TCA Peel to Treat Herpes Fever blister: Before and After

I’ve read that a TCA Peel (Trichloroacetic Acid) can cause a fever blister or herpes for those who are prone to them (which I am), so I was a bit surprised at the SECOND email I’ve gotten in as many years stating that TCA Peel helps dry up fever blisters. I've gotten my share of fever blisters, usually after getting sunburned (when I was younger) or when I'm sick/feverish. 

Of course, I'm the biggest DIYer ever, so I tried using a 12.5% TCA peel solution on a recent fever blister (herpes)...results after I explain what I found out according to the medical community.

I’ve done some research, and I couldn’t find any studies that show a benefit with this type of treatment; in fact, most literature warns that those who are prone to herpes should use an antiviral before any chemical peel treatments (um, I've never used an antiviral before a chemical peel, but I know I'm supposed to).  However, I did see several pages that support the use of Trichloroacetic Acid for genital warts. Both herpes and genital warts are viruses, but they present in different forms on the skin.

In theory, it makes some sense: within hours after TCA peel application, the skin starts to dry out and die. I have had fever blisters before, but I’ve never dreamed of putting a TCA peel on them, and to be honest, I never would have had the courage without someone else trying it first. I would have been too afraid it would be even more noticeable!

The first email I received from a reader was almost a year ago. She said that she used a low-dose TCA peel and dabbed it on any area when she felt a fever blister coming on. I will admit that I thought it was crazy then and there, and I didn’t give it much thought after that...until a few months after that, when I received an email from a different reader. He said that he’s been using TCA peels as a treatment for his herpes for several years! I have to say that this is a use for TCA that I never would have thought of...and I've put some serious time into what I can use TCA for (including cleaning mineral build-up from my bathroom).

I’ve corresponded now with both of these readers to get more information on how they use the TCA peel on herpes (fever blisters). One used a 10% TCA peel solution, and the other uses a 25% TCA peel solution; and both more or less apply it with a cotton swab. One of the readers gets the sores just below or around her nostrils, and the other gets them on his lips (where I've gotten mine). It seems to work just as well in either of these areas. Remember, these are recounts of personal experiences. Never replace the advice of your medical professional with someone else's personal experience!

So, I started to get a fever blister a couple of days ago (to my great chagrin), and I decided to try this "treatment." Here are the before and after pictures:

I decided to mix a light batch, so I made at 12.5% TCA solution (because this is an easy 4:1).  Here's a picture of the fever blister (I caught it early, so it's small.)

Herpes Feverblister before TCA Peel

I dabbed a cotton swab in the solution and lightly touched it to the spot. Yes, it burned! I applied it only once, and I put nothing else on it. After about 4 hours, I could barely see the fever blister. Here's the after picture!

Herpes Fever blister after TCA Peel

The solution did seem to dry up the fever blister almost immediately. I had some minor flaking the next day, but it was not even noticeable after I applied a little lip balm. The herpes feverblister did not reappear. I'm sold on this use for TCA!