Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Herpes

Hsv1 And Oral Transmission

Debunking the health myths surrounding apple cider vinegar

The other commonly transmitted strain of the herpes simplex virus, HSV1, typically results in oral herpes, or cold sores around the mouth. This form of HSV is more readily transmitted via oral contact, such as kissing, than through genital contact.

Unlike HSV2, which usually lies dormant between outbreaks at the base of the spine, HSV1s latency periods are typically spent in nerve endings near the ear. Thats why its more likely to cause oral herpes than genital herpes.

HSV1 and HSV2 are genetically similar to each other and clinical symptoms are indistinguishable.

For this reason, having one form of the virus sometimes reduces the risk of acquiring the other form. This is because your body actively produces antibodies to fight the virus once you have it. However, its possible to contract both forms.

HSV1 and HSV2 can both have no symptoms or very mild symptoms that you might not notice. Not having symptoms doesnt mean you dont have the virus.

If you do have symptoms of HSV1 or HSV2, they may include:

  • a tingling sensation, itching, or pain, anywhere in the genital area or around the mouth
  • one or more small, white blisters that may become oozy or bloody
  • one or more small, red bumps or irritated-looking skin

Recommended Reading: How To Wash Genital Herpes

Takeaways: How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore

Cold sores are caused by a virus known as HSV-1 . Symptoms like tingling, itching, or burning generally start 2-10 days after exposure to HSV-1, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

For most people, a cold sore outbreak lasts about 2 weeks. You can shorten the outbreak with over-the-counter antivirals like Abreva.

Many home remedies, like bee propolis or kanuka honey, may fight cold sore infections.

You can treat cold sore pain with ice, a cold compress, or anti-inflammatory or pain relieving medications.

Avoid touching/picking at a cold sore, as this could spread the infection or worsen the outbreak.

If you have severe pain, open eczema sores near your cold sore, or experience frequent cold sore outbreaks, call your doctor.

  • Sacks, S. L., Thisted, R. A., Jones, T. M., Barbarash, R. A., Mikolich, D. J., Ruoff, G. E., & Morrow, P. R. . Clinical efficacy of topical docosanol 10% cream for herpes simplex labialis: a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 45, 222-230. Abstract:
  • Mccarthy, J. P., Browning, W. D., Teerlink, C., & Veit, G. . Treatment of herpes labialis: comparison of two OTC drugs and untreated controls. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 24, 103-109. Full text:
  • Can Acvs Alkalinity Fight The Cold Sore Virus

    Proponents of apple cider vinegar believe that the substances alkaline nature helps it combat the herpes virus. Since ACV is fermented from apples, not diluted alcohol, it contains a higher quantity of alkaline nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, when compared to pure white vinegar.

    Despite these alkaline nutrients, ACV is still a mildly acidic substance with a pH of 2-3. No evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar can alkalize your body. Its possible that the nutrients in ACV can alleviate active cold sores, but theres no guarantee.

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    Dietary Changes To Manage Herpes

    Consume more immunity-boosting foods to help your body fight the infection better. This will not only shorten the duration of the outbreak but will also potentially reduce the risk of recurrence.

    A few nutrients that you should include in your diet are:

    • Natural probiotics

    Treatment with greater than 3 g of lysine per day has shown some beneficial effects in managing HSV infections, but the research results are modest and inconsistent.

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    Apply Hot And Cold Treatment

    Top 5 Home Remedies For Herpes

    The application of warm and cool temperature on the painful blisters can help provide relief. The gentle heat stimulates blood circulation in the area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

    Meanwhile, topical cold helps numb the underlying nerve endings to make you feel less pain, but this only lasts a short while. It also helps bring down swelling.

    How to use:

    • Take warm showers or soak your body in a warm bath like a sitz bath.
    • Apply a cold compress over the affected skin for 10 minutes, every few hours. The simplest way to make your own cold compress is by wrapping a few ice cubes in a soft, clean tea towel.

    Note: Dont bathe in hot water as that can be too harsh and drying for your skin. Similarly, dont apply ice directly to your skin as it can cause further damage and even lead to frostbite.

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    How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help

    Apple cider vinegar may help you treat your cold sores in a number of ways. First, it may prevent a cold sore from even forming. In many cases, just prior to cold sore breakout, an area of the lips or around the mouth may start to feel itching or sting.

