Home Remedy for Herpangina Pain

The pain from herpangina (mouth blisters) can interfere with eating and talking. While the condition, which is caused by a coxsackievirus infection, will heal on its own within a week or two, there are some natural ways to treat the pain and expedite the healing. Consult a physician before attempting new treatments.

Dull the Pain

• The least expensive and easiest way to relieve pain is to use ice. Apply chopped or cubed ice directly to the blister for ten minutes a few times a day. It also relieves irritation and swelling.

  Arsenicum album tablets can be taken orally to relieve mouth pain when the blisters appear indented and have a yellowish tint.

  Lemon balm kills bacteria and numbs the tissues of the mouth. Steep 2 to 4 tsp. of lemon balm leaves for 15 minutes. When the mixture cools, dab it onto the blisters with a cotton ball.

Treat the Spot

• Once the pain and swelling has gone down, treat the blisters directly with a saltwater mouthwash. Add 4 tbsp. salt to a cup of water and swish it in your mouth for a minute a few times a day. Salt helps wounds heal, and it has antiseptic properties. Do not worry if it stings a bit.

  A teabag contains tannins and flavones, two compounds that act as antiseptics. Steep a black tea bag for about a minute and then apply it to the area for a few minutes a couple times a day.

  Myrrh is an herbal antimicrobial that can improve the blister healing process. Mix 3/4 tsp. myrrh with 1 cup of warm water to create a mouthwash. Use it three times a day for rinsing.

Preventative Measures

• If your child is experiencing herpangina pain, it may be accompanied with a fever and a headache. Herpangina can spread easily, so keep the patient out of school or work for a couple of days. If you feel a case of herpangina coming on, try a purifying diet of fruits juices, fruits, whole grains and vegetables for 48 hours. Make sure you are not deficient in vitamins A, B2 and E, as a deficiency can slow your recovery.