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.