Boosting Your Immune System
Another way to potentially speed up healing for herpes outbreaks and reduce the frequency of future outbreaks is to strengthen your bodys natural immunity. When your immune system is strong, it will be more capable of suppressing the virus.
Some of the recommended ways to boost your immunity include:
- Minimize stress.
- Eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
- Drink in moderation and avoid smoking.
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Facts And Statistics About Herpes
- According to the World Health Organization, an estimated two-thirds of the global population under 50 years old are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 .
- Estimates for HSV-1 prevalence in the U.S. among people aged 049 years are 178 million women and 142 million men .
- In total, about 75 percent or more of the American adult population has the HSV-1 virus that usually causes oral herpes , and about 20 percent to 30 percent have HSV-2 that usually causes genital herpes.
- Men and women are affected by HSV-1 about equally. Roughly 6 million women in the U.S. become infected with HSV-1 each year, along with 5 million men.
- Slightly more women than men are affected by genital herpes, whether from HSV-1 or HSV-2. Middle-aged women are most likely to acquire genital herpes.
- Transmission of HSV most often occurs without symptoms, so its estimated that 85 percent of people with genital herpes dont know it. Many dont have any symptoms at all after the initial infection, and only about 15 percent ever receive a HSV-2 infection diagnosis in their lifetimes.
- Most primary oral/facial HSV infections are caused by HSV-1 however, facial infection by HSV-2 is increasingly becoming common.
- Less children are becoming infected with HSV-1 than in the past in high-income countries, mostly due to better hygiene and living conditions.
- After someone comes into contact with an active herpes outbreak on another person, the incubation period takes about one week.
Complementary And Alternative Medicine
Some people use natural therapies to treat herpes, either on their own or to support standard medical care. The research supporting their use is generally weak, with little evidence that they can reduce either the severity or duration of an outbreak. Even so, many people swear by their effectiveness and consider them a vital part of managing herpes outbreaks.
Complementary and alternative therapies sometimes used to treat herpes include:
- Propolis: This is a sticky substance produced by bees that may help speed the healing of genital herpes. A 2017 study found that people who used propolis ointment experienced better healing by the 10th day of treatment compared to those who used a sham ointment.
- Algae extract: Lab studies suggest that algae extract can inhibit the growth of HSV-2 in test tubes. Whether it can do so in humans has yet to be proven.
- Acupuncture: A 2011 study concluded that acupuncture was mildly effective in reducing pain caused by the herpes zoster virus , the type of herpes virus that causes shingles. While this suggests that acupuncture may be useful in easing genital herpes pain, this has yet to be proven.
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Customer Reviews And Brand Reputation
FemiClear does not have Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau registration. However, the company website features several customer reviews.
These reviews generally praise the quality of FemiClear products and state that the ointments are easy to apply and work immediately. Customers also generally report that the genital herpes items are effective in relieving itching and burning.
However, some people reported a burning sensation after applying HClear, suggesting that this product may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
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Education Is An Integral Part Of Herpes Treatment
If you have genital herpes, its important for you to get educated about herpes and have the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Becoming informed will help you learn to cope with the illness. It will also help you prevent sexual transmission of the illness, or transmission to an infant during a pregnancy.
Herpes has a tremendous psychosocial overlay. But knowledge about it and understanding about how well it can be managed can reduce that, says Handsfield.
Your doctor may be able to provide you with all the information you need, or you may choose to seek counseling from a mental health professional or at a clinic that specializes in sexual health, such as Planned Parenthood.
If you have a regular sexual partner, that person should also have the chance to learn about herpes and ask any questions they may have about it.
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Hepar Sulph: For Highly Sensitive Eruptions On Male Genitals
It is a highly effective medicine for treating sensitive eruptions on male genitals. It works well when little blisters form in groups. These look white with red base. Extreme sensitivity to touch predominates, itching may be felt.
When and How to use Hepar Sulph?
It treats extremely sensitive sores on male genitals. It can be used from low to high potencies. It is safe to start with 30C potency two to three times a day. Higher potencies should be taken under a homeopathic experts guidance.
Note You may continue any of these medicines for about one month, only in the above-recommended doses. To continue further and for using high potencies, seek homeopathic doctors advice.
How Does Genital Herpes Occur
Genital herpes virus spreads through sexual contact. This occurs even if the person carrying the virus does not have symptoms or show signs of infection.
Once the virus enters through the skin, it travels along nerve paths. The first outbreak of genital herpes may appear as early as two days after you have contracted the virus, or even after 30 days.
The virus may also become dormant in the nerves and remain inactive there indefinitely.
In some patients, the virus may become active from time to time. Active viruses travel back along the nerve path to the surface of the skin, where some viruses are shed. When viruses are shed, in some cases there usually is an outbreak of symptoms such as the appearance of sores and blisters, while in others the condition may remain undetected.In either case, since the virus is active it easily passes from one partner to another during sexual contact. A condom may also not be able to protect the uninfected partner, since the virus may be on a part of the skin which is uncovered.
