In a 2008 review published in the "Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine," dentists Paolo G. Arduino and Stephen R. Porter estimate that 500,000 Americans acquire the virus that causes fever blisters every year. Most experience symptoms that are so mild, that people don't even realize they are infected. Others experience the tiny, painful lip lesions known as fever blisters. In most cases, fever blisters resolve with no treatment at all. Aloe is a natural fever blister remedy with few adverse effects. The American Academy of General Dentists says applying an aloe lip balm at least three times per day can helps fight the infection and enhances healing.
Step 1
Wash your hands and the affected area with mild soap and water. Do not scrub or scratch fever blisters because this increases the risk of scarring.
Step 2
Pat it dry with a disposable paper towel or facial tissue. Immediately drop the towel or tissue into the garbage.
Step 3
Apply lip balm gently to the fever blister and surrounding skin.
Step 4
Wash your hands again, discarding the towel as before.
Step 5
Repeat, three times each day.
Tips and Warnings
- Washing before you handle a fever blister reduces your risk of secondary bacterial infections. Washing after you handle a fever blisters reduces your risk of spreading the infection to other people and other sites on your own body. Towels and other objects can spread the virus that causes fever blisters. Wash towels after each use or use disposable paper towels until your symptoms resolve.
- Aloe does not replace prescription antiviral medications in the treatment of moderate or severe fever blister outbreaks or fever blister complications, such as encephalitis or ocular keratitis. Patients who experience multiple fever blisters, fever blisters inside the mouth or fever blisters accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or headache should contact their physicians. In rare cases, aloe can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash. If you experience a skin rash or exacerbation of your fever blister while using aloe lip balm, discontinue use immediately. In the case of severe symptoms or symptoms that persist after 72 hours, contact your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe lip balm
- Paper towels
- Mild soap
References
- "Journal of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine"; Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection; P.G. Arduino and S.R. Porter; 2008
- Academy of General Dentists: What Are Cold Sores?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
