The Truth About Cold Sore Remedies
When you have a cold sore, you want to act on it quickly. You may end up trying remedies that friends, family or health websites recommend but you may find that these arent clinically proven.
Some remedies may offer only temporary symptom relief, while others may have the potential to make the cold sore worse. With lots of anecdotal evidence out there, lets separate the medicines from the myths.
Soaking In A Warm Bath
Soaking in a warm bath is often recommended online as a home treatment for speeding up the healing process if you have genital herpes. The theory behind this home remedy is that the hot water in the bathtub kills the virus and helps the skin heal faster.
The scientific side of this claim simply isnt true. Herpes is a viral infection that isnt affected by hot water. It remains dormant in nerve tissue inside the body, meaning that no amount of warm bathing is going to have any effect on actually treating the virus.
As such, you shouldnt expect a hot bath to reduce the amount of time required for herpes sores to disappear.
However, soaking in a warm bath isnt necessarily a bad thing if you have herpes. Warm water can soften your skin and dull the itching and discomfort that often accompanies genital herpes, making it a good way to relax if youre being bothered by a herpes outbreak.
As far as how to heal herpes sores faster goes, for that, youll need to take valacyclovir or another antiviral medication.
Causes Of Genital Herpes
Before using homeopathy treatment or medicines for genital herpes problem first we need to understand the right cause of this health problem so that the right homeoapthic medicines should be selected to treated genital herpes quickly.
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What Gets Rid Of Cold Sores Fast
Cold sores are painful, unsightly sores that usually pop up around your mouth. They are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus . The sores arent dangerous but they are uncomfortable. You can also pass them to other people easily.
Learn more about cold sores and how to get rid of them fast.
Best For Online Consultations: Lemonaid
- Price: $25 for consultation and prescription, cost of medication varies
- Pros: convenient online appointments and medication delivery
- Cons: does not accept insurance for consultations
This telehealth company provides prescription medications for herpes.
People must fill in an online health questionnaire and provide a photo ID. Depending on the state a person resides in, Lemonaid may require a video or telephone consultation with a healthcare professional.
The company offers preventive treatment with a prescription that lasts for 1 year or immediate treatment for current herpes flare-ups.
People can choose home delivery or pick up their medication at a local pharmacy.
However, Lemonaid does not offer genital herpes prescription medications for people using the service for the first time. In this case, users must go to a doctor or gynecologist for an initial diagnosis.
The majority of Lemonaid consultation fees cost a flat rate of $25. This fee does not cover the cost of medication.
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Home Remedies For Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses: herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2 .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States have genital herpes.
This kind of infection can affect anyone, but women are at a higher risk than men. Having multiple sexual partners also increases the risk of this infection.
Some common symptoms of genital herpes include pain, itching, small red bumps or tiny white blisters, sores in the genital area and painful urination. Other symptoms may include headaches, body aches and fever.
However, some people have genital herpes without any signs or symptoms.
The infectious virus spreads mostly through sexual contact. After the initial infection, the virus may remain dormant in the body and can reactivate after some time.
In fact, the signs and symptoms may recur, off and on, for years. Recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and sores generally heal more quickly.
While there is no cure for genital herpes, many home remedies can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for genital herpes.
Contents
Eat To Boost Your Immune System
Cold sores often occur when your immune system is weakened, according to Cedars-Sinai. To keep it strong, eat foods rich in vitamin C and zinc, both of which possess antioxidant powers. Berries, kiwis, citrus fruits, and melons are all high in vitamin C, and beans, poultry, shellfish, and whole grains are good sources of zinc. In addition to diet changes, your exercise and even your attitude may impact your immune system. So you may want to consider trying these simple habits to naturally boost your immune system.
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Home Remedies For Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes infection is caused by herpes simplex virus . Herpes can cause both types of herpes infection. The sore becomes a blister, which can get painful and itchy after healing.
The first herpes outbreak is generally more severe and often involves swollen lymph nodes and pained muscles.
The second outbreak generally occurs once per year, although it is generally smaller in frequency with time.
