Remedy for a Fever Blister While Pregnant

Fever blisters, also called cold sores or herpes labialis, are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Fever blisters typically appear as clusters of tiny, fluid-filled blisters on the lips, mouth and gums. Most people experience symptoms of fever blisters one to three weeks after coming into contact with an infected person. Fever blisters usually last seven to 10 days from the time they first appear, reports the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women must cautiously treat fever blisters to assure the safety of their fetus.

Remedies for Fever Blisters

• There is no way to cure or prevent fever blisters, but there are things that you can do to make them easier to deal with. Many doctors prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the frequency of fever blisters as well as to limit their duration. If you're pregnant, you may be unable to treat fever blisters with standard antiviral medications. Many home and herbal remedies are a safe alternative to traditional fever blister treatments. Here are some remedies that you can try to relieve the pain and discomfort of fever blisters if you're pregnant.

  Use the lemon-scented perennial lemon balm. Lemon balm is often used to treat fever blisters and genital herpes because of its anti-herpes and antiviral properties, according to Nature's Herbal. Apply lemon balm extract ointment to the affected area three to four times daily. You can also steep up to 4.5 g of lemon balm inside of your favorite tea several times per day.

  Apply tea tree oil to the affected area several times daily. Tea tree oil is available as a pure essential oil and is found in many creams and ointments that can be applied to your skin. The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil have been used for many years to treat infections. It can also reduce the burning and itching associated with fever blisters.

  Consider giving lysine a try. Lysine is an essential amino acid found naturally in food. Lysine may also be purchased over the counter as a dietary supplement or ointment. Pregnant woman should eat more red meat, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs, lentils, quinoa, fennel, Parmesan cheese and spinach to naturally increase the amount of lysine in their diet. Apply lysine ointment to the affected area as needed. Lysine provides comfort and relief from fever blisters and other skin irritations. Pregnant women may also take a daily lysine supplements if approved by a physician.

  Pregnant women can reduce the spread of fever blisters to other body parts by washing the affected area gently with antibacterial soap. Apply a warm or cold compress to the affected area to relieve itching and burning.

Considerations

• Doctors typically do not recommend standard antiviral medications (acyclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir and docosanol) for fever blisters during pregnancy because the benefits do not outweigh the risk to the fetus. Also, fever blisters will clear up on their own even if not treated. The U.S. National Library of Medicine advises avoiding possible triggers such as stress, exposure to the sun and illness to lessen the likelihood of fever blister recurrences.

  Although the remedies outlined are safe for most pregnant women, you should always speak to your physician before beginning any type of treatment for fever blisters to make sure that there is no risk to your fetus.