Epsom Salt For Herpes Outbreak

Herpes And Moldy Food

Molds and other fungi produce substances called mycotoxins that can weaken the immune system and have other detrimental effects on human health.

Weakening of the immune system is a trigger for herpes outbreaks in people infected with the virus.

For this reason, one way to avoid the harmful effects of mycotoxins in nutrition is to avoid the ingestion of moldy food.

To avoid the ingestion of mycotoxins that could come from the consumption of meat and milk, more than 100 countries have joined the initiative to regulate the limits of mycotoxin content in animal feed.

The FDA has implemented several inspection programs for industries producing animal feed since 1985. Among the products that are subject to inspection are corn, tree nuts, cottonseed and peanuts.

Bread is very prone to mold if you place it in a plastic bag because this type of bag, besides preserving it, contributes to the growth of molds.

Remember that the diet for herpes sufferers has special requirements that, besides helping you avoid outbreaks, will help you to be healthy.

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How Genital Herpes Can Affect Your Pregnancy

If you have genital herpes, its possible to spread the virus to your baby. A woman can spread it to her baby while she is:

• Taking care of her newborn

If the baby gets the virus while in the womb, the mother may have a miscarriage or deliver the baby too early, causing the baby to be premature.

When the baby catches the virus during birth or shortly thereafter, this can be deadly for the baby. Be sure your OB/GYN knows that you have genital herpes so that precautions can be taken.

Medicine For Genital Herpes

To treat genital herpes, your dermatologist may prescribe one of these antiviral medicines:

Taking medicine is recommended for anyone who has a weakened immune system. With a weakened immune system, your body will likely need help to get rid of sores and symptoms. Without medicine, sores may not clear and symptoms can linger. You should continue taking the medicine until all sores have completely healed.

If one of the medicines listed above fails to bring relief, you may need another medicine. For a severe infection, getting acyclovir through an IV may be necessary. Other antiviral medicines may also be an option.

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What Is Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes can be a very serious infection. Babies generally contract the virus from their birthing parent during childbirth even if the parent doesnt have active lesions. They may also get HSV-1 if an adult with an active cold sore kisses them. Breastfeeding babies can also get HSV-1 from the breast if there are lesions present. But babies cant get herpes from breast milk, so its safe to pump and feed.

Herpes simplex can be more dangerous for young babies because they dont have a fully developed immune system. But most babies with neonatal herpes can recover fully with treatment.

The dangers of neonatal herpes are much higher if the infection spreads to the babys organs. If youre pregnant and have herpes, speak with your healthcare provider about how to lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby.

Living With Genital Herpes

Because there is no cure for genital herpes, it is a lifelong infection. If you have outbreaks, medication can reduce symptoms. Taking precautions can reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner who doesnt have genital herpes.

ReferencesCenters for Disease Control. Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet . Last accessed December 19, 2016.

Fatahzadeh M and Schwartz RA. Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 57:737-63.

Marques AR, Straus SE, Herpes simplex. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 1199-1204.

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What Is Life Like For Someone Who Has Genital Herpes

The virus that causes genital herpes stays inside your body forever. While many people carry this virus, some dont know that they have it because they never have an outbreak.

If you have an outbreak, taking an antiviral medicine can shorten the outbreak and relieve symptoms. Some people have several outbreaks. For most people, the outbreaks become less severe and occur less often with time.

Anyone who has been infected with the virus, however, can spread the virus to others during sex. Even if you never have an outbreak, you can still spread the virus.

ReferencesCenters for Disease Control. Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet . Last accessed December 19, 2016.

Fatahzadeh M and Schwartz RA. Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 57:737-63.

Madkan V Sra K, et al. Human herpesviruses. In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. . Mosby Elsevier, Spain, 2008:1075-6.

Marques AR, Straus SE, Herpes simplex. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 1199-1204.

US Preventive Task Force. Serologic screening for genital herpes infection: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2016 316:2525-30.

Women with genital herpes can have healthy children. If you have genital herpes, precautions can help prevent your baby from getting the virus.

