Fever blisters and cold sores are the same thing. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and appear on the skin near the lips. Mouth ulcers are not caused by the herpes simplex virus, and appear on the inside of the mouth. It is not actually possible to cure a fever blister, but the following advice can help to relieve the pain and make it go away quicker.
Aloe Vera
Apply aloe vera cream or an extract of aloe vera that has a strength rated at .05 percent three times a day. Application should be continued for five days for the length of the fever blister outbreak. It is important to continue the applications even if you notice improvement before the five days are up.
Zinc
Zinc can be applied to the fever blister area in a topic sulfate cream form that has a strength of anywhere from .01 to 0.25 percent. Apply several times a day. Zinc not only helps to heal the sore itself, but it can also assist in reducing your chances of the sore recurring.
Aromatherapy
An alternative treatment for fever blisters involves aromatherapy. You can use chamomile, lemon balm, lavender oil or rose oil. Take one drop and add it to 10 drops of jojoba oil. Mix and then apply over the affected area three to five times a day.
Oral Antiviral Medication
Oral antiviral medications are very successful in treating fever blisters. The best advice is to take these drugs at the very first signs of a fever blister, such as itching or a tingling sensation. Brand name drugs like Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex are recommended.
Lysine
For those who have problems with frequently recurring outbreaks of fever blisters, lysine can help reduce healing time and frequency of nonoccurence. Take 1 g each day as a preventative measure even when you don't currently have an outbreak. Those with cholesterol problems should avoid lysine because it can increase bad cholesterol.
Tea Bags
Tea bags contain something called tannic acid, which is an astringent that contains antiviral properties. Tannic acid is usually one of the ingredients in fever blister medications. Simply take dampened bag of black tea and hold it to the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat three times a day for the duration of the outbreak.
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