    Dipping a cotton ball in some apple cider vinegar and applying it to the area has been known to help prevent any blisters from forming.

    Once a blister does appear, using apple cider vinegar as a topical treatment can relieve some of the itching or pain that accompanies the blister. Do keep in mind however, that once the blister breaks open using vinegar can sting, but also may dry up the cold sore faster than the sore will dry up on its own.

    Some people even believe that drinking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar a day can help reduce the number of breakouts. While there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is the case there is some anecdotal evidence showing this may work for some people.

    Do keep in mind that if you have chronic cold sore breakouts, or your breakouts last more than 14 days with or without treatment you should seek medical advice for dealing with your cold sores.

    What Not To Do With A Cold Sore

    Certain habits or actions may interfere with the healing process and worsen the symptom of a cold sore. For optimal healing:

    • Dont touch a cold sore. Any time your hands come into contact with a cold sore blister, they can carry the virus to other parts of the body or other people. Touching the sore may also spread other bacteria into your cold sore. If you must touch a cold sore , wash your hands immediately.
    • Dont pop a cold sore. Unlike a pimple, a cold sore will get significantly worse and probably spread if popped as the fluid is exposed to more of your skin.
    • Dont scrub a cold sore. The irritated skin around your cold sore will probably hurt worse if you wash it vigorously.
    • Dont pick at the scab on a cold sore. Ripping off the scab that forms around a cold sore can leave permanent scars. Let the scab fall off on its own, which usually happens a few days after it forms.
    • Avoid kissing oral sex until your cold sore is completely healed. HSV strains can spread via oral sex, so steer clear of intimate contact with your partner during the outbreak.
    • Stay away from very spicy or acidic foods. These can cause a burning sensation that will make your cold sore outbreak even more unpleasant.

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    Immune System Supportive Herbs And Spices

    • Cilantro : Recent research has demonstrated this herb to have anti-microbial properties as well as chelating properties. Chelation means that it can bind to minerals and pull them from your body which is particularly important for heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metal burden is not uncommon today, and heavy metals inhibit the immune system.
    • Turmeric : Helps to prevent viral replication, lower inflammation, and reduce oxidative stress.
    • Astragalus : Powerful antiviral herb with extracts that boost the immune system and fight viruses. Should not be used with an autoimmune disorder.
    • Nettles : A well-established anti-inflammatory that contains protective chlorophyll and has documented research demonstrating its antiviral properties for herpes zoster and retroviruses.

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    Is There Any Proof Apple Cider Vinegar Treats Herpes

    Apple Cider Vinegar, Can It Harm You?

    Apple cider vinegar has taken on an almost mythical status in the natural health world, acting as a go-to cure for almost any digestion, skin or immune system condition. While there are studies that suggest apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, there’s literally zero evidence that it can help cure or treat herpes

    Theres no cure for herpes, meaning that apple cider vinegar definitely cant rid your body of the virus. Despite this, apple cider vinegar enthusiasts claim that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities make it a helpful tool for controlling the symptoms of a herpes outbreak.

    ACV proponents recommend a variety of protocols for fighting back against herpes. Some users recommend ingesting apple cider vinegar orally, usually with a squeezed lemon and warm water to mute the strong taste. Others recommend putting apple cider vinegar on cold sores to areas with herpes sores. There are others who even go as far as to suggest ketchup on a cold sore, because if its vinegar content .

    None of these anti-herpes protocols are supported by any scientific evidence. In fact, theres no scientific evidence at all to support the theory that apple cider vinegar is an antiviral substance, which would allow it to target and suppress the herpes virus in the body.

    As such, its best think of apple cider vinegar as a health supplement, but not as a proven treatment option for HSV-1 or HSV-2.

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    We Think We Found The 1 Thing Apple Cider Can’t Fix Cold Sores

    If you occasionally experience cold sores, you’ve probably been eager to try every remedy under the sun to help them heal up quickly. You may have heard about apple cider vinegar being a quick fix, but doctors will be quick to tell you “not so fast.”

    Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small blisters that often form around the mouth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , more than half of Americans ages 14 to 49 carry the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, and most people catch the virus as children. The virus is passed either through skin contact or through the saliva of an infected person. Even after an outbreak clears up, the virus stays in your body, which means you will likely experience outbreaks again in the future. While there is no cure for cold sores, they are usually no cause for alarm and tend to clