How long does a fever blister last?
An affluent blister, also known as a cold sore, is usually present for 10 – 14 days. These blisters typically form in groups and result in swelling, red, and painful wounds. They usually appear around the mouth or other parts of the face. However, they can also form on the gums or tongue.
The blisters of fever can release a clear fluid that may scab within a few days. In this period the fever blisters are the most infectious. However, the virus which creates fever blisters can be contagious even if there aren’t any blisters visible.
The reason for flare-ups of fever is the herpes simplex virus. So if you’re experiencing an outbreak, you should know that it’s a common occurrence. In the world, more than 90% of the population is affected by one or both types of the disease (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Within the United States, about the population had been exposed to HSV-1.
A blister that has flared up in fever may heal without treatment. However, there are a variety of effective methods to relieve the pain and encourage healing. These include home remedies, as well as prescribed medications.
Natural home remedies for fever blisters
Research has shown that Trusted Source certain essential oils could provide antiviral benefits against HSV-1. However, essential oils and topical treatments may irritate the skin, so it is recommended to try a small amount of your skin before applying.
It is also necessary for diluting the essential oil by using an oil carrier (vegetable or nuts oil). The ratio is around one drop of essential oil for one tablespoon of carrier oil. Make use of an uncontaminated cotton swab or pad for applying these essential oils. It can help to prevent contamination and the spread of infection.
Here are nine natural home remedies to treat fever blisters:
1. Ice
Ice can ease inflammation by reducing the flow of blood to the affected area. It also helps to numb the site so that it’s less painful. However, the treatment is temporary and doesn’t interfere with this virus, nor does it aid healing.
What to do: To treat a cold sore, wrap an ice pack using a cloth or towel. Place it over the sore for a minimum of 5 minutes and not more than fifteen minutes. Don’t apply ice directly onto the skin since this could cause serious injury.
2. The lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis)
One 2012 study conducted by the Trusted Source discovered that Melissa officinalis could eliminate the virus herpes simplex in some instances and alter the way the virus binds to host cells.
How to apply: Apply a cream, Ointment, or lip balm with lemon balm on the area affected at least once a day. It is also possible to put essential oil diluted on the cotton ball and then place it over the sores for several minutes. Keep using lemon balm for a few days following the sores heal.
3. L-lysine
L-lysine is an amino acid that can help reduce its time to heal the blisters that cause fever. Some people have reported advantages of taking this supplement to be a preventative treatment and prevention.
As per Harvard Health Publications, Lysine may reduce the amino acid responsible for developing blisters that cause fever. But, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. It could also play an impact in reducing the spread of fever blisters.
What to do: Research doses range from 500-3,000 milligrams (mg). Follow the recommendations on the product.
Buy L-lysine supplements on the internet.
4. Therapy with zinc
Zinc is a mineral essential that helps heal wounds and can aid in healing blisters that cause fever. A study from 2001 discovered that a cream containing zinc oxide glycine cut down the time it took to heal cold sores compared to a placebo cream. In addition, a new study discovered that zinc oxide could play a role in blocking the Herpes Simplex virus infiltrating cells.
How to utilize: A 2005 pilot study conducted by Trusted Source found a lower incidence of outbreaks in participants taking zinc sulfate supplements. They consumed 22.5 mg twice per day for two months. After that, they skipped for six months and then took it every day for two months. To treat your skin, it is recommended to apply zinc oxide cream at least four times daily.
Shop for zinc cream online.
5. Oregano oil
At a cellular level, oregano oil has been demonstrated to be a trustworthy source to prevent the spread of virus infections in humans and animals such as herpes. However, it isn’t clear what dosage is necessary to get the desired advantages.
How to apply: Apply diluted oregano oil onto the cotton ball, then use it to the area affected. Repeat this several times during the day, and then continue treatment until the blisters have healed completely.
6. Liquorice extract
Liquorice is becoming more popular as a remedy for cold sores. A 2014 study of cells conducted by Trusted Source has found evidence of the antiherpetic effects of liquorice. However, its impact on viruses in humans is still in need of further study.
What to do: You can apply the diluted extract of liquorice, such as the one in Nature’s Answer, on the blister of your fever using either a cotton swab or even your fingers. If you’re taking pills, create a paste using almond or coconut oil, and apply it to the area affected. Please consult your physician before using liquorice root in any form if it causes unwanted adverse negative effects.
8. Tea tree oil
A review from the trusted Source of studies on tea tree oil suggests an effective antiviral treatment. It can also speed up healing and reduce the formation of plaque.
What to apply: Use topically by adding tea tree oil in diluted form to the cotton ball. Rub it onto the sore area several times per day, and then continue to treat until your skin is healed.
Find therapeutic-grade tea tree oil on the internet.
9. Witch hazel
A study conducted in 1996 by Trusted Source found that witch hazel can be beneficial in fighting the herpes virus and decreasing inflammation. Witch hazel is also a cleanser and can dry out the skin, which can aid in healing.
What to do:
- Apply witch hazel (such as Thayers Organic) directly on the skin with an ointment-soaked cotton ball.
- Apply it to the skin gently.
- Be cautious not to scratch.
- Continue to apply the treatment until your skin is completely healed.
