Why Do Some Get More Outbreaks Than Others
Research has founda gene which helps some people control the virus so they get no further episodes. So if you get a lot of outbreaks, you can blame a parent! However, good or bad genes, you can still help your body to prevent outbreaks see antiviral treatment, or you can try self-help treatments. There are two pages of suggestions on our Tips to prevent recurrences leaflet. It is available to members. Outbreaks normally decline in frequency and severity over time.
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Foods To Help Reduce The Frequency Of Herpes Outbreaks
The Canadian Government recently recognized that a diet rich in the amino acid l-lysine may help protect against oral herpes outbreaks. In fact, in Canada l-lysine supplements can now make a cold sore treatment label claim. The United States FDA has not yet followed suit. However, for those who suffer from herpes outbreaks a diet rich in l-lysine, and low in l-arginine is well worth trying.
The easy method of increasing lysine intake is to take an l-lysine supplement. However, you can also examine this list of foods that are rich in lysine and those rich in arginine :
Eat these Foods Rich in Lysine
- Apples, mangoes, apricots, pears .
Avoid these foods rich in Arginine
In addition, some experts recommend an alkaline diet, which consists of foods that are low in acid. Heres a list of acidic and alkaline foods.
Eat these alkaline foods:
- Peppers, asparagus and parsley
In addition, immune-boosting herbs might help. Garlic, Olive Leaf, Echinacea, Propolis and Licorice have a traditional value in boosting the immune system. In Chinese medicine, Astragalus is often prescribed for those suffering from oral herpes.
There is not a cure for herpes – but you may be able to keep the condition in check with a proper diet.
Can I Be Treated To Prevent Genital Herpes Transmission To My Partner
Yes. A large study showed that if one partner has herpes and the other partner is uninfected, treating the infected partner with suppressive therapy can prevent transmission of symptomatic herpes in over 90% of cases. This is an option for couples who are interested in having unprotected sex or who are planning to become pregnant.
If you are entering into a new relationship and are aware that you have herpes simplex infection, you owe it to your partner to notify them before having sex.
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Talk To Your Doctor About Antiviral Medications
There are two brands of antiviral medications available to treat herpes. Either can be used to take daily as a suppressive therapy or episodically when there is an outbreak. Discuss with your doctor how often you are experiencing outbreaks and your symptoms. Together you can decide which, if any, medication is best for you.
Keep The Area Clean And Dry
Its important to keep dry any areas affected by genital herpes sores. Moisture triggers irritation and can make outbreaks even worse. Try drying outbreaks with a hairdryer on low heat settings instead of a towel. It also helps to wear cotton underwear, since cotton is gentle and absorbs moisture much better than synthetic fabrics.
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How To Avoid Getting Genital Herpes
The most effective way to avoid getting genital herpes is to abstain entirely from sex, or to maintain an exclusive sexual relationship with a long term partner who has been tested for and found to be free of herpes.
You can avoid contracting herpes from a new sexual partner by always using a latex condom or latex dental dam. Cold sores on the mouth are also caused by a type of herpes virus, and you can contract genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone who has or gets cold sores. You can also get cold sores on your mouth from giving oral sex to someone who has herpes.
Genital herpes is always contagious, even when symptoms arent present. Always use protection with a new partner, and make sure you and your partner both get tested for STDs, including genital herpes, before you begin a monogamous relationship. If you know your partner has genital herpes, avoid all sexual contact during an outbreak, and always use condoms or dental dams to protect yourself from contracting herpes during sexual contact with your infected partner.
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Is There Research On Curing Herpes
Yes, there is ongoing research that aims to find a cure for herpes a cure may be available in the future, but this remains uncertain. Current research includes:
- Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering research into a genetic technique called gene-editing has shown some promise. It aims to deactivate the virus by affecting its DNA, which is essential for its survival. Results are currently inconclusive.
There is also ongoing research into some vaccines these teach the body to reject the virus. Examples are TheraVaxHSV-2 and GEN-003, which aim to treat genital herpes. Both have shown promising initial results for both strains of the virus, with GEN-003 being further along in its stage of clinical trial testing. Results are currently inconclusive, but the vaccines are still undergoing further clinical trials.
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Can Genital Herpes Be Cured Naturally
This question is quite frequent and there is a lot of discussion as to whether or not a purely natural treatment can eliminate the virus from the body once and for all.
