Saturday, March 23, 2024

How To Stop Herpes Breakout Before It Starts

Genital Herpes: Common But Misunderstood

An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms

First recognize the symptoms and signs, then take action to prevent outbreaks

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause small, painful sores in the genital area. The symptoms may include low-grade fever, itching, burning, and trouble urinating. But many people with the disease dont realize they have been infected with HSV, because either they have only mild or infrequent symptoms, or no symptoms at all. In women, herpes outbreaks can also be mistaken for vaginitis, urinary tract infections, or even hemorrhoids.

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How Can I Get Rid Of Cold Sores Quickly

Theyre painful. Theyre unsightly. Theyre annoying. Cold sores are just plain unwelcome. When one pops up on your lip or mouth, you probably immediately think: Whats the fastest way to get rid of this thing?

Herpes simplex virus the virus that causes cold sores is incredibly contagious, and infection with the virus is really common, says Dr. Donald Brown, primary care practitioner at Houston Methodist. In fact, more than 50% of adults in the U.S. are infected with the type of herpes virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Interestingly, however, most people who contract the virus never actually develop symptoms.

If the virus does cause cold sores, it can spread from person-to-person through close contact, like kissing. But, while you may not know it, the virus can also spread by sharing:

  • Utensils and drinking glasses

The virus is most contagious when a cold sore is present, particularly when the blister begins to ooze, Dr. Brown adds. However, its important to know that you can still spread the virus long after a cold sore heals as well as when a blister isnt even present.

For those who are no stranger to those painful, fluid-filled blisters, when you get a cold sore, you probably want it gone fast.

How Does Genital Herpes Affect Pregnancy

Herpes simplex virus doesnt affect fertility or your ability to conceive. Pregnant women diagnosed with HSV-2 should start a daily antiviral at 36 weeks of pregnancy as prescribed, to prevent outbreaks during delivery. If you have an active infection at the time of childbirth, you can pass the herpes virus to your baby. Neonatal herpes puts a baby at risk for blindness, brain damage, skin infections and death. Your healthcare provider will perform a cesarean section to lower this risk.

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Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

People with HSV-2 infection have an increased risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus if they have sex with an HIV-infected partner. Taking suppressive therapy does not decrease this risk.

  • How can the herpes virus affect pregnancy?

    If a woman is pregnant and infected with HSV, it can be passed to the fetus during birth while passing through the womans infected birth canal. This is most likely to occur if a woman first becomes infected with HSV during pregnancy and in a woman who has her first outbreak late in pregnancy. But it also can occur during a recurrent outbreak in a woman who was infected before pregnancy, although the risk is much lower.

    If you have sores or warning signs of an outbreak at the time of delivery, you may need to have a cesarean delivery to reduce chance of infection. The decision depends on many factors, including where the sores are on your body and whether the fetus would come into contact with them during delivery.

  • Can I still breastfeed my baby if I have the herpes virus?

    Yes, in most cases. The herpes virus cannot be passed to a baby through breast milk. However, the baby could get infected by touching a sore on your body. Make sure any sores that the baby could come into contact with are covered when you hold your baby or while breastfeeding. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after feeding your baby. If you have sores on your breast, you should not breastfeed your baby from that breast.

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    How Is Genital Herpes Treated

    How Do I Reduce Herpes Breakouts?

    There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The blisters usually heal and go by themselves, so you may not always need treatment. There is antiviral medicines for herpes, which can: shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop symptoms from getting worse.

    The antiviral treatment is most effective when you take it within the first five days of symptoms appearing. Avoid touching the blisters as this can also increase the risk of spreading the infection. If your herpes treatment requires you to apply cream to a sore, just gently pat the cream on, being careful not to rub around the surrounding area.

    You can ease your symptoms by:

    • keeping the affected area clean using plain or salt water to prevent blisters or ulcers from becoming infected
    • applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to any blisters or ulcers to reduce the pain when passing urine
    • asking a healthcare provider to recommend painkilling creams
    • avoiding tight clothing because it may irritate the blisters and ulcers.

    Dont have sex until you or your partner have finished your treatment, and the blisters or ulcers have gone. If its your first outbreak, its sometimes advised that you check back with a healthcare provider before having sex again, to ensure that your symptoms have gone.

    Also Check: How Do You Tell If You Have Herpes

    Get To Know Cold Sore Triggers

    Due to their potentially embarrassing nature, many people look to get rid of cold sores overnight.

