How to Get Rid of a Fever Blister With Salt

Fever blisters can become infected, ugly eyesores on--or even in--your mouth if you do not start fighting them immediately. While once a fever blister has formed, you usually cannot make it disappear immediately, you can hurry the process along and keep the blister from becoming infected by treating it early with salt. Do not try to pop the blister or touch it more than necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Table salt
• Cotton balls
• Water
• Cup
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Make some warm salt water. Mix 2 to 4 tbsp. of salt into a glass of warm water. You want the liquid to be very salty, so if the salt is still dissolving easily after 4 tbsp., add 2 more.

2. Dip the cotton ball in the warm, salty water. Make sure it is thoroughly saturated.

3. Hold the saturated cotton ball on the fever blister for about 60 seconds. It may sting. The salt will draw out the fluid in the blister. Some people prefer to pop the blister before applying salt water, but this can lead to infection.

4. Apply a new saturated cotton ball every hour. While this will not make your fever blister magically disappear, it will likely halt the progression of the infection and shorten the duration of your blister.

5. Rinse your mouth with the warm salt water. If you have a fever blister that is partially or entirely on the inside of your mouth, then rinsing with the warm salt water can also help shorten the infection. You can also pack a salt water cotton ball against your lip or gum if you are getting relief from the salt water.

Tips & Warnings

• Warm tea bags also draw out the liquid in a fever blister. Ice will reduce swelling.

• If you have a fever blister or are prone to them, do not share drinks.