Natural or alternative medicine includes treatments based on home remedies, acupuncture, ozone therapy and the use of natural ointments.
Several herbs and essential oils with antiviral properties are known to help fight the herpes simplex virus, but they do not completely eliminate it from our body.
One of the most commonly used natural ointments to treat genital herpes is Tea Tree Ointment, which is obtained by processing the oil extract from this tree which has well-known antibiotic and antiviral properties. The ointment does not eliminate the virus and its cost is about 40 USD.
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.
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Talk To Your Doctor About Suppressive Therapy
Valacyclovir has been shown to lower the risk of herpes transmission to a virus-free partner by 50%. A daily regimen of 500 milligrams of valacyclovir has been effective for partners with a history of recurrent attacks. Its likely that a combination of suppressive valacyclovir and condoms provides greater protection than either method alone.
Herbs Vitamins And Other Supplements
It isnt always possible to eat foods containing the high levels of nutrients your body needs to fight genital herpes, but herbs, vitamins, and supplements can help. The following choices are known to boost immune system function and help the body combat herpes outbreaks.
Zinc. Chickpeas, pork, lamb, and wheat germ all contain high levels of zinc. Research shows that zinc ions are active against the herpes simplex virus and may even extend the time between outbreaks.
Lysine. Research is still ongoing, but recent reports suggest that daily lysine supplementation may reduce the recurrences of herpes outbreaks. Though lower doses of lysine show little effect, high doses of up to 3,000 mg a day may be beneficial.
Probiotics. Probiotics are well known for their immune-boosting abilities. Now research also shows that certain probiotic strains can limit herpes infections as well.
Vitamin B Complex. The full range of B vitamins serves many critical roles in your body, including healthy cell growth, metabolism, and energy. You need all of these functions in full force to respond to an active outbreak of herpes.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera isnt just for sunburn! Pure aloe vera offers antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound healing properties that soothe herpes symptoms and encourage rapid healing.
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Is Herpes Simplex Related To Herpes Zoster
Herpes simplex and the varicella-zoster virus are related, but they arent the same. VZV causes chickenpox and shingles.
Like HSV-1 and HSV-2, shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash. The shingles rash usually shows up on the back, side, abdomen , neck and face. It is often only on half of your body, following the pattern of your nerves. See your healthcare provider if you have a new rash and suspect you may have shingles.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Herpes simplex is a virus. Once you have herpes, its a lifelong condition. A herpes infection can lead to outbreaks , but youll also have times when you have no symptoms. The main sign of herpes is sores that appear on the infected skin. Some people choose not to treat herpes, especially if symptoms are mild. Others take antiviral medications to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/17/2022.
References
Treatment Vs Preventative Vaccines
The biggest difference between treatment and preventative vaccines is which groups of people they would benefit. Treatment vaccines are intended for people who have been infected with HSV, boosting the immune system to fight the virus. They would help improve symptoms, help blisters heal faster, and lower the risk of spreading the virus to other people.
The second type of vaccine a preventative vaccine is the most common type of vaccine we get as children and adults, helping to train our immune system against a germ before we encounter it. In other words, a preventative HSV vaccine would prevent you from being infected with HSV. The and the are examples of preventative herpes vaccines currently available, but they will not prevent HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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How To Prevent Herpes
But most people have sex at some point in their lives, so knowing how to have safer sex is important. Using protection like condoms and dental dams when you have sex helps to lower your risk of getting an STD.
Herpes can live on areas of your body that arent protected by condoms , so condoms wont always protect you from herpes. But they do lower your chances of getting herpes.
Dont have sex with anyone during a herpes outbreak, because thats when it spreads most easily. But herpes can also spread when there are no sores or symptoms, so its important to use condoms and dental dams, even if everything looks and feels A-OK.
Early Warning Signs A Cold Sore Is Forming
The key to stopping a cold sore quickly is to treat it the moment you notice symptoms. While its rarely possible to completely avoid a cold sore, treating it before it develops into a larger sore is a good way to limit its development and deal with a smaller, less obvious sore.
In a best-case scenario, treating a cold sore early prevents it from developing into a full-on sore.
In a worst-case scenario, even if you act a little too late in treating the cold sore, youll still speed up the healing process.
Because of this, its important to be aware of the initial warning signs of a cold sore. The faster you can act once you notice these symptoms, the less time the cold sore will have to break out and affect your lips, gums and mouth.
Itching or tingling around the lips. Normally, youll start to notice your lips itching or tingling for a day or two before the cold sore starts to form a phase known as a prodrome. If youve had cold sore outbreaks before, you might find it easier to recognize this feeling than someone who has never been affected.While not a specific warning sign, cold sores tend to be triggered by things like stress, illness, sun exposure, hormone fluctuations or fatigue. Its best to be extra attentive to the potential warning signs of a cold sore if any of these issues affect you.
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How To Avoid Genital Herpes Outbreaks
Genital herpes affects health through two main ways.
The first is psychological. When we know that we are infected by the virus, worries arise that can lead to stress and depression.
The second effect of genital herpes is caused by outbreaks. If we could avoid them, we would get rid of it and also improve our psychological state.
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Important Questions To Ask Yourself
Are you tired of not knowing when your next painful and embarrassing genital herpes outbreak is going to occur?
Are you tired of not knowing how severe or how long your next genital herpes outbreak is going to last?
Since contracting the genital herpes virus, has it affected your self esteem in a negative way and how do you feel about yourself as a person?
Has the genital herpes virus affected your relationship and your sex life in a negative way?
Are you tired of throwing away your hard earned money on so called genital herpes products that simply dont work?
Would you like to get the life back you once had before experiencing your first painful and embarrassing genital herpes outbreak?
And last but not least.
Would you like to rid yourself of the genital herpes virus and those painful and embarrassing genital herpes outbreaks once and for all?
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What Is The Difference Between Genital Herpes And Genital Warts
Both genital herpes and genital warts are STIs, are spread through skin-to-skin contact, and are caused by a virus. But the viruses that cause genital herpes and genital warts are different:
- Herpes simplex virus is the virus that causes genital herpes.
- Human papillomavirus is the virus that causes genital warts.
There is no cure for either genital herpes or genital warts. But, different medicines can help manage the symptoms of herpes and treat the complications of HPV infections that can cause genital warts.
Ask About Sexual History
Ask all partners whether theyâve been tested recently for STIs before sexual contact. Limiting the number of sexual partners you are exposed to will also decrease your risk of contracting genital herpes and other STIs.
If youve had unprotected sex, or if you experience symptoms of genital herpes, visit your healthcare provider or local STI clinic for an STI screenings.
If you have genital herpes, be open with your partner and talk about the risks of transmission.
Douching should be avoided, as this may actually increase chances of contracting an STI .
Researchers are working towards the development of other preventative strategies, such as an HSV vaccine and topical microbicides to help prevent the spread of herpes .
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Is It Safe To Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes
Yes- as long as there is no open lesion on chest or breast . If you have an active outbreak while breastfeeding, its possible to spread the infection to your nipples through touch. Careful hand-washing can prevent this spread. You shouldnt nurse from a breast that has herpes sores. You can pump breast milk until the sores heal. Dont give your baby expressed breast milk if the pump comes into contact with an open sore.
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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex
Preventing HSV-1
You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.
If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:
- Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
- Touching the skin near their mouth.
Preventing HSV-2
If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:
- Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
- Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
- Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
- Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.
Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.
If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:
- Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
- Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
- Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.
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Prevent A Herpes Outbreak
Suffering from genital herpes certainly has its ups and downs, but theres really nothing to describe the dread you can feel when you start to get that tingling feeling downstairs, and you just know theres a nasty outbreak just around the corner. In the time Ive been living with herpes, Ive managed to gather together a few little measures you can take when you feel and outbreak coming on, and maybe even prevent a herpes outbreak from occurring. If you follow these tips, youve got a very good chance of avoiding an outbreak entirely, or if you still catch the outbreak youll find that it is much less severe and easier to deal with.
1.Start dosing with L-Lysine immediately. Lysine is an amazing herpes battling supplement that you really should be taking daily if you are serious about getting your herpes under control. If you feel the outbreak coming on, immediately take some lysine, and if you are already taking it daily, up your dose to twice or three times a day.
2. Apply some tea tree oil to the area where you most commonly experience outbreaks of sores. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-viral, and is cheap and widely available.
3. Apply ice to the area where you most commonly experience outbreaks of sores or rash immediately as soon as you feel the tingling on an oncoming outbreak. This can be a bit uncomfortable but is very effective in its ability to prevent a herpes outbreak.