The hepatitis A virus is not treated. The virus is still dwindling within the body after an outbreak.
Although there are few conventional treatments to cure herpes simplex virus completely, and some take 4 years to bring solution, there are.
Aloe Vera Gel For Herpes
Image: Shutterstock
Fresh aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
You can also use organic aloe vera gel that you find in the market.
How Often You Need To Do This
Do this thrice a day.
Why This Works
Aloe vera has more than 70 potentially active components that exert multiple beneficial effects on the skin. Application of this gel will reduce inflammation, soothe and moisturize the skin, have antiseptic and antiviral effects, and also quicken the healing process .
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How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? K doctors are able to treat herpes with medication, but patients must be diagnosed already. If youre worried that you might have genital herpes, a K doctor can refer you to a physician for an in-person visit. to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Can You Control A Herpes Outbreak
Honestly there is no cure for herpes in the conventional medicine world. If you doctor is honest he/she will tell you the truth about genital herpes treatment. There are only medications which will help cool the symptoms but no ultimate cure.
But there is good news proper care for your body, you can use natural home remedies and cure herpes at home.
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What Not To Do With Cold Sores
Certain habits or behaviors could trigger a cold-sore outbreak or make new cold sores appear elsewhere on your body.
Avoid triggers. This means that if you know a hot, sunny day at the beach or a lot of stress makes you break out in cold sores, try to stay out of those situations when you can. You may be able to stop it in its tracks, or at least keep it from getting worse.
Donât touch. If you pick at your cold sore, you may spread the virus to another part of your body. That will just make your outbreak worse. Keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands often, especially when you touch your face.
Donât pop sores. The virus is most likely to spread after a cold sore appears and before it heals. Popping the sores may spread the virus to other parts of your body.
Donât give or receive oral sex. When you have a cold sore, you can spread it to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
Preventive Measures Against Cold Sores
The most important thing to avoid the reactivation of the herpes simplex virus is to follow some preventive steps, which are mentioned below.
- Do not come in touch with the body fluids of a person, suffering from cold sores.
- Do not kiss the infected person.
- Do not use lipsticks, spoons, drinking cups, lip balms, straws, towels, etc. that have been used by the infected person.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and lukewarm water to prevent the spread of infection.
- Do not touch or pop the sores.
- Fried and acidic foods increase the chances of an outbreak, so avoid them.
- Change your toothbrush regularly.
- Plenty of sleep will reduce stress, which prevents cold sores.
- Proper medication is a must if the cold sores are severe.
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What Happens If Herpes Goes Untreated
The first outbreak of genital herpes can be the most severe and can cause complications such as vaginal yeast infections, urinating problems, and meningitis.
Treatment may not be necessary for subsequent outbreaks, but anyone experiencing very regular or severe outbreaks should speak with a doctor about preventive treatment.
Best For Skin Barrier: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Price: $3.2917.70
- Pros: available in a range of sizes, suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons: reports of product hygiene issues from online sellers
A person can purchase Vaseline online through Amazon.
Vaseline states it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive, dry skin.
It also claims that its product helps seal in moisture, which may help the skin heal naturally. Additionally, petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and outside elements.
This Vaseline product may be best suited to people with cold sores.
Vaseline costs between $3.2917.70, depending on the tub size.
Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes
These caplets are suitable for vegetarians and free of allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, and lactose. They are also free of sugar.
CVS Pharmacy claims these caplets may help support healthy skin, collagen production, and tissue maintenance.
CVS states it requires third-party testing for all supplements.
The company recommends taking one caplet a day on an empty stomach. Each pill contains 1,000 mg of L-lysine.
CVS Pharmacy L-Lysin Caplets cost $11.29.