    However, preventing a cold sore is quicker and safer approach than treating an outbreak. People can try to avoid triggers that cause cold sores, keeping the sores on their skin from appearing in the first place.

    Preventing a cold sore may also help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other people.

    Not all cold sores can be prevented, but knowing what triggers them is an important step in cold sore management. Common cold sore triggers include:

    • hormonal changes, especially from menstruation or taking birth control pills
    • a weakened immune system

    Keeping a diary or log may help a person work out what triggers their cold sores. Writing down things, such as diet, activities, illnesses, and life events can help narrow down what has preceded the outbreak.

    An added benefit of knowing cold sore triggers is the ability to be even more proactive in taking medications. Consequently, if a person knows they were exposed to a cold sore trigger, they can be especially watchful for early signs and get started on medications right away, if needed.

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    How To Get Rid Of Herpes The Conventional Way

    For most people with herpes, the virus typically represents nothing more than an inconvenience however, the real risk is for immuno-compromised patients who cant easily manage infections. In these patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

    As of 2017, there is not currently a herpes vaccine available to prevent HSV-1 or HSV-2.

    Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to help keep the herpes virus suppressed or to speed up healing of cold sores by reducing bacteria that can cause infections. Some medications that are now used to control herpes include:

    • Nucleoside analogues and antiviral medications
    • Creams/ointment to help lower pain and inflammation near the site of sores
    • Over-the-counter painkillers to reduce aches, tenderness or fever

    However, its important to understand that even with early detection and prescription medications, either form of the herpes virus cannot be totally cured so transmission is always still possible. Medications for viruses dont always work long term and are not a cure-all.

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    Editorial Sources And Fact

  • Cheng H-Y, Huang H-H, et al. The In Vitro Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 and Type-2 Activity of Long Dan Xie Gan Tan, a Prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chemotherapy. March 2008.
  • Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, et al. Consuming Lentinula Edodes Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. April 2015.
  • Meyers M. Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide. The Herb Society of America. 2007.
  • Schnitzler P, Schuhmacher A, et al. Melissa Officinalis Oil Affects Infectivity of Enveloped Herpesviruses. Phytomedicine. September 2008.
  • Umadevi M, Rajeswari R, et al. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Withania Somnifera. The Pharma Innovation. November 2012.
  • How Can I Make Sure I Dont Give Anyone Herpes

    It Might Be Good to Have Herpes | Trained Immunity

    If you find out that you have herpes, try not to freak out. There are a few ways that you can stop it from spreading to your partners and other parts of your body.

    • Talk with your doctor about taking herpes medication every day, which can lower your chances of spreading herpes.

    • Dont have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom. There may be sores on places the condom doesnt cover.

    • Learn how to tell when an outbreak is coming, and stop having sex right when you notice these signs. You may feel a burning, itching, or tingling feeling that lets you know youre about to get sores.

    • Dont have sex until your sores are totally gone, and the scabs heal and fall off.

    • Dont touch your herpes sores, because you can spread the infection to other parts of your body or other people. If you touch a sore, wash your hands with soap and water right after.

    • Dont wet contact lenses with spit this might spread your oral herpes to your eye.

    • If you have a cold sore on your mouth, donât kiss anyone especially babies, children, or pregnant women.

    • Always tell your sexual partners that you have herpes before you have sex, so you can work together to prevent it from spreading. Telling someone you have an STD can be hard, but herpes is super common and doesnt lead to serious health problems. So try not to be too embarrassed or stressed out about it.

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    One Option For Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly

    Some people with genital herpes choose to take antiviral medication daily to reduce the number of symptom outbreaks they have. In some cases, daily therapy prevents outbreaks completely.

    Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of all three of the approved antivirals used to treat genital herpes.

    Studies have also shown that daily antiviral therapy reduces the rate of transmission from an HSV-2 infected person to an uninfected partner of the opposite sex.

    Daily therapy also lowers the odds of infecting other people if you have multiple sex partners or if you are a man who has sex with men.

    The drugs work both for people who have had herpes symptoms and for those whose blood tests show they have an HSV-2 infection but who have never had symptoms.

    Some people choose to take antiviral drugs only as needed, for outbreaks that occur after the first one. For this to work, you need to start taking the medicine within one day of sores cropping up or during the time period that comes before some outbreaks.