The herpes simplex virus cannot survive outside the body, therefore, its nearly impossible to contract the infection through contact with toilets, towels or other objects used by an infected person.
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Natural Remedies To Control Herpes Outbreaks
Herpes viruses are known to cause cold sores, genital herpes, herpes zoster , post-herpetic neuralgia and, in many cases, canker sores . One type, known as herpes simplex virus type one , commonly affects the mouth and throat.
The number of outbreaks can vary widely from one individual to the next, but the virus is thought to be a permanent fixture that resides within the ganglion for a lifetime, even though it might remain dormant for long periods. In the case of canker sores, not all problems are due to herpes infections. However, some of the nutrition and lifestyle information that appears in this article is useful for all canker-sore sufferers, regardless of the cause.
Prevention and Management
There are a number of antiviral drugs that physicians prescribe to prevent and/or manage herpes outbreaks. However, these drugs often do not suppress herpes outbreaks to a satisfactory degree. Thus, many afflicted individuals look to lifestyle, nutrition and supplementation practices to further reduce the number and severity of herpes outbreaks. The following considerations involve known trigger factors and natural remedies to help manage herpes conditions.
Factors That Cause Outbreaks
Fever, cold, flu, a weakened immune system, stress Herpes attacks often occur when a person is run down, sleep-deprived or experiencing excessive stress, all of which weaken the immune system. This enables the virus to replicate more easily.
Dietary Considerations
Best For Mouth Ulcer: Durhams Bee Farm Inc Over The Counter Medicine For Herpes
Next on the list, weve got yet another medicine that manages to win our hearts. Its the Durhams bee farm, inc. over thecounter medicine for herpes and its widely considered as medicine that has the most suitable features. The Durhams bee farm, inc. over the counter medicinefor herpes stays in place and it has baking soda. . In addition, this helps to prevent it and it works as advertised.
The medicine works for big ones, is great for home remedies and it worked great. And, the medicine is best for customer service and it has to follow the directions. Finally, the Durhams bee farm, inc. overthe countermedicine forherpes works great and it hurts like hell.
Most customers found that the medicine is the best stuff ever for canker sores. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the medicine does not expire but the best by date is 3 years from the date manufactured. Also, they also found that this is zilactin without the numbing medication in a bigger bottle.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This will go away quickly and works for all aphthous ulcers.
- This is going to require 8+ drops.
- This can be and how much the pain affects daily life.
- This will not take a lot of canker-rid to apply to the affected area.
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Using Hydrocortisone Cream For Skin Rashes
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid used to treat mild inflammatory skin conditions, commonly referred to as dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone produced naturally in your adrenal glands. It works by easing the swelling, itching, and redness caused by dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in a number of antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as in athleteâs foot creams and diaper ointments.
This article explains the conditions that hydrocortisone cream can treat, those it cannot, how to use the cream, and the possible side effects.
Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images
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Herpes Vaccine Research In 2023
All promising trials have lead to nowhere. No human trial till date has revealed a definitive herpes cure. Scientists and doctors are cautiously hopeful. Researchers are no longer making grand announcements of their potential candidates after so many have come and gone with absolutely no effect in the real world or the actual lives of people suffering from vaccine.
The vaccines that were found to be effective in animals through 2017 and 2021 have been found to be ineffective in humans. Any vaccine that does roll out in the near future has to be tested on a lot of humans to prove their efficacy. It is a tall ask and no vaccine is even near a stage when it can be clinically tested on a large scale.
The future is uncertain for herpes vaccine research in 2023 and thereafter. Scientists are turning to cancer vaccines, medications and other remedies to explore ways that can help them prevent the spread of herpes and to limit the number of outbreaks that an infected person experiences. There is also focus on preventing neonatal herpes that is actually fatal in newborns. Yet, the scientific community and fraternity of doctors are recommending safe sex and suppressive therapy along with traditional medicines for now. It is unlikely that a vaccine will be the 2023 cure for herpes.
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Natrum Mur Top Natural Medicine For Genital Herpes
Natrum Mur leads the list of homeopathic medicines in treating genital herpes in both males and females.
When and How to use Natrum Mur?
This medicine has shown good clinical results in a large number of cases of genital herpes, so it can be used as the top-most medicine for treating genital herpes in both males and females. It proves highly effective in healing herpes sores and managing the associated itching. It can be used in different potencies from low to high, the most preferred is 6X potency. When diagnosis of genital herpes is confirmed, two to four doses of Natrum Mur 6X can be taken as per the intensity of complaint.