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Ii Best Home Remedies For Genital Herpes
1. Home Remedies For Genital Herpes With Epsom Salt
Scientifically, Epsom salt is also known as hydrated magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt is not salt. It looks like salt, however, is pure mineral. Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate minerals. It is an exfoliating scrub and a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps fight genital herpes. Epsom salt can contribute to reducing the symptoms of genital herpes effectively. It can help speed up the healing of blisters in affected areas. When you have genital herpes, you will surely have fluid-filled blisters. In the cases of these breakouts, the blisters will cause a rapid burst of genital herpes. But with the use of Epsom salt, you will no longer be susceptible to these blisters. In addition, Epsom salt not only kills harmful bacteria in the diseased area but also provides moisture to the affected areas, which make you comfortable and relaxed during the illness. Besides, together with the use of treating genital herpes, Epsom salts can also keep you away from the side effects of antiviral drugs. Taking a bath with Epsom salt is an excellent home remedy for removing genital herpes.
How to do:
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How Do You Stop A Herpes Outbreak In Tracks
- You may talk to your doctor over antiviral medication. the physician may also help you know common antiviral herbs for your herpes.
- Understand your triggers so that you can avoid some and combat other with antiviral medications.
- Recognize symptoms early and respond effectively.
- Use essential oils for lubrication during sexual intercourse.
- Talk to your healthcare practitioner before using any antiviral medications or remedies.
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Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy
You may be offered antiviral treatment:
- to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
- from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
- from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.
When To See A Doctor
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect that you are experiencing an initial outbreak of genital herpes, or are experiencing especially severe and frequent recurrent outbreaks.
Its especially important to consult your doctor about initial or recurrent genital herpes outbreaks if you are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or if you have a compromised immune system.
Talk to your doctor about which herbal treatments or oral supplements they recommend, if any, as a complementary treatment.
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How Far Away Is A Cure For Herpes
Theres currently no cure for herpes, but that might change in the future.
According to 2020 research published in Nature, scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center removed 90 percent of the HSV-1 virus from cells in mice using gene editing.
However, it takes time to transition potential treatments from animals to humans. In a 2020 news article, one of the researchers that authored the Nature paper estimated that it would be at least 3 years before human trials.
Scientists are also researching the possibility of creating a vaccine to prevent herpes. A 2022 study outlined a new approach to developing an mRNA vaccine for herpes. The vaccine mentioned in the study worked well in mice and guinea pigs.
The researchers say that theyre aiming to conduct human trials before the end of 2022, and the vaccine could be available within the next 10 years.
When Should I See My Doctor
You may need to see a doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system if, for example, you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment.
Its also a good idea to see your doctor if:
- there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and a fever
- you arent sure you have a cold sore
- the cold sore isnt healing, its spreading or you have more than one cold sore
- your cold sore has spread to near your eyes
- you get cold sores often
Antibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected.
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Antiviral Medicine Can Be Taken Daily
For some people, taking an antiviral medicine every day works best because they have:
-
Frequent outbreaks
-
A partner who doesnt have the virus
Frequent outbreaks
Even if you treat an outbreak, you can have new outbreaks. Some people have several outbreaks a year. If you have six or more outbreaks a year, your dermatologist may recommend taking an antiviral medicine every day.
Taken daily, this medicine can reduce how often you have an outbreak. Studies show its safe to take daily and can reduce outbreaks by 70% to 80%.
A partner who doesnt have the virus
If your partner doesnt have the virus that causes genital herpes, taking an antiviral medicine every day can decrease the risk of passing the virus to your sexual partner.
Even when taking medicine, you can still give your partner the virus. You can reduce this risk by skipping sex when you have sores and wearing a condom when you dont.
If you decide to take medicine daily, youll likely take it every day for at least one year. At the end of one year, your dermatologist should re-evaluate you to see if you still need to take an antiviral every day.
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Epsom Salt Bath For Genital Herpes
While many people think of Epsom salt baths for treating sore muscles, they might not realize a soak can help with genital herpes symptoms as well.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends 1020 minutes in a warm Epsom salt bath for genital herpes relief. The Epsom salts cleanse, soothe, and reduce the itching caused by genital herpes lesions.
You can purchase Epsom salts at local pharmacies, online, or even in bulk at animal feed stores.
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