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What are the Best Tips for Treating Fever Blisters?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

It first is important to note that fever blisters are not curable; the best treatment tips typically focus on preventing their spread. Other good tips suggest being patient while the blisters heal on their own and avoiding picking at them, as this may make matters worse. Additionally, a person with fever blisters may benefit from tips that involve using prescription antiviral medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and home remedies to reduce the severity of an outbreak and to stay comfortable until a fever blister goes away.

One important tip for treating fever blisters is to understand there is no way to cure them. So far, there are no prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or home remedies that are capable of ridding someone of fever blisters altogether. Instead, treatment is usually based on preventing the spread of fever blisters and staying comfortable. There are, however, some antiviral medications that can be used to lessen the severity and length of an outbreak when one does occur. If a person gets frequent fever blisters or is embarrassed by them, he may consider asking his doctor about these medications.

Topical over-the-counter numbing creams or aloe vera gel can help relieve the pain and itching of fever blisters.
Topical over-the-counter numbing creams or aloe vera gel can help relieve the pain and itching of fever blisters.

Another important tip for treating fever blisters involves preventing their spread. Unfortunately, the virus that causes fever blisters is contagious. A person can spread it by kissing someone while he has a fever blister and by sharing eating utensils. He can also spread fever blisters through oral-to-genital contact. There is even some chance that a person could spread the virus to his own genitals by touching a fever blister and then touching his genitals, though this may be less likely to occur.

Some doctors recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.
Some doctors recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.

Often, the best tips for treating fever blisters deal with being patient. Eventually, fever blisters usually go away on their own. In most cases, the blisters heal within about two weeks. During this time, it is critical that a person avoid picking at them in the hopes that they will go away sooner. This is unlikely to work and may make them take longer to heal. In fact, an individual could even cause a fever blister to become infected by picking at it.

The virus that causes fever blisters can be spread through kissing.
The virus that causes fever blisters can be spread through kissing.

Fortunately, there are some things a person can do to treat fever blisters and stay comfortable while he waits for them to go away. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help to treat pain. Cold compresses may help as well. Some doctors also recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

discographer

@anamur-- I don't get fever blisters but my mom does. She applies vitamin E on it. She says it heals quickly and doesn't leave a scar. You can buy liquid vitamin E from the pharmacy but my mom just squeezes a vitamin E gel capsule and uses that. I've also seen her apply ice on it to numb the pain.

I think fever blisters are a type of herpes infection, right? So it would probably help to take vitamins and keep your immune system strong as well.

donasmrs

@anamur-- I have a tip but I don't know if you're willing to try it.

Fever blisters on lips are viral blisters. So the fastest way to get rid of them is by killing the virus inside the blister and salt can do this.

When I get a fever blister that takes a long time to heal, I apply salt on it and keep it on as long as I can. The blister immediately turns into a white color. Do this several times a day and the blister will scab over in no time. But be careful not to keep it more than ten minutes at a time or it might harm your skin.

serenesurface

I've had a fever blister for four days. It's so painful and it's taking a very long time to heal. It hasn't even scabbed over yet.

Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process? I'm keeping it clean and moisturized.

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    • Topical over-the-counter numbing creams or aloe vera gel can help relieve the pain and itching of fever blisters.
      By: Marco2811
      Topical over-the-counter numbing creams or aloe vera gel can help relieve the pain and itching of fever blisters.
    • Some doctors recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.
      By: fotomatrix
      Some doctors recommend the use of warm compresses for treating fever blisters.
    • The virus that causes fever blisters can be spread through kissing.
      By: Forgiss
      The virus that causes fever blisters can be spread through kissing.
    • Ibuprofen can help relieve pain associated with fever blisters.
      By: Bob Rannells
      Ibuprofen can help relieve pain associated with fever blisters.
    • Prescription ointments can be applied directly to a fever blister to promote quick healing.
      By: markcarper
      Prescription ointments can be applied directly to a fever blister to promote quick healing.
    • Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a fever blister may promote faster healing of the lesion.
      By: theartofphoto
      Applying certain types of mouthwash directly to a fever blister may promote faster healing of the lesion.
    • Sharing a drink can cause the virus that causes fever blisters to be passed to the other person.
      By: bokan
      Sharing a drink can cause the virus that causes fever blisters to be passed to the other person.