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Blood blisters in the mouth usually result from accidental injury. Most respond to home treatment, such as ice, turmeric, and witch hazel, but large or recurring oral blood blisters may need medical attention.

They can have other causes, however, especially if they often occur or do not heal. There are ways for a person with blood blisters in their mouth to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

A blood blister is a raised area of skin or a sore inside the mouth filled with blood and other fluid. Many blood blisters in the mouth develop when blood vessels just below the skin rupture. The blood from the blood vessel gets trapped under the skin, causing a blood blister to form.

Many oral blood blisters have no known cause and appear in the mouth spontaneously. Other blood blisters in the mouth have fairly harmless causes, including:

  • accidental biting or scalding of the lip or cheek
  • stress
  • allergic reaction
  • angina bullosa hemorrhagica
  • denture fitting issues
  • braces on the teeth

Angina bullosa hemorrhagica is a rare disorder that causes oral blood blisters to form spontaneously. It is not a harmful condition unless a large blister blocks the airway.

Some blood blisters are the result of more serious causes, including:

Many blood blisters in the mouth have no symptoms beyond the blister itself. Some people experience mild pain and burning at and around the site of the blister.

Symptoms of a blood blister in the mouth will usually resolve when the blister goes away. People may experience other symptoms depending on the underlying cause.

Most blood blisters in the mouth do not require a doctor’s care. However, people may need to seek medical attention in the following cases:

  • frequently recurring blood blisters
  • blood blisters that do not heal
  • very large blood blisters
  • blood blisters that prevent eating or drinking
  • blood blisters that appear on lips
  • blood blisters from fitting issues with dentures or braces

If a person has dentures or braces that cause blood blisters, their dentist or orthodontist may be able to adjust the appliance, so it does not cause any more problems.

Most blood blisters in the mouth heal on their own, and a person can manage them with home remedies, including the below.

Ice

Icing a blood blister in the mouth can help ease the inflammation and even prevent the blister from forming if a person applies one immediately after an injury.

To use ice on a blood blister in the mouth, an individual should hold an ice cube directly on the blister for up to 10 minutes several times per day. They can also use light pressure to help stop the bleeding. A flavored frozen popsicle can also have the same effect.

Cucumber slices

Cucumbers contain silica, a chemical that may help skin regeneration and healing. To use a cucumber on a blood blister, a person can hold a small slice of cold cucumber on the affected area several times a day until the blister heals.

Individuals with oral blood blisters can also drink cucumber water to help with healing.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is full of astringent tannins that work to reduce pain and dry up blisters. Some research shows witch hazel may even reduce inflammation.

To use witch hazel on a blood blister in the mouth, a person should soak a cotton swab in witch hazel and dab the swab on the blister.

They should keep their mouth open for several minutes to allow the witch hazel time to dry. The person can repeat this process several times a day until the blister heals.

Some people may experience mild allergic reactions to witch hazel. Therefore, individuals should dab a small amount of the substance on a small, nonsensitive area of the skin first to test for allergies. If there is no adverse reaction after 24 hours, witch hazel is usually safe to use.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice, especially in curries. Ayurvedic medicine, a form of folk medicine originating primarily in South Asia, often uses turmeric to treat pain and inflammation.

Studies have shown that the curcumin within turmeric can reduce inflammation and help with skin disorders.

To use this remedy on an oral blood blister, a person can mix a teaspoon of turmeric with honey to make a balm and apply this directly to the affected area.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is popular for its soothing qualities and can help provide relief from mouth sores.

A person with blood blisters in their mouth can try drinking a cup of chamomile tea to soothe any soreness and promote healing.

Blood blisters in the mouth can become uncomfortable.

To help heal blood blisters and prevent them in the future, a person can:

  • avoid spicy foods
  • remove dentures until a sore heals
  • speak with a dentist to adjust dentures if necessary
  • avoid popping the blister
  • choose soft foods while the blister is healing
  • speak with a doctor if the blisters recur often or are large

Outlook

Most blood blisters in the mouth are benign and will go away within 2 weeks. They may improve faster with home remedies, including ice, witch hazel, or chamomile.

Occasionally, blood blisters in the mouth may develop due to an underlying cause, such as renal failure or low platelet levels. These conditions require medical treatment.

If a person is interested in buying witch hazel, turmeric, or chamomile tea, many online retailers are available.