Herpes Relief

Relief from symptoms of herpes simplex symptoms includes simple practices, home remedies, herbs and medications. It is also important to keep stress to a minimum as stress can stimulate herpes outbreaks.

For quick relief of herpetic sores and blisters, it not advised to make use of over-the-counter ointments or creams unless recommended by a physician. Most of these ointments and creams may only exacerbate the symptoms by smothering the lesions and preventing them to desiccate. The cold sores must be kept clean and dry at all times. They should be thoroughly cleaned with soap, salt water or bicarbonate of soda. They should not be opened or skinned with fingernails or any other sharp instrument. Cotton underwear must be used to allow airing and tight clothes must be avoided. Others recommend drying of genitals with a hair dryer. Some people advise compressing the blisters with vinegar and tepid water for ten minutes twice a day to hasten drying of the blisters. To relieve pain, ice wrapped in a clean cloth or towel applied to the affected area for ten minutes and removed for five minutes is beneficial. Especially soothing are warm baths two to three times everyday. When going out, a non-stick dressing should be used to cover the lesions as sunlight aggravates the sores. Moreover, uncovered sores will be exacerbated by rubbing and open sores make possible viral transmission.

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Herpes relief also includes improving the resistance of the sick person. Vitamin C and zinc are effective in hindering herpes outbreaks. Vitamin E relieves pain and shortens the duration of the symptoms. Beta-carotene reinforces the immune system and inhibits viruses. Lysine supplements are valuable in herpes relief as well as it deters the virus? activity. Lysine creams applied topically are also available. Lactobacillus acidophilus, the live microorganisms in yogurt, fight herpes as well. Foods to be avoided include those rich in the amino acid arginine such as nuts, chocolate, seeds, oatmeal, raisins, etc.

Home remedies for herpes relief include carrot poultice (grated carrot wrapped in gauze or cloth) applied on the area as it can accelerate healing, alleviate pain and lessen glandular swelling. Herbs beneficial for herpes relief include Solanum nigrum, olive leaf extract, lemon balm, lavender, hyssop, myrrh, sage, gentian, horsetail and many more. Drugs indicated for herpes relief include anti-virals, anti-inflammatories and pain killers.

Herpes Relief

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Herpes Symptoms in Women - How to Identify a Genital Herpes Outbreak

Herpes symptoms in women can take the form of a range of different outbreaks and conditions, and sometimes both women and men can show no symptoms at all.

Herpes is more common in women than men, with 1 in 4 women in the United States suffering from the condition. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, and once contracted stays in the body for life, lying dormant until a trigger such as stress or illness causes an outbreak.

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After contracting the disease, most women will show symptoms of an initial outbreak in the next 2 to 10 days. Symptoms in the initial breakout and subsequent episodes can last up to three weeks without treatment. Treatment is a very important step for any women who has, or thinks they may have contracted the HSV virus.

Early Genital Herpes Symptoms in Women - Before the Outbreak

Before an outbreak of herpes occurs, you may experience any or all of the following:
Itching or burning in the vagina, labia and surrounding areas, including the anus, upper legs and buttocks Unusual vaginal discharge. Swelling of the lymph nodes, combined with a feeling of pressure or bloating in the abdominal area. Flu like symptoms including headache, nausea, fever, sore limbs (including legs and buttocks), muscle and joint pain. Urinary pain or burning, or a difficulty urinating

Genital Herpes Symptoms in Women - The Outbreak

When the outbreak begins, you may experience the following:
The appearance of sores or blisters that can range in size from tiny pimple sized dots to large, coin sized sores. These sores will burst and scab over as the outbreak continues. They can appear alone or in lesions, and can appear on the genitals, anus, buttocks and thighs. A red, itching or burning rash. Pain when urinating Vaginal discharge.

Without treatment, these genital herpes symptoms in women can occur on a monthly basis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are re-occurring regularly, you may have contracted genital herpes.

There are wide range of medical, homeopathic and natural treatments that are very effective, you should immediately seek treatment if you are experiencing any of the above.

Having herpes has a much larger impact than just the physical impact. It can make women feel alone, ashamed, depressed and anxious. If you believe you are suffering from herpes, you should seek treatment, as reducing and controlling outbreaks can go a long way towards restoring your self esteem and confidence. Once the physical aspect is under control, you can then deal with the emotional and mental side of dealing with genital herpes.

Herpes Symptoms in Women - How to Identify a Genital Herpes Outbreak

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Herpes Simplex - What is Herpes, and What Does a Herpes Simplex Look Like?

Herpes is a virus, as well as an STD (sexually transmitted disease). There are two types of a herpes simplex. A herpes simplex is simply a different type or strain of herpes. The most common herpes simplex is Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV1).

Herpes Simplex 1 affects the oral region, and is the most common type of herpes, this herpes simplex can affect people from a very young age. This simplex usually forms around the lips or mouth, and sometimes can form inside the mouth and on the tongue.

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Herpes Simplex 2 is the second type of herpes simplex, and attacks the genital region on both males and females. Males and females will have an outbreak on or around the genitalia, as well as internally in the urethra, or vaginally for females.

