What is commonly called "herpes" is actually caused by two closely related viruses, herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively). The former very often causes blisters on the lips, while the latter on the genitals. Both cause a lot of itching and pain, with symptoms that can affect both men and women. The herpes virus enters the human body through direct (sex, kissing, and other types of physical contact) or indirect (sharing infected personal items) contact with an affected person. Although the virus has no cure, you can do something at home or by following your doctor's advice to lessen the pain and discomfort associated with the infection, but also to shorten its duration.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Treating Pain in the Home
Step 1. Ice the area
Using ice is the easiest way to relieve discomfort around the house. It relieves many types of pain, as it numbs the skin and sensory receptors in the area.
- Cover the ice pack with a towel so it isn't too cold. Then, apply it to the affected area.
- Every time you do the compress, use a clean towel. After use, wash it with warm, soapy water to prevent further spread of the infection.
Step 2. Make a warm compress
If the cold doesn't help relieve pain, you can try warm or warm compresses, which provide relief for many people. Use a clean cotton towel, and fold it to cover the entire affected area. The water should be warm or warm. Dip the towel in the water, wring it out and apply it to the sore area.
Use a clean towel each time you repeat the process, then wash it in warm soapy water to prevent the infection from spreading
Step 3. Apply propolis to the affected area
It is a wax resin treated by bees that has antiviral properties. Apparently it accelerates the healing of the vesicles. You can use ointments or ointments containing propolis to soothe the sores and speed up their healing.
- These products can be found in many health food stores and supermarkets.
- Make sure you buy an ointment or ointment (not a capsule or mother tincture) and follow the instructions on the package.
- For propolis and any other topical home remedies, try a small amount of the product on a healthy part of the skin. Before applying it to the infected area, wait for 24 hours (to make sure you don't have allergic reactions).
Step 4. Apply aloe vera for pain relief
Aloe vera gel or ointment can help relieve discomfort. Apply the product directly on the affected area; to do this, you can take off a piece of the plant and squeeze the juice or use a commercial product and follow the instructions on the package.
- You can let the aloe gel or ointment dry and then wash off the residue. Reapply the product every 4 hours according to your needs.
- Whether extracted directly from the aloe plant or contained in a purchased product, the gel has a cooling effect that can relieve pain and promote healing. If you have a whole plant, tear off a fresh leaf, and cut it in half with a knife. Apply one of these two parts to the affected area: the gel will treat it.
Step 5. Try taking a lysine supplement
1 to 3 g of lysine per day can shorten the duration of an infection. According to some studies, it can be effective in reducing sores due to oral herpes, but it should be taken for a maximum of 3-4 weeks.
- Lysine is an amino acid (a structural unit of proteins) that can increase cholesterol and triglyceride values, so consult a doctor before taking it.
- You can also eat lysine-rich foods, such as fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes.
Step 6. Apply olive oil:
it is notoriously an excellent skin moisturizer. Rich in antioxidants, it is one of the best home remedies for fighting herpes. It also contains dinitrochlorobenzene, which plays a vital role in treating the infection.
Heat a cup of olive oil in a saucepan with a few sprigs of lavender and some beeswax. Once it has cooled, apply the mixture to the affected area. Beeswax should help keep the oil in place, but to prevent it from leaking it's best to lie down
Step 7. Apply manuka honey to the affected area:
has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can help speed up the healing of blisters. All you have to do is spread this thick honey on the infected area. Repeat the application several times throughout the day to make the treatment more effective.
- Apply it with a cotton ball or pad directly on the blisters. It may sting at first, but you will soon notice numbness in the affected area.
- To apply raw honey to your genitals, lie down to make sure it stays on the area and doesn't drip.
Step 8. Apply oregano oil directly to the affected area
With its antiviral properties, it accelerates the healing of blisters. You simply have to apply some directly to the infected area with a cotton ball and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash it off with water and pat dry with a towel.