Into An Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salts aren’t just for sore muscles. “Salt is good for wounds, including herpes lesions, because it can help keep the area clean and clear of bacteria,” Dr. Frey says. This reduces the risk of contracting a superinfection, caused by bacteria entering the open sore.

“That said, Epsom salts won’t hasten the resolution of a herpes outbreak,” Dr. Frey says. It’s not a cure-all, but more of a helpful tool in your arsenal.

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How To Do It

There really is no downside to taking a warm bath, although its important to check with your doctor first if you have low blood pressure. This is because hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure.

The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water. More than that can make the water feel slippery. It may also be drying to your skin.

Lower concentrations you can try are:

• 300 grams of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 2 cups of Epsom salt added to your bathtub of water

Soak for at least 15 minutes. If youre soaking in an Epsom salt bath for aches and pains, make sure not to use water thats too hot. This might worsen instead of reduce swelling.

Other ways to use Epsom salt in a soak:

Many Epsom salt advocates believe the amount of magnesium able to enter the body through the skin is sufficient for reducing swelling and relieving aches. Its also thought that Epsom salts are effective for soothing skin and reducing irritation and itching.

Get Plenty Of Sleep For Better Physical And Mental Health

Americans are notoriously sleep-deprived, but if you have genital herpes, buck this unhealthy trend. Getting plenty of quality sleep affects every aspect of your life your physical and mental health, performance at school or work, and appearance.

To improve your sleep hygiene, follow some quick tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

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Who Gets Genital Herpes

Any sexually active person can get genital herpes. Its very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control , about 1 in 6 people in the United States who are 14 to 49 years old has genital herpes.

Many people who have genital herpes dont know it because they never develop symptoms. This makes genital herpes easy to spread.

While its easy to get infected, some people have a higher risk of getting genital herpes. Women are more likely to get infected during sex. People who have many sexual partners also have a higher risk.

Anyone who has a weakened immune system also has a higher risk. People can have a weakened immune system for many reasons. Medication is one reason. Medications that weaken the immune system include those taken to prevent losing a transplanted organ and some that control severe psoriasis.

How Is Genital Herpes Spread

• Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection
• Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection
• Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes or
• Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.

You also can get genital herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with oral herpes.

You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects, such as silverware, soap, or towels.

If you have more questions about herpes, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

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Epsom Salt Bath For Herpes How Much Effective It Is

You may have heard about Epsom salt. Epsom salt is mostly made up of magnesium and is one of the most recommended ways to treat herpes infection. There are several chemical compounds present in Epsom salts such as magnesium sulfate, oxygen, sulfur, magnesium and other essentials that can prove to be beneficial for your optimal health. Magnesium is one of the essential elements required for your body and Epsom salt is a great source of magnesium. Magnesium has more functions to perform than any other mineral in the human body therefore it is one of the essential elements that your body needs to function at its peak.

You may be surprised to know that herpes virus lives deep into your cells and nerves, therefore it becomes unreachable from the medications you eat in order to counter attack virus. There are several scientific studies that have shown that magnesium is an electrolyte that ensures proper muscle and nerves function. Magnesium can help inhibit herpes virus by going deep into the nerves and may play a vital role in assailing herpes virus. Magnesium can also help alleviate the inflammation caused by herpes infection. As you get infected with herpes virus the first thing you may notice as a symptom is inflammation, redness and even itching. Here magnesium may help you alleviate all those symptoms and you may not have to suffer from the onerous symptoms of herpes infection.

Topical Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. To reap some of these benefits, mix one part ACV with three parts warm water and apply it to the affected area.

Eating certain foods and avoiding others may boost your immune system and, in turn, help your body respond to the herpes virus.

Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that changing your diet could help prevent outbreaks.

Although more research is needed, clinical evidence does support some of these claims.

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Genital Herpes In Babies

If the mother has genital herpes for the first time within the last 6 weeks of her pregnancy, the newborn infant is at risk of contracting herpes. If the mother had a vaginal birth, there’s a chance she passed the virus on to her kid. If the mother has already had genital herpes, the risk is substantially reduced.

