Fever blisters are a common nuisance that seem to take forever to clear up, but there are steps you can take to reduce the number of days you experience an outbreak. There is no way to completely prevent fever blisters, and almost everyone experiences them at some point. Home remedies can be helpful in shortening the length of an outbreak and even prevent recurrences, providing a more economical solution than many prescription ointments that may still be used as a last resort.
Step 1
Apply ice to the blister area the first moment you feel tenderness or tingling on your lip. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and place on the lip for as long as you can stand it. Remove the ice for about five minutes and reapply at least one more time. The cold deadens the fever blister on the lip, preventing it from forming.
Step 2
Apply aloe vera to the site of the fever blister. Either grow your own aloe vera plants or purchase 100 percent aloe vera gel from the pharmacy or health food store. Use pure aloe vera gel because other additives could increase sensitivity or irritation in the area of your lip that is prone to fever blisters.
Step 3
Keep the fever blister lubricated as it heals, with ointment such as petroleum jelly or lip balm containing SPF 15 or higher. This will prevent painful scabbing and oozing at the site of the blister.
Step 4
Relax. It might seem like strange advice, but stress can trigger fever blisters on the lip. If you are prone to breakouts of fever blisters, a change in your routine or environment can cause a massive problem. Spare yourself the discomfort and irritation by taking steps to relax each day such as deep breathing or engaging in yoga or meditation.
Step 5
Consult with your doctor if fever blisters on a lip are a recurring problem for you. He may prescribe antibiotics to help combat the problem, or recommend changes in your diet. Some cases require more aggressive treatment, and your doctor could prescribe Zovirax, Denavir or other antiviral creams and medications to reduce this painful condition.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear a balm containing sunscreen on your lips anytime you will be exposed to the sun for more than a few minutes if you are prone to fever blisters. Chocolate, peanuts or almonds may increase irritation, so avoid these foods if you are having a fever blister outbreak or feel one coming on.
- Replace your lip balm or cut off at least ¼ inch when the breakout is over to prevent the spread of bacteria. Fever blisters are contagious, so please keep your lips to yourself when you are experiencing an outbreak. Avoid touching the healing blister with your hands because you could spread the virus to other sites.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Clean cloth
- Aloe vera gel
- Lip balm, SPF15 or greater
