a lysine supplement can also help heal them. Lysine is an amino acid that may have antiviral capabilities because it blocks another amino acid, L-arginine, from feeding the virus. However, before taking lysine, ...

Why do fever blisters hurt?

These painful, irritating, itchy and achy sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 , which is similar to the virus that causes genital herpes (herpes simplex virus 2).

What is the best milk for cold sores?

Whole Milk. The fat in milk is where many of these bacteria-fighters reside, which is why whole milk is recommended as a fever blister remedy instead of skim milk. Whole milk is a simple and straightforward treatment for fever blisters and cold sores. Whole milk has nutrients, including immunoglobulins and calcium, ...

How long to hold a tea bag for fever blisters?

Once you’ve removed the tea bags, apply an ice pack to the same area and hold it there for about 10 to 15 minutes.

How to get rid of cold sores after ice?

After the ice has been removed, apply a thick layer of highly concentrated lemon balm ointment ; a 70:1 ratio. Lemon balm is often sold in health food stores under the name “cold sore relief.”.

How to cure fever blisters overnight?

How you may use tea bags to cure fever blisters overnight: Take the tea bag (green or black) and hot water. In some hot water, place the tea bag for 2 minutes. Remove the tea bag and leave it to cool down. Press the tea bag on the infected area for 5 minutes. Repeat 3 times daily for a week.

What is a fever blister?

Fever blisters, or cold sores, are aching lumps. It appears on your mouth, especially on lips, gums, cheeks, and nose. Fever blisters are the result of a common infection – Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 1. 90% of the world population suffers from this infection at least once in their lifetime. (1) A fever blister is contagious and may last ...

How to use salt for fever blisters?

Here is a simple method of using table salt for fever blisters: You will need a cotton ball, warm water, and ½ tablespoon of table salt. Soak a cotton ball in the warm water. Dab the soaked cotton ball on the table salt. Press the cotton ball onto the blisters for few minutes. Wash off with warm water.

How to treat fever blisters with coconut oil?

Following is a recipe for coconut oil and tea tree oil to combat fever blisters. You will need 1 tablespoon of virgin coco nut oil, tea tree oil 3-4 drops, and a cotton swab. Add both the oils and make a solution. Dab the cotton swab on the solution and apply it on the fever blisters.

How to treat cold sores on lips?

Method of using cold compress for cold sores: Take few ice cubes and washcloth. Wrap the ice cubes in the washcloth. Place the cold compress on the infected areas for 20 minutes. Do the same three times a day for a quick remedy. You can apply a regular lip balm on the sores after the process. 2. Aloe Vera Gel.

What is the best treatment for cold sores?

It has enzymes, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. These components are ideal for speedy remedy of cold sores. A layer of Aloe Vera gel on the swelling blisters can bring you great relief from the pain. The gel prevents the blisters from turning into an outbreak.

How to get rid of a cold sore?

Do not stress yourself too much. Make time for long walks, vacation, light exercise, good family time and sleep. Relax yourself to boost the immune system and prevent fever blisters. Strengthen your immune system: Some foods are good for cold sores.

How to treat fever blisters?

Home remedies to treat fever blisters. 1. Ice cubes. There have been many times that as soon as I feel the onset of a fever blister, I’ve reached for the ice cubes. Knowing basic first aid, ice reduces swelling and edema, so this option only makes sense.

What is the best way to get rid of blisters on the face?

Pour some over the blister and let it bubble and dry or dab it on with a q-tip or cotton ball a few times each day. 3. Witch hazel. Similar to hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel is very cooling and soothing to the skin.

How to use peppermint oil for HSV1?

Peppermint essential oil has been shown to have a direct virucidal effect on the HSV1 virus when used topically. Apply topically by using a q-tip or cotton ball dipped in a diluted mixture of peppermint essential oil and carrier oil. Apply the oil a few times each day. Should you choose to use some of the homeopathic remedies listed further down in this article, do not use peppermint essential oil at the same time as it can antidote the remedy.

What to use to treat blisters on a swollen ear?

Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has great healing properties. It is antimicrobial and helps fight infections. You can drink it diluted in water with a splash of lemon and honey or you can apply it topically to the blisters a few times each day.

How to get rid of red spots on lip?

So grab a towel and a couple of ice cubes and massage your lip with the ice until it goes numb.

Does Propolis help with herpes?

It has been known to speed the healing from herpes simplex infection as well as decrease the likelihood of recurrence. Not only can you increase your intake of this supplement at the time of the outbreak, but you can also create a paste to apply topically to aid in healing. 3. Propolis.

Does Calendula help with fever blisters?

I agree with Boericke when he says “It’s a most remarkable healing agent, applied locally.” I personally like to use Calendula in a cream form because it’s easy to apply topically to my fever blisters. Not only does it help speed the healing, but it keeps the area soft to prevent drying and cracking.

How long does it take for acyclovir to heal?

In studies, frequent application of the cream reduced healing time by about 12 hours. 4 . Oral acyclovir given five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children can substantially reduce the duration of fever, eating problems, and drinking difficulties, as well as viral shedding.

How long does it take to get rid of a syphilis infection?

The first episode (which generally occurs in childhood) is also treated longer, usually for seven to 10 days with an antiviral medication. Recurrent infections, on the other hand, are treated for a shorter period of time.

How long does it take for a famvir to work?

If started at the first sign of symptoms, taking a single high dose of Famvir can shorten the herpes infection by two days. 5 

Does Denavir help with viral shedding?

Denavir can also decrease the duration of viral shedding . Overall, the earlier Denavir is started, the better the benefits. That being said, improvement is often still possible when treatment is started after vesicles (the cold sores) develop.

Is Denavir cream FDA approved?

Denavir (Penciclovir 1 percent cream) is FDA-approved for recurrent cold sores. 2 Starting treatment within one hour of an outbreak can reduce healing time by two days, as well as reduce symptoms. Denavir can also decrease the duration of viral shedding.

Can Valtrex be used for cold sores?

She has been in practice for over 20 years. Several medications, including Valtrex, are available to treat cold sores. Some are used topically (on the skin) and others are used orally (by mouth), but the goal is to treat cold sores as early as possible. 1 .

Can a cold sore cause blisters?

That's because starting a medication when prodromal symptoms such as burning, tingling, or redness begin will give a person with a cold sore the best chance of either preventing an actual blister from forming or shortening a blister's course once it does appear . Moyo Studio / Getty Images.

How to get rid of blisters on a swollen thigh?

Or try a warm compress to the blisters to ease pain. Rest and try pain relievers. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you have a fever or the cold sore is painful. Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine may offer some pain relief.

What to do for cold sores?

If your cold sores are triggered by stress, you might want to try relaxation techniques, such as lemon balm extract, deep-breathing exercises and meditation. Propolis. Also known as synthetic beeswax, this is available as a 3% ointment. When applied early and often, it might shorten the duration of the breakout.

How to treat a cold sore with Abreva?

At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore. This helps prevent the spread of the sores to other parts of your body.

How to treat a cold sore on the inside of your body?

Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore. This helps prevent the spread of the sores to other parts of your body. To ease the discomfort of a cold sore: Try other cold sore remedies. Some over-the-counter preparations contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, that may speed healing. Use lip balms and cream.

What is the best medicine for cold sores?

Although study results have been mixed, alternative medicine treatments for cold sores include: Lysine. An amino acid, lysine is available as an oral supplement and as a cream. Rhubarb and sage. A cream combining rhubarb and sage may be about as effective as acyclovir (Zovirax) cream. Stress reduction.

How to diagnose cold sores?

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor might take a sample from the blister for testing in a laboratory.

What are some examples of antiviral medications?

Several types of prescription antiviral medications may speed the healing process. Examples include: .Acyclovir (Zovirax) Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Famciclovir. Penciclovir (Denavir) Some of these products are packaged as pills to be swallowed. Others are creams to be applied to the sores several times a day.

Overview

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Helpful Tips

Additional Resources