    During the prodrome, you may feel

    • Burning in the area where the virus first entered your body
    • Itching or tingling in that area
    • Pain in your back, buttocks, thighs, or knees

    Your doctor will probably give you a prescription you can fill and keep handy for timely use, and tell you to start taking the drugs just as soon as symptoms begin.

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    Herpes Myths To Stop Freaking Out About

    A surprising number of people you know probably have herpes.

    Shocked? You shouldnt be, since the virus is very common. According to the World Health Organization, 3.7 billion people under age 50 have herpes simplex virus type 1 thats 67 percent of the global population in that age bracket. Another 417 million people between ages 15 and 49 worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 .

    Many people consider HSV-1 more benign, but it turns out theres not much difference between the two types of virus. While its true that HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease and can cause genital sores or blisters, type 1 can do the same thing.

    One big misconception is that cold sores are caused by HSV-1 and genital herpes are always type 2, but thats not always the case, says Sarah Vensel, a physician assistant in San Francisco. Cold sores are so common theyve been normalized at this point. But genital herpes is sometimes the exact same virus just in a different location.

    Not only is herpes incredibly common its also totally manageable. Allow us to set your mind at ease and debunk three widespread herpes myths:

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    How Do I Test For Herpes

    If you think you have symptoms of genital herpes or have been at risk of infection, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

    There are different tests available. If you have symptoms, the most common test is to take a swab from a blister. The fluid can be tested for the herpes simplex virus. A herpes blood test exists but is not routinely available.

    If you have genital herpes you should be tested for other STIs. Itâs important that you tell your recent sexual partner/s so they can also get tested and treated. Many people who have herpes do not notice anything wrong, and by telling them you can help to stop the virus being passed on.

    How To Cope After Diagnosis

    Pin on How To Remove Herpes

    Many posters were occupied with the issue of passing on the infection. Yolandayw points out that you can minimise the risk of transmission by postponing sex until all the sores have healed. She also mentioned that condoms should be used. They won’t completely prevent transmission but they will help.

    Ending on a positive note, many posters emphasised that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Learning of the diagnosis may feel stressful at first, but it’s a manageable condition and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Lucy03934 has had genital herpes for 25 years. She’s been married for 18 years and has two sons – living proof that there is life after herpes.

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    Stretch Herpes And Lower Back Pain

    Do not rest sagged in your desk chair all day. Rise every 20 minutes approximately and also extend the various other method. Due to the fact that most of us invest a great deal of time flexing forward in our work, it is very important to stand up and stretch backward throughout the day. Dont fail to remember to also extend your legs. Some individuals locate relief from their back pain by doing a regular stretching routine, like yoga exercise. Herpes And Lower Back Pain

    Are Cold Sores And Genital Herpes The Same Thing

    No, cold sores are not the same as genital herpes, even though theyre caused by similar viruses.

    Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes genital herpes and transmits through sexual contact. On the other hand, HSV-1 causes cold sores and transmits through touch. It is, however, possible to transmit cold sores to the genital area through oral sex.

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    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.

    Topical Treatments For Early Cold Sores

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    There are several ways to treat cold sores while theyre still in the itching/tingling stage. If you rarely get cold sores, over-the-counter topical treatments like docosanol can provide a modest amount of relief and potentially shorten the amount of time needed for the cold sore to heal.

    Topical medications are only effective on the area to which theyre applied, meaning youll need to use the medication over the area surrounding the cold sore as it begins to form.

    Most topical medications will speed up the healing process, but theyre rarely the best option for preventing cold sores. If you get frequent outbreaks, the best option is usually to treat your cold sores using oral antiviral medication

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    What Can I Do To Help Relieve Symptoms Of Cold Sores

    While cold sores are uncomfortable, you can find relief at home. Suggestions to help manage cold sores:

    • Use over-the-counter creams and ointments: These remedies can help shorten the healing time and ease your symptoms. They are most effective when you use them as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on.
    • Take pain relievers: If you are in a lot of pain, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter topical pain reliever such as lidocaine that you can apply directly to the cold sore. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen by mouth to ease your discomfort.
    • Wear sunscreen and SPF lip balm: It is important to make sure a cold sore doesnt get sunburned while it is healing. Also, wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 every day could prevent future cold sores.
    • Avoid acidic foods: Orange juice, tomatoes and other acidic foods can aggravate a cold sore.
    • Apply a cool compress: You can use a cool, damp washcloth to soothe a cold sore. Apply it for a few minutes off and on throughout the day. Be sure to wash the towel after youve used it to avoid spreading the cold sore to others.

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