The occurrence of fever blisters or cold sores is due to the infection of a virus, known as herpes simplex virus type 1. These sores are typically found on the face, including the lips, mouth, chin, and jaw. Some people may have cold sores on their fingers. They appear as tiny, raised blisters that are red and filled with liquid. Prior to the outbreak of a cold sore, most people feel a tingling or burning sensation on the site where the sore erupts. This is a contagious viral infection and can pass from one person to another through kissing and other types of skin-to-skin contact.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for herpes simplex viral infection. Once you get fever blisters, it will recur throughout your life. However, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of cold sores and speed up the healing process effectively with some natural remedies that you can find right in your home. However, before learning about home remedies for fever blisters, it may be helpful to first look at the factors that can activate herpes simplex viruses and cause the episodes of cold sore. The main reasons that contribute to the incidence of this viral infection include stress, fever, colds, exposure to sun, changes in immune system, menstruation, and skin traumas.
Lemon balm is commonly used as one of the home remedies for fever blisters. It is beneficial to quicken the healing and also to prevent the frequent occurrences of sore. Collect some lemon balm leaves, crushed them, and soak a few tablespoons of crushed leaves in hot water for about fifteen minutes. Allow the liquid to cool and then apply it directly to the cold sore using a cotton swab. A simple home remedy to reduce the swelling and discomfort caused by cold sores is to place an ice cube on the sores for sometime.
Salt water rinsing is also effective to cure the symptoms of fever blisters. Add a quarter of a cup of salt to one cup of hot water. Swish it in your mouth for a minute and then spit it out. Otherwise, immerse a cotton swab into the saltwater and apply it directly to the cold sore. Echinacea is also one among the useful home remedies for fever blisters. This medicinal herb has the potential to boost the immune system and helps to quickly get rid of these blisters. Apply some drops of Echinacea root extract to the affected area with a cotton ball. You can also use a tea compress to treat fever blisters. Put a tea bag in boiling water for a minute, take it out, and place it on the blisters.
An additional one among the simple home remedies for fever blisters is to rub hydrogen peroxide on fever blisters with a cotton ball after each meal. Lysine ointment is also widely used to treat cold sore. You should avoid spicy food, acidic drinks, and citrus fruits during cold sore outbreaks. Boost your immune system by taking immune supplements like vitamin C, vitamin B, lysine, and zinc.