How Is Genital Herpes Diagnosed

If you have a herpes sore, your dermatologist can often diagnose you by looking at the sore and taking a swab from the sore. A lab test can tell whether the sore contains the herpes simplex virus , which is what causes genital herpes.

If you dont have a sore or any symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control doesnt recommend testing for most people. You can learn whether you should be tested if you dont have symptoms at:

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Preventing The Spread Of Herpes

Even when you do not have sores, you can pass the virus to someone during sexual or other close contact. To protect others:

• Let any sexual partner know that you have herpes before having sex. Allow them to decide what to do.
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms, and avoid sex during symptomatic outbreaks.
• Do not kiss or have oral sex when you have a sore on the lips or inside the mouth.
• Do not share your towels, toothbrush, or lipstick. Make sure dishes and utensils you use are washed well with detergent before others use them.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after touching a sore.
• Consider using daily antiviral medicine to limit viral shedding and reduce the risk of passing the virus to your partner.
• You may also want to consider getting your partner tested even if they have never had an outbreak. If you both have the herpes virus, there is no risk for transmission.

How Will My Healthcare Provider Know If I Have Genital Herpes

Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at any sores that are present. Providers can also take a sample from the sore and test it. If sores are not present, a blood test may be used to look for HSV antibodies.

Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider about herpes testing and other STDs.

Please note: A herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or when you got the infection.

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To Ease Your Symptoms

• Take any medicines as directed.

• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.

• Take warm or cool baths to relieve itching of sores. And dont share towels when you have a sore.

• Urinate in a tub of warm water to prevent burning. This works for women with genital herpes.

• Dont wear tight clothes or nylon underwear. They can trap moisture, cause chafing, and prevent sores from healing.

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Epsom Salt For Herpes

Since Epsom salt is sometimes used to make blisters heal faster, this can also apply to blisters from herpes outbreaks. It works by drying up the blisters faster. An Epsom salt herpes remedy can:

How to: Fill a bathtub with a comfortable temperature of water, and pour in a couple of cups full of Epsom salt as it fills. Stir up the water to make sure the salt dissolves and doesnt just sit at the bottom of the tub. Soak for 10-30 minutes for maximum skin absorption and pain relief. When done, you can dry the genital area with a blow-dryer on a lukewarm setting. This especially helps if a towel is too irritating to the area, but you dont need to do so if this doesnt apply to you.

How To Prevent Herpes

Since herpes is commonly spread from sexual contact with an infected person, the most effective prevention method is abstinence.

However, many people engage in sex at some point in their lives. Therefore, having safe sex is essential. You can use protection, such as dental dams or condoms. Make sure you use protection even when you donât have symptoms or sores.

Herpes is also found on body areas not protected by condoms like labia, butt cheeks, and upper thighs. Do not engage in sexual contact during an outbreak.

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Check Your Vitamin Levels

A healthy diet can buoy your body’s ability to defend against the herpes virus. “If you are deficient in certain vitamins and nutrients, you will see issues with your immune system,” Dr. Frey says.

An essential one is vitamin D: “It’s important to make sure your vitamin D levels are intact,” Dr. Frey says. A May 2021 study in âSAGE Open Medicineâ found that vitamin D has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps regulate the immune response. Yet an August 2016 study in âThe American Journal of Clinical Nutritionâ reported that up to 18 percent of people were vitamin D deficient. And keep in mind that for people living in the northern hemisphere, D plummets during the winter.

Another biggie is vitamin C. “It is an antioxidant, and building up your antioxidants is key to helping your immune system function properly,” Dr. Frey says. A November 2017 study in âNutrientsâ also points out that vitamin C supports the immune system.

Other potentially helpful nutrients include vitamin E , folic acid, iron and zinc, an element with antiviral activity that is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping inflammation in check, per an April 2015 study in âAutoimmunity Reviewsâ.

Just be sure to talk to your doctor before popping a supplement they can advise you on how much to take and how long to take it for. “Some vitamins, including D and E, are fat-soluble,” Dr. Frey says. “So you don’t want to overload your body with those.”