What does a herpes simplex outbreak look like?

A herpes outbreak usually consists of a blister, rash, or lesion. An outbreak can last anything from a few days up to several weeks. Once the blisters burst or rupture, the outbreak is over.

Sometimes it is possible to "feel" an outbreak starting, in some people this can feel like a "tingling" sensation. It is possible to treat the outbreak at this stage, sometimes by treating the herpes simplex outbreak at this time, it may stop the outbreak from breaking out completely.

Is a herpes simplex contagious?

The Herpes Simplex virus is highly contagious, and can be easily transmitted to your partner. If you are aware that you have herpes, you should advise your partner. HSV2 or Herpes Simplex 2 (genital herpes) is probably the most contagious, as it is sexually transmitted.

Herpes Simplex - What is Herpes, and What Does a Herpes Simplex Look Like?

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Oral Herpes: It's Not As Bad As It Sounds

Many people are prone to outbreaks of cold sores (also known as fever blisters) and desire to avoid this occurrence any way possible. The cause of these annoying blemishes is herpes simplex virus type 1, more commonly referred to as oral herpes. Once the virus is contracted it remains within the body for the rest of the person's life, lying dormant until conditions enable a cold sore outbreak. As there is no known cure available for oral herpes, most infected people find ways to keep the outbreak of cold sores at a minimum. This can be done by adhering to a certain diet, taking medication, supplements or vitamins, or any methods which work to deny the virus the opportunity to flare-up.

Oral Herpes is Contagious - Always use caution during an outbreak

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Though everyone is different in their susceptibility to the spread of oral herpes, or in the frequency of outbreaks once they're infected, most people caught the virus before adulthood as a result of touching the saliva, mucous, or contaminated skin of a person carrying the virus. Children are the most vulnerable to the spread of the virus, and infants often experience severe infections and complications as a result, so extra care should be taken with a baby who may be, or has been, exposed to the virus.

Once infected, a person progresses through three stages: Primary infection, latency, and recurrence. After the first infection, not everyone will experience symptoms of oral herpes but find that their infection is asymptomatic. This occurs more frequently than visible outbreaks. Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky, and for those with their first outbreak may experience symptoms like fever and severe sores inside and around the mouth and/or nose. The incubation period for the virus after the infection is 2-12 days, after which symptoms may or may not occur, and thereafter the virus will remain in the body for life. Depressing thought, but most people who possess the virus rarely, if ever, experience outbreaks, and those who do have many options to help manage the symptoms.

How to Consistently Prevent Cold Sores

Now that it's been acknowledged that the cold sore virus is (as yet) impossible to completely cure, let's look at ways to manage life with the virus. There are plenty of home and OTC (over-the-counter) remedies that assist in fighting oral herpes outbreaks, but due to the differences between each person's physical and mental makeup, the task is to find what works best for each individual.

For some, an effective preventative measure may be a high-lysine diet or taking lysine supplements. Others may find that what works is a topical medication or daily pill. There has also been success with using daily exercise to boost the immune system and decrease stress to better resist the dormant virus. Sometimes even attitude, such as confidence in the preventative capabilities of a certain food or medicine, is enough to successfully resist the development of a cold sore. A factor that must be considered is that over time a person's body may become resistant to a certain remedy, be it a pill or lip salve, and will have to adapt to the change. If an effective method of prevention is found, rather than be content with the one solution, continue to look for other remedies, should the original one cease being effective.

Eating a Diet High in Lysine Helps the Body Resist Outbreaks

Lysine is an essential (meaning that the body cannot produce the amino acid on its own but must get it through food or supplements) amino acid which aids the human body in producing protein. In turn, protein helps the body produce hormones, enzymes, and antibodies, which are vital in resisting the cold sore virus. Lysine also competes with another amino acid, arginine. The more arginine in the body, the better the environment for the herpes virus to flare up and produce blisters. Eating a diet high in lysine and low in arginine creates an environment hostile to the virus and decreases its chances of becoming active. In fact, many people who feel a cold sore incoming have found that consuming a large helping of fish helps to stop the increased activity of the virus and force it back into its dormant state. What are some foods that contain a lot of lysine?

- Fish
- Cheese
- Apples
- Milk
- Papayas
- Mangos
- Beets
- Avocado

Lysine supplements are also available, found at most drug stores next to the vitamins. Arginine is found in chocolate, nuts, and citrus, so be careful to limit consumption of these foods when wishing to avoid cold sores, especially if immune system is low and stress levels are high.

Vitamins and Exercise Boost the Immune System and Decrease Stress

Possibly the most effective preventative measure in decreasing the outbreak of cold sores and keeping the virus dormant is adopting a healthy lifestyle, one that consistently includes all the nutrients, activity, and attitude needed to fight the cold sore virus. The benefits of vitamin have been discussed numerous times and at this point, most people are aware of how important supplements are to boosting immunities, increasing energy, and increasing overall health. Exercise is also commonly known to promote healthy immune systems and decrease stress. As two of the leading factors in the activation of the cold sore virus is a weakened immune system and high stress levels, taking vitamins and exercising regularly are highly successful in fortifying both the body and mind against the virus. Some have found that they'll worry about getting a cold sore as they're approaching an important date or meeting, and as their concern grows, so does the probability that the outbreak will occur. It is best to have the assurance that the body is consistently functioning healthily and therefore when concern that a cold sore may appear arises, it can be dismissed with confidence.

