Fever Blisters which are also known as Cold Sores are lesions that appear on the lips, chin, or inside of the cheeks as a result of a Herpes Simplex Virus. These lesions are quite painful and also cause a burning sensation. Ultimately, they crust over and fade away. HSV-1 or Herpes Simplex Virus subtype 1 is the root cause of Fever Blisters, although they can also be caused by the subtype 2 of this virus in some rare cases.
Fever Blisters are extremely common in the United States as around 80% of the population is estimated to have Herpes Simplex Virus predisposing them to Fever Blisters. There is no cure at present for Fever Blisters but there are natural ways to get rid of the blisters.
What Causes Fever Blisters?
As stated, Fever Blisters are caused by the HSV or the Herpes Simplex Virus. This virus has two subtypes the HSV-1 and HSV-2. The subtype HSV-1 is the most common and the cause of the majority of cases of Fever Blisters which constitute about 70-80%. The remainder 20-30% of Fever Blisters is caused by the subtype HSV-2.
This virus can infiltrate the body through small cuts, bruises, or other openings in the skin. Once inside the body, the affected individual will start to experience onset of Fever Blisters within three to five days. Since this virus is highly contagious and can spread from one individual to other by direct contact, this becomes the most convenient medium for the virus to spread. This is the case in majority of cases of Fever Blisters in children while in the cases of adults this virus may also spread through kissing and sexual contact.
Studies suggest that around 90% of population of adults in the United States have at some point or the other dealt with HSV-1 virus. The Fever Blisters start to crust over and fall off once the treatment is started but these lesions have a tendency to recur.
This is because once the HSV virus enters the body even after treatment it tends to stay within the nerve cells but in a dormant state and thus the individual may not have any symptoms but the moment the virus gets active the individual starts getting the lesions again.
Coming to how the herpes virus multiplies in the body, once the virus enters it takes control of the cell’s nucleus and utilizing it starts multiplying. The alteration in the shape of the nucleus of the cell is what gives the physicians a confirmatory diagnosis of an HSV infection when the cell is examined microscopically.
The main reason behind the lesions to appear on the skin surface is the particles of the HSV rupture and breaks through the cell membrane and pop out on the surface of the skin resulting in Fever Blisters.
What are the Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Fever Blisters?
One can use topical creams and lotions on the lesions to treat Fever Blisters. Essential oils can also be used for treating Fever Blisters but should always be diluted with either a vegetable oil or coconut oil so that they do not irritate the skin and make the condition worse. Some of the other natural ways to get rid of Fever Blisters are:
Icing
You can wrap some ice cubes on a towel and apply it on the Fever Blisters for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day. The coolness of the ice reduces blood supply to the affected area and makes the area numb. Doing this for a few days helps a great deal in getting rid of fever blisters naturally.
Lemon Balm
This is also quite an effective natural remedy to get rid of Fever Blisters. You can apply a cream or a balm which has lemon Balm as one of its ingredients several times a day which are easily available in the market for a few days to get rid of Fever Blisters naturally.
L-lysine
Taking foods rich in L-lysine is quite an effective natural remedy to get rid of Fever Blisters. This acid prevents multiplication of the virus and helps the lesions to fade away. Some of the foods that are rich in L-lysine are fish, chicken, vegetables, and Turkey.
Zinc
Zinc is extremely important for the body as it protects it from various viruses and helps in rebuilding of the skin. Thus eating foods rich in zinc is also an effective way to get rid of Fever Blisters. Some of the foods rich in zinc are nuts, spinach, and pumpkin seeds and should be utilized in daily diet to deal with Fever Blisters.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil can help you get rid of fever blisters naturally. You can take a cotton ball and dip some oregano oil and apply it on the blisters. Do this several times a day till you get rid of Fever Blisters.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a treatment for various ailments and fever blisters is also one of them. It speeds up the healing process and also protects the body from viruses. Dilute Tea Tree Oil with some coconut oil and then dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it to the blisters. Do this several times a day for a few days till you get rid of Fever Blisters
Witch Hazel
You can apply Witch Hazel directly to the blisters using a cotton ball. Make sure that you do not rub it on the blisters. You need to just keep the cotton ball and apply gentle pressure. Doing this several times a day will help you get rid of Fever Blisters naturally.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has ample amount of antiviral and antifungal properties which helps a great deal in getting rid of fever blisters naturally. In order to make use of this natural remedy, all you need to do is mix some Apple Cider Vinegar in some water and dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the blisters. You need to do this several times a day for a few days till you get rid of Fever Blisters.
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