Oregano oil, calendula oil, and jojoba oil can all be applied alone or mixed
Step 9. Apply tea tree oil
It is considered a real cure-all to combat those ailments that cause the appearance of sores and infections. It is usually used to treat canker sores and sore throats, but it can also be useful for herpes blisters. Just use the dropper from the bottle and apply a single drop of oil to the affected area.
In general, tea tree oil is concentrated and distilled for maximum effectiveness, so a small dose is enough for it to take effect
Step 10. Apply coconut oil
It has antiviral properties that fight lipid-coated viruses, such as herpes, and sores due to infection. In addition, it effectively moisturizes the skin.
Some doctors recommend consuming coconut oil to strengthen the immune system, but it should be used sparingly. In fact, it contains 90% saturated fat, a much higher amount than butter (64%), beef fat (40%) or lard (40%). So far, no studies have shown that its benefits justify the potential risk of heart disease (caused by consuming too much saturated fat)
Method 2 of 6: Treating Genital Herpes at Home
Step 1. Use calamine-based lotion to relieve genital herpes
This product can help dry out blisters and soothe the skin. Use it to fight genital herpes only when the sores are not found on the mucous membranes, so do not apply it on the vagina, vulva or labia.
Step 2. Soak in an oatmeal bath to relieve discomfort
This treatment (but you can also use an oatmeal intimate cleanser, such as Aveeno's) can help reduce the discomfort of sores. Put about a cup of oatmeal in a nylon sock and stick it under the tub faucet. Let the hot water run through the rolled oats, then soak for as long as you like.
Step 3. Take a salt bath to dry out genital herpes sores
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate and other essential minerals useful for drying, soothing and cleaning wounds. For this reason, it is useful for relieving pain and itching due to the infection. Here's how to use this remedy:
- Run lukewarm water into the bathtub and add about half a cup of Epsom salt. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
- Always make sure to dry the affected area after taking a hot bath or applying a damp towel. Keeping it dry prevents further itching, irritation or possible yeast infections. If the towel irritates your skin, use a hair dryer to let it blow cold air.
Step 4. Apply a lemon balm ointment
This plant can relieve the most acute symptoms of herpes infections. There are many products on the market: ask your pharmacist for advice. To apply the ointment correctly, follow the instructions on the package.
Step 5. Try a combination of Chinese sage and rhubarb
During a study, a cream containing these ingredients was found to be as effective as acyclovir (a prescription medicine used to treat herpes) in fighting infections of the female genital tract.
Step 6. Try topical St. John's wort
It is a traditional herbal remedy used to treat viral infections. No human studies have been conducted with this plant so far, but according to laboratory experiments it can inhibit the reproduction of herpes.
In pharmacies or herbalists you can find various products containing St. John's wort, especially ointments and balms
Step 7. Apply zinc-based ointment to the sores outside the mouth
During laboratory experiments, this product proved effective in fighting herpes. You can use a zinc oxide cream (containing glycine) with a concentration of 0.3%. Ask your pharmacist for help to find it and follow the instructions on the package.
Method 3 of 6: Pharmaceutical Remedies
Step 1. You could take antiviral medicines such as aciclovir, famciclovir or valaciclovir to fight genital herpes
They may be prescribed to you by your doctor. Basically, their function is to inhibit the herpes virus DNA polymerase, preventing its multiplication. These drugs are usually given for the first outbreak and to control the following ones.
- Only truly severe cases of oral herpes involve taking these medicines.
- Acyclovir is available in many forms: tablets, syrup, injections and topical cutaneous or ophthalmic ointments. Each product should be used according to the patient's clinical situation and age. The ointments can be applied directly to the blisters, whether they affect the mouth or genitals.
- For example, acyclovir is prescribed at a dosage of 800 mg up to 5 times a day, for 7-10 days.
- Ophthalmic ointments are useful in case of herpetic keratitis (herpes affecting the eyes, causing itching and discharge) and should be applied once a day, before going to sleep.
- Tablets and injections are most effective when systemic therapy is preferable. In severe cases, the tablets should be taken twice a day.
- With these medicines, the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness and muscle aches.
