How to Get Rid of Fever Blisters

Suffering from fever, colds and stress from everyday activities is already troublesome, but things can get worse if these conditions are followed by fever blisters. Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, are lesions that form on the lips and the area around the mouth. It is not the same as canker sores, which form inside the mouth and are caused by bacterial infection. Fever blisters start with a tingling or burning sensation on the lips. After a day or two, blisters will form which can be very painful. They are also unsightly and embarrassing.

There is no cure for fever blisters and doctors often suggest to just wait it out. Fortunately, there are things you can do to relieve the symptoms and treat fever blisters. Find out how to get rid of fever blisters using home remedies and medical treatments.

What Causes Fever Blisters?

Fever blisters are caused by the type 1 herpes simplex virus. While the exact cause of fever blisters is yet to be fully understood, it is said that outbreaks occur when a person carrying the virus comes across triggers. Some of the most common triggers include: fever, menstruation, sun exposure and stress. The frequency of outbreaks varies from person to person. Fever blisters usually last for about a week and are contagious. Even if the blisters are gone, you can still pass on the virus to another person through kissing or sharing personal items.

How to Get Rid of Fever Blisters Fast

1. Use topical treatments.

There are topical treatments available on the market to help you relieve the symptoms and reduce pain and discomfort. Experts usually only recommend this if your blisters cause too much pain. Look for a product containing benzyl alcohol. This helps reduce the burning sensation and itching. Take note that these topical treatments do not directly eliminate fever blisters; they only help alleviate the symptoms.

2. Try pain relievers.

If you can't stand the pain caused by fever blisters, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some of the common options are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.

3. Apply aloe vera gel.

You can buy aloe vera gel at your local drugstore and apply it to your cold sores. Aloe vera has a healing and soothing effect, which helps with the tingling sensation and pain. It will not only help get rid of fever blisters quickly, but will also help prevent the sores from growing.

4. Use petroleum jelly.

To shield your blisters from further infection, apply petroleum jelly on the infected area. This also helps moisturize the lesions, preventing them from cracking and bleeding.

5. Apply a cold compress.

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack on your cold sores can reduce the pain and itching. It also prevents the virus from spreading on your mouth area. Do this several times a day to help relieve pain and discomfort.

6. Avoid stress.

This step is almost always forgotten when dealing with fever blisters. Remember that stress is among the biggest culprits that cause fever blisters. It is difficult to be completely stress-free but you can take steps to limit it. Keep a manageable schedule, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Avoiding stress will improve your overall health and help you get rid of fever blisters.

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