- Apple cider vinegar
Some people report the benefits of using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for fever blisters. Although there’s no proof of ACV or herpes in general, the research conducted at Trusted Source suggests that ACV might have anti-infective as well as antifungal properties.
However, it is recommended to use it carefully on wounds due to its acidic nature and the possibility of tissue injury. It is not advised for bacterial infections on the skin.
Method of use: Use a cotton ball and apply ACV that has been diluted on the area affected frequently throughout the day. It is possible to hold it for several minutes at one time. Continue treatment until healed.
ACV isn’t safe for consumption in huge quantities and may irritate the skin.
Warnings and risks
The remedies listed above may not be safe to use if you’re expecting or nursing. Do not use essential oils on children or older adults. Instead, learn to treat cold sores in infants.
Start with a small amount of the remedy you are using to determine how your skin reacts, and then stop the use when it causes irritation to your skin and causes a burning sensation. Do not use any home remedies when the condition becomes more severe.
Consult your physician before taking oral supplements. Supplements and herbal remedies may interfere with medication and can cause unwanted negative side consequences.
Prescription medication for fever blisters
If not treated, infection with fever can be present for as long as two weeks. In contrast to natural cures, antiviral medications are prescribed that have been shown to speed up the healing process and reduce the quantity of viruses present.
This table shows the overall effect of these drugs when in comparison to the absence of treatment:
Treatment Effect
- Acyclovir (Xerese, Zovirax) decreases the time to heal by one to two days
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex) decreases the time to heal by one to two days
- Famciclovir (Famvir) Reduces healing time by one to 2 days
- penciclovir (Denavir) decreases the healing time, reduces the time to heal by 0.7 or 1 day and decreases pain decreases by 0.6 up to 0.8 days (topical only)
The majority of these medicines are administered in pills. In the case of life-threatening or severe herpes-related infections, patients will need to be admitted to a hospital, and the medications are distributed via the vein (IV).
According to studies, all FDA-approved antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and fame, have been proven to reduce the duration of symptoms. However, the use of topical antiviral therapies such as penciclovir is regarded to be less efficient.
What causes fever blisters to appear?
It is believed that the herpes virus (HSV-1) is responsible for fever blisters, which are also known as cold sores or oral herpes. The virus may also affect other parts within the human body, like the sexual organs.
Symptoms don’t always appear right away. The virus may also remain in your body and occur at any moment. Typically, an outbreak happens during times when the immune system of your body is in a state of stress.
Triggers
Specific triggers can trigger the virus and trigger an outbreak. This includes:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Stress that is emotional or physical
- Trauma or injury
- Dental procedures
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Extensive sun exposure
Other conditions of health that may cause an outbreak are:
- An infection or a whole-body illness
- Older age
- People who have organ transplants
- Pregnancy
What increases your risk for fever blisters?
A flare-up of fever blisters could be an indication of poor nutrition or an immune disorder. The appearance of fever blisters can be a sign of another medical condition that can compromise your health.
Patients with the following medical conditions are at a greater risk of having fever blisters that cause outbreaks
- Inflammation of the immune system
- The autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- HIV
- Severe burns
- Eczema
In more severe instances, the virus may infect your eyes, hands and even the brain. If you see blisters on other areas of your body, you must see your doctor. Other diseases, like shingles, could look similar and may require a different treatment plan.
When should you see the doctor?
Make appointments with your physician if the blisters on your skin don’t heal within six days. It is recommended to see your physician if you are suffering from:
- Extreme pain
- Eyelids. You may notice blisters.
- Difficulty swallowing or eating
- A weak immune system
- Frequent outbreaks
- An extremely severe outbreak
- The fever
- Pregnancy
- The redness is getting worse, or it’s draining.
Your doctor may also assist in identifying the triggers for outbreaks or the cause of the epidemic. They can also assess whether the attacks can increase the chance of developing other complications.
How long does a fever blister take to heal?
The symptoms will diminish within a couple of days. However, it takes days for your skin to heal. A typical fever blister is recovered in two weeks. First, however, there are actions you can follow.
Avoid
- Touching your fever blister
- Reusing lip balms and other items that come in contact with your mouth
- Sharing utensils or kissing them straws, toothbrushes, or knives when you have an open sore
- Oral sexual activity when there is an open wound
- Alcohol, acidic food, smoking, and alcohol as can be irritants to sores
If you experience the first outbreak of fever, the fever blisters can recur. Most often, the first outbreak is the most intense. The fever symptoms may cause first-time outbreaks, sore throats, swelling of lymph nodes and body pains. In the future, attacks are generally less intense.
How to prevent recurring fever blisters?
There is currently no medication or vaccine available for HSV-1 or HSV-2; however, there are methods to keep outbreaks to a minimum and decrease their frequency and length. In addition, the more healthy you are and the better your health, the less likely you will suffer an attack.
Try to
- Include as many self-care methods for stress reduction as you can.
- Make sure you are taking steps to boost your immunity and stay as fit as you can.
- Always start treatment at the first indication of an outbreak.
- If necessary, you can apply daily antiviral medicines to decrease the frequency of attacks.
A balanced diet that supports your immune system could aid in preventing outbreaks. Healthy eating is free of alcohol, sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, salt or red meat. It is high in fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, fibre, nuts and beans, and protein-rich lean foods such as chicken, fish, and soy.
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