Step 2. Take an NSAID medicine, such as ibuprofen
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken to reduce irritation and inflammation in the affected area. They work by blocking the two enzymes responsible for producing prostaglandins, COX-I and COX-II. Prostaglandins take an active part in the inflammatory and pain-inducing process. NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties that can help relieve discomfort. Usually, pain from herpes can be relieved with over-the-counter NSAIDs.
- Examples are diclofenac and ibuprofen, in the form of tablets, syrups, effervescent sachets, suppositories or topical creams. The typical dose for an adult would be one diclofenac 50 mg tablet, twice a day after meals.
- NSAIDs have some side effects, mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, peptic or gastric ulcers. Patients with kidney or liver problems should consult a doctor before taking these medicines.
- Take the lowest possible dose for pain relief. Do not take NSAIDs for more than 2 weeks without first consulting your doctor. Chronic use of these drugs is associated with the formation of stomach ulcers and other health ailments.
Step 3. Alternatively, take acetaminophen
This medicine can be taken to fight the same types of ailments that NSAIDs affect, but it has fewer anti-inflammatory properties. That said, it still has painkilling and antipyretic effects, relieving some symptoms.
- Paracetamol is contained in medicines such as Tachipirina and can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or suppositories. Generally, the dose for an adult can be 2 tablets of 500 mg, to be taken up to 4 times a day after meals.
- Take the lowest possible dose to relieve pain. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage the liver. It can also be associated with kidney disorders.
Step 4. Try a local anesthetic such as lidocaine
This medicine can be applied directly to the blisters, especially the genitals or rectum, to relieve irritation and itching sensation. It can be used in the form of an ointment, cream or gel. It is absorbed well by the mucous membranes and numbs the affected area.
- This drug can be applied 2 times a day.
- Wear gloves or use a cotton swab to apply lidocaine to avoid numbing your fingers.
Method 4 of 6: Prevention
Step 1. Use echinacea to strengthen the immune system
It is a medicinal herb that has antiviral properties, known to strengthen the immune system. All parts of the plant - the flowers, leaves and roots - can be used to treat herpes. It can be consumed in the form of herbal tea, juice or tablets.
- Echinacea supplements are widely available in pharmacies, certain supermarkets and online.
- If you are taking echinacea in the form of herbal tea, drink 3-4 cups a day.
- If you take it as a supplement, follow the instructions on the package.
- If you have tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, autoimmune disease, or liver disease, consult a doctor before using echinacea. It could indeed interfere with these pathologies.
Step 2. Try licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has been shown to be therapeutic in the treatment of herpes. During one study, high levels of this acid actually affected the irreversible inactivation of the herpes simplex virus in vitro. However, it should be noted that prolonged use of licorice can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, so those with heart problems and pregnant women should avoid consuming it.
- For the treatment of herpes, licorice root extract may be effective. Alternatively, taking 2 tablets is just as useful.
- Before taking licorice root, talk to your doctor. Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, can cause pseudoaldosteronism, a condition that causes headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure or even a heart attack. Those with heart failure and other heart conditions, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, hormone-sensitive cancer, diabetes, low potassium, or erectile dysfunction should not take licorice.
Step 3. Use medicinal variants of seaweed
Algae such as Pterocladia capillacea, Gymnogongrus griffithsiae, Cryptonemia crenulata and Nothogenia fastigiata (South American red algae), Bostrychia montagnei (sea moss) and Gracilaria corticata (Indian red algae) can all inhibit infections from herpes. To combat this, you can use them in cooking by adding them to salads or stews, but it is also possible to find supplements that contain them.
If you take them as a supplement, follow the instructions on the package
Step 4. Eat a healthy diet
Try to stay as fit as possible by eating right. The healthier you are (therefore the stronger your immune system), the more you will be able to defeat the herpes flare-up, perhaps prevent it in the future and reduce its severity. The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fruit and vegetables, can help you strengthen your immune system and protect you from certain inflammatory conditions.
- Avoid processed, packaged, and pre-cooked foods altogether.
