Quick Ways to Shrink a Fever Blister Overnight

• Ice for Fever Blisters: Gently press a cloth-wrapped ice cube on the sore for 10–15 minutes each hour to reduce swelling and soothe the blister.
• Hydrogen peroxide keeps it clean: Hydrogen peroxide helps prevent infection and speeds up healing. Dab some on a cotton swab, apply it to the sore for a minute, then rinse. Use twice a day for better results.
• Apple cider vinegar dries it out: Apple cider vinegar’s antiviral properties help dry out fever blisters. Dab a cotton ball with diluted vinegar on the sore twice a day, but don’t overdo it to avoid irritation.
• Aloe vera soothes and heals: Aloe vera not only soothes sunburns but also helps with fever blisters. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties reduce redness and promote healing. Apply fresh gel from an aloe plant directly to the sore, or use store-bought aloe vera gel.

Over-the-Counter Treatments That Work

• Antiviral creams stop the virus: To speed up healing, apply antiviral creams like Abreva (docosanol) or Zovirax (acyclovir) at the first sign of a fever blister. These creams prevent the virus from spreading and reduce the duration of the blister.
• Pain relievers can make it more bearable: Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent fever blisters from worsening and help them heal faster. Look for one with moisturizing ingredients to avoid cracking.
• Lip balm with sunscreen prevents further irritation: Sun exposure can worsen fever blisters, so apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips and promote faster healing. Pick one that also moisturizes to prevent cracking.

Natural Home Remedies for Fast Relief

• Garlic kills the virus naturally: Garlic’s antiviral properties can help fight the herpes simplex virus. Crush a clove, apply the paste to the sore, and leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing off. It might sting, but it’s effective!
• Honey soothes and speeds up healing: Raw honey is a fantastic natural remedy because it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Dab a little honey directly onto the fever blister and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Reapply throughout the day to keep the sore moisturized and promote faster healing.
• Lemon balm reduces virus activity: Lemon balm contains powerful antiviral compounds that help fight the herpes virus. Applying lemon balm extract or tea to the fever blister a few times a day can reduce swelling and speed up healing.
• Coconut oil keeps it moisturized: Coconut oil helps soothe fever blisters with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also prevents the sore from drying out, reducing the risk of painful cracks. Apply a thin layer to the blister a few times a day.

Key Takeaway: The best way to deal with a fever blister is to act fast. Using a combination of ice, antiviral creams, tea tree oil, or honey can help reduce its size and discomfort overnight. Preventing further irritation by keeping the area clean and moisturized is just as important.

How to Prevent Fever Blisters from Getting Worse

• Avoid touching or picking at the blister: Avoid touching the blister and use lip balm to keep it hydrated and heal faster.
• Hygiene Tips: Wash your hands often, especially after touching your face, and avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or lip products.
• Reduce stress to prevent outbreaks: Stress is a major trigger for fever blisters, so finding ways to relax—whether through exercise, meditation, or just getting more sleep—can help prevent future outbreaks.
• Eat a diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients: Keeping your immune system strong with foods high in vitamin C and zinc can help keep the virus at bay.

When to See a Doctor

• Seek medical attention if the blister lasts longer than two weeks: Fever blisters usually heal on their own, but if one sticks around too long, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
• Get professional help if the sore spreads beyond your lips: If a fever blister appears on other parts of your face or inside your mouth, it’s best to check with a doctor.
• If you have a weakened immune system, consult a doctor: Those with weakened immunity from medical conditions or medications should seek advice if a fever blister develops.
• If you have frequent outbreaks, ask about prescription antivirals: A doctor might recommend oral medications like valacyclovir or famciclovir to help control recurring cold sores.

Conclusion

Fever blisters can be a hassle, but early treatment with remedies like tea tree oil, honey, or antiviral creams speeds up healing. Keep your lips protected, maintain hygiene, and reduce stress to prevent future outbreaks.

By using these effective remedies, you can minimize discomfort and get rid of fever blisters as quickly as possible.

FAQs

Can I pop a fever blister to make it heal faster?

No, popping a fever blister can make it worse. It increases the risk of infection and can spread the virus to other areas of your face. It’s best to let it heal naturally.

How long do fever blisters last if I don’t treat them?

Without treatment, fever blisters typically last about 7–10 days. Using the right remedies can shorten this healing time significantly.

What causes fever blisters to flare up?

Common triggers include stress, sun exposure, hormonal changes, illness, and a weakened immune system. Keeping your body healthy and managing stress can help prevent them.

Does toothpaste help with fever blisters?

Some people use toothpaste to dry out blisters, but it can be irritating, especially if it contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It’s better to stick with proven remedies like tea tree oil or antiviral creams.

Can you completely prevent fever blisters from coming back?

While there’s no guaranteed way to stop fever blisters forever, keeping your immune system strong, managing stress, and avoiding triggers can significantly reduce how often they appear.