Herpes Causes And Risk Factors
Causes of herpes include acquiring the virus through sexual contact, coupled with immune system suppression and sometimes nutritional deficiencies.
HSV-1 is primarily transmitted by oral-oral contact. On the other hand, HSV-2 is considered a sexually transmitted disease and usually passed during oral or vaginal sex.
A scary finding is that more cases of genital herpes than ever before are now being caused by HSV-1 , and about 85 percent of people with genital herpes dont even know it. Studies show that about 50 percent of the new genital herpes infections in young adults are due to HSV-1 and about 40 percent in older adults. The fact that most people dont ever find out theyre infected is one of the reasons that transmission rates are steadily climbing.
Risk factors for acquiring herpes include:
- Kissing someone who has symptoms of an active herpes virus
- Engaging in any form of unprotected sex
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Spreading the virus through contact with cold sores on the eyes, secretions on the fingers, or ulcers/sores on buttocks and upper thighs
- Having certain other illnesses that lower immune function, such as HIV/AIDS, an autoimmune disorder or hepatitis
- Eating a poor diet that causes nutrient deficiencies and lowered immunity
- Smoking cigarettes, drinking high amounts of alcohol or abusing drugs
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How Is Genital Herpes Diagnosed
The best way to find out if you have genital herpes is to have a sexual health check-up. This may involve a physical examination and a swab from the affected area to test for HSV. To confirm genital herpes the lab needs to find herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 on a swab.
Diagnosis is easier if early ulcers or blisters are present.
Because it is possible to have another STI at the same time, a full sexual health check-up should be done.
Sexual contacts should be informed of the diagnosis and it may be advisable for them to have a sexual health check-up.
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Femiclear For Genital Herpes Symptoms Multi Symptom
Price: $59.99
FemiClear for Genital Herpes Symptoms is a topical ointment that the company claims may help relieve the symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks. FemiClear states that the treatment is not a cure for herpes.
The formula contains ingredients such as:
- colloidal oatmeal
The company recommends that people apply the product at least four times a day and as often as necessary thereafter.
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Diet And Supplements For Herpes
Many health practitioners, including traditional and alternative, consider the amino acid lysine to be a first line of defense in controlling herpes. Interest in lysine as a treatment for herpes began when laboratory research showed that when lysine is added to a herpes virus culture its growth was inhibited.
There are other dietary supplements that play a key role in controlling herpes as they support immune function. They include: Vitamins A, E, C, B-6, B-12, and the minerals selenium and zinc.
Licorice acts as an overall tonic, and has anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral properties. Burdock and dandelion cleanse the liver and enhance immune system function. Siberian ginseng helps the body deal with stress and improves energy.
Keeping the body pH level in balance is crucial since herpesvirus grows three time faster in an acidic environment.
Foods that foster acidity include most highly processed foods, coffee , soft drinks, sugar, alcohol, white vinegar, tomatoes, red meat, fried foods, and white bread. If you have a tendency toward frequent outbreaks, you may want to eliminate these foods from your diet.
Fresh, whole foods particularly green and yellow vegetables, fruits , legumes and whole grains, especially millet, yams, green salads and high quality protein such as chicken and fish promote an alkaline state that discourages growth of herpe rvirus.
Impact of Stress and the Immune System
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The Course Of The Infection
The beginning of the disease reminds of a common flu. The infection does not always develop into a blister on the lips. Sometimes you fight flu-like symptoms for a few days, but no blister appears. The virus never leaves the body, it stays there and usually becomes active when the organism has been weakened by another illness or stress. Then a typical cold sore forms. The first type of herpes often occurs in babies and later in adult and old people. The second type occurs at the beginning of sexual maturity, between 14 and 29 years.
A worldwide infection
Foto: Wikimedia Commons, author: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0
The infectious herpes disease with typical blisters is the most common infection in the world. The most common types of herpes are called HSV1 and HSV2.
The first type is responsible for the onset of herpes in the facial area, especially on the lips. It is often transferred while kissing. The second type is transmitted during sexual intercourse and results in blisters in the genital area. In certain cases, HSV1 may also cause a blister in the genital area and HSV2 may cause a blister on the lips.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes
The symptoms of genital herpes vary a lot. Most people have very mild symptoms or none at all.
Symptoms can vary from a mild area of irritation to more painful blisters or sores and generally feeling unwell. Common symptoms may include:
- sometimes sores on the cervix
If you are having a first episode of genital herpes, you are more likely to also feel generally unwell and have fever, headache and general bone and muscle aches.
This may last for several days, during or after which reddened areas may appear on your genitals. These may develop into painful blisters. The blisters then burst, generally to leave sores that gradually heal, usually without scarring.
The severity of this first episode varies between people, but for some it may be severe and last for up to 3 weeks if not treated. These symptoms should quickly resolve with treatment. There is effective treatment available if symptoms are problematic.
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