- Eat only unprocessed foods - foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you consume. Limit red meat and eat more skinless chicken. Prefer complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, lentils, beans, and vegetables. Include more nuts and seeds in your diet, as they contain high levels of minerals, vitamins and good fats.
- Avoid refined or added sugars. These include sugars added to processed foods, such as high fructose corn syrup. If you need to sweeten what you eat or drink, try using stevia, a plant that has 60 times more sweetening power than sugar. When you feel like sweets, eat some fruit. Also, avoid artificial sweeteners.
- Increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and olive oil.
- Drink the wine in moderation. This drink is typical of the Mediterranean diet. When consumed moderately, it can promote general physical well-being.
Step 5. Drink lots of water
Good hydration improves the functioning of the body, allowing the body to fight herpes more effectively. Drink at least 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water a day, both when you have this condition and when you are well.
Step 6. Exercise regularly
The body works best when playing sports. Regular physical activity is good for the immune system, so it can help prevent herpes.
- Start gradually by walking more often. Park your car further away than usual, go up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, take the dog out, or just go for a walk. If you want, join the gym and ask an instructor for advice. Lift weights, do cardiovascular workouts, use the elliptical: the important thing is to choose an activity that you like and that you will be able to practice constantly.
- Make sure you talk to your doctor and know what you should do or avoid. Don't demand too much of your body.
Step 7. To deal with the stress of herpes, try relaxation techniques
Living with this disorder can have a certain impact on every single aspect of your life. Also, stress and tension can trigger a rash, so finding ways to relax can be very helpful. Try yoga, meditation, physical activity, otherwise you just need to breathe deeply to calm yourself. Relieving stress is easy - just find a hobby you enjoy or take a relaxing walk around your neighborhood.
Method 5 of 6: Manage Herpes
Step 1. Put on soft cotton clothing
Always choose clothing made from this fiber, especially underwear. Cotton is natural and soft, gentle on the skin, so it doesn't irritate it any more than it already is. It will allow the skin to heal and breathe.
- Synthetic materials cannot absorb sweat, so it is possible that they trigger, exacerbate and worsen genital herpes. This applies to all synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, but also to silk.
- Avoid tight clothes, as they will trap sweat and further irritate the skin.
Step 2. Try to wash regularly
Your personal hygiene must be a priority. Shower frequently, especially in summer or on hot days. Change your clothes when you sweat or get dirty.
Wash affected areas and hands with a suitable cleanser, especially after defecation, applying topical creams, or physical contact with other people. Do this even before you eat
Step 3. Avoid having sex
If you have herpes, do not engage in sexual activity to avoid the risk of infecting another person. You can be contagious even when the virus is dormant, but it's much more likely to happen during an ongoing infection.
Always have protected sex by using condoms to prevent fluids from coming into contact with possible skin cuts. Unprotected sexual activities can put other people at risk
Step 4. Take care of yourself
Herpes can occur due to stress and disease, so it is absolutely important to take good care of yourself in order to defeat an ongoing infection faster and prevent it in the future. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Fatigue weakens the immune system.
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, kale, spinach, red beets, bananas, papayas, carrots, mangoes, and so on. Avoid sugars and junk foods. Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Learn to manage stress. You could sign up for a yoga or meditation class to avoid the risk of stress causing the problem to resurface.
Method 6 of 6: Understanding HSV-1 and HSV-2 Viruses
Step 1. Determine the potential causes of an infection
Herpes can easily infect a healthy person through direct contact with an affected individual. The infection occurs through saliva, secretions from the sores or sexual contact. The infected person can infect anyone even if the virus is in a dormant state. In other words, transmission can occur when it has no symptoms. Some patients don't know they have the virus until a rash occurs - that is, the first sores or blisters appear.
- The virus present in saliva can be transmitted by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes, dental floss, make-up such as lipsticks and lip glosses, used utensils or towels, direct contact, for example through a kiss.
- The HSV-1 virus causes oral herpes, although some studies have shown that genital herpes is derived from a strain of this virus. The HSV-2 virus is generally associated with genital herpes, as sperm or vaginal fluids can be the perfect means of transmitting it.