Treatment With Ointments & Medication Can Also Result in Successful Prevention

There are many lysine lip balms, medicated ointments, and topical creams that help stop the progression of a cold sore, but once the blisters are visible little can be done other than trying to shorten its duration and speed up the healing process so early treatment is essential. Early detection and treatment of an oncoming flare-up enables the best chance that it can be avoided. If a cold sore has appeared on the lips or nose, it is extremely important to remember: DON'T POKE, RUB, OR POP THE BLISTERS. Doing so will only create pressure, causing the blister to spread underneath the skin, creating an even larger sore. Touching the area of infection not only prolongs and worsens the outbreak, it also increases the chances that the virus will spread to other subjects, as remember, it is very contagious upon contact. Unfortunately, there are some OTC medications which instruct the user to "rub on the infected area." DO NOT rub, just dab and then resist all other urges to touch the blister and surrounding area.

If its found that the cold sore virus continues resisting all efforts to contain it and continues flaring up and disrupting daily life, there are stronger medications that a doctor or dentist can prescribe after examining a patient who has a visible blister. While no one likes going out in public as much as they can help it when experiencing an outbreak, it's best to visit the physician at a time when they can clearly view the type and severity of the patient's cold sores. Once the prescription has been given, it is up to the patient to take the pills daily or only when they feel a cold sore incoming, depending on their preferences and the frequency of their cold sores.

Have Hope - Oral Herpes Can Be Managed Successfully

While there isn't a fail-proof treatment or cure that can stop oral herpes completely, if an individual uses remedies that they have found to be effective they will find that the frequency and severity of the outbreaks will decrease. As each month passes with the virus confined to dormancy, confidence will grow and life will continue without disruption. While complete freedom from the virus cannot yet be fully realized, there is the assurance that medicinal science and research is progressing and hopefully someday oral herpes will no longer be in existence. Until then, continue utilizing and researching cold sore treatments, eating healthy, and exercising. With a healthy lifestyle, the dreaded cold sore outbreak may occur less and less frequently, possibly even ceasing altogether.

Oral Herpes: It's Not As Bad As It Sounds

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Herpes 101 - An Introduction To The Herpes Simplex Virus

There is often great confusion when it comes to herpes. Just the word "herpes" often conjures up images of a particularly nasty sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that herpes actually stems from a virus known as the herpes simplex virus? And were you aware, that the chances are that you have already caught it at some stage during your life? In fact, statistics show that around 85% of the world's population has been infected, and it is in fact the hardest virus to control known to man. However, this is often where the confusion stems from. You see, there are two strains of the virus, known as herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2).

Herpes simplex 1 is the most common strain and is the cause of cold sores and fever blisters that appear around the mouth, lips and gums. Now everyone's heard of a cold sore, but did you know that it is in fact oral herpes. Despite around 85% of the population being infected with HSV-1, not all people will develop cold sores or lesions around the mouth. This is because each person's immune system is unique and many are able to suppress an outbreak. Instead, the virus lies dormant, although a carrier will still be able to pass the virus on under certain conditions.

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The second strand of the virus, herpes simplex 2, is the virus responsible for genital herpes. Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent STDs, and more worryingly, research shows that there has been 32% rise in the U.S alone between 1978 and 1990. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of 5 American teenagers and adults is infected with HSV-2. The symptoms of genital herpes usually occur within 2 weeks of contracting the virus. The area infected can include the genitals, rectum, buttocks, thighs, or any other part of the body where the virus could have entered through broken skin. Small red bumps appear first which develop into itchy blisters. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, difficulty urinating, vaginal discharge
and swollen glands in the groin area.

The symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks. Once infected, HSV remains in the nerve cells of your body for life, and outbreaks (recurrence) can occur several times a year. Despite there still being no cure, scientists are confident that a vaccination will be developed in the next 5 years. However, an effective treatment to reduce the pain and recurrence of symptoms is Acyclovir (Zovirax), which is an antiviral medication. This can be taken in an ointment form, liquid, orally, or even intravenously depending on the severity of the outbreak. Always consult your doctor before taking any new course of medication.

An old cliché is that prevention is better than cure, and this certainly applies to herpes. Never engage in oral sex if your partner has either mouth herpes or genital herpes. Never share towels, cutlery or a toothbrush with an infected person. Always practice safe sex. Using a condom can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, although it is by no means 100% effective, since it may not cover all infected areas. Valtrex, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may offer the best hope to sufferers at the present time. It can significantly reduce the chance of transmission, although the person infected must take it continuously.

Herpes 101 - An Introduction To The Herpes Simplex Virus

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