- For anal, oral or vaginal sex, a condom should always be used, whether the infected person is in an asymptomatic state or not. That said, condoms don't guarantee complete protection either, but they dramatically lower the risk.
- If you have mouth sores, you shouldn't have oral sex, just as you shouldn't receive it unprotected from a person with herpes.
- If a pregnant woman experiences a rash of genital herpes during childbirth, the baby is more likely to be infected, while the risk is lower if the mother demonstrates no symptoms at this stage.
Step 2. Identify the causes of a rash to prevent it in the future
An infected person carries the virus in their bloodstream for the rest of their life, but they will not always have symptoms. However, there are some factors that can trigger the dormant virus and cause herpes.
- A disease can make the virus active, causing some symptoms of herpes to appear.
- Stress or fatigue can strain cells, negatively impacting many body functions.
- All medicines that can cause immunosuppression of any degree, such as corticosteroids or cancer chemotherapy, can cause the virus to become active.
- Having intense sexual intercourse can trigger genital herpes.
- The menstrual cycle can also be a trigger; perhaps this is due to hormonal imbalances, generalized discomfort and weakening of the body.
Step 3. Identify the symptoms of herpes
They can occur within 2 weeks of infection and last for 2-3 weeks. Although they are the main symptom, blisters are not the only sign that accompanies an ongoing herpes infection. Here are others: painful urination, flu-like symptoms, pain in the legs, vaginal discharge and swollen lymph nodes.
- As for men, blisters appear on the penis, buttocks, anus, thighs, scrotum, inner part of the urethra or penis. For women, they occur on the buttocks, cervix, vaginal area, anus, and external genitals. They are painful and itchy, especially during the first rash.
- Genital herpes patients may experience painful urination or defecation due to the presence of irritated blisters around the genitals or rectum. In some cases, they are accompanied by secretions from the vagina or penis.
- Since this is a viral infection, some patients experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, general weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Enlarged lymph nodes. Inguinal swelling is usually seen, but swelling can also be seen on the neck.
- Before making a diagnosis, the doctor should rule out other ailments, such as fungal infections (for example, candidiasis, caused by candida fungus), hand-foot-mouth disease (caused by Coxsackie virus type A16), syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum) and herpes zoster infection (varicella zoster virus / human herpesvirus 3), the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Step 4. Find out how the virus works in your body
The immune system detects the herpes virus after infection or when a rash occurs. Then, it starts developing antibodies to fight it. Lymph nodes swell due to antibody production and overload, while body temperature rises to create an unfavorable environment for most bacteria and viruses. Once the body manages to keep it under control, the symptoms will disappear, usually within a few days.
However, the immune system cannot rid itself of the virus entirely. A person with herpes will continue to carry it. That said, the antibodies that have formed will help prevent another rash from occurring in the future. This applies to both viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and in cases where both are present
Step 5. When you have an infection, ask for a diagnosis
HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses can be diagnosed during a rash by examining the sores and taking a sample to test in the laboratory. There are also blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies that fight this virus. Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, people you shared personal items with, and your marital status. It should also ask you if you have had sex with one or more people and what precautions you have taken.
- The first test performed, which is also the most effective, is called herpes culture. A sample of fluid or discharge from the sore or vesicle is taken to rule out differential diagnoses of other diseases.
- In some cases, for example in the absence of blisters, other blood tests may be done. Their function is to measure the antibodies that have formed against the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. However, they are not always accurate. Consequently, it is better to do the culture.
Advice
- Remember that herpes is very common, regardless of whether people notice it or not. Most adults have the HSV-1 virus, and an increasing number of people have the HSV-2 virus.
- Some people may have only one rash, others many more. The body's responses and individual medical histories change, generating differences.
- Medical treatments for herpes are aimed at decreasing possible outbreaks. The goal of a treatment is to keep it in a dormant state as much as possible, minimizing the risk of infecting other people and reducing the symptoms, itching, and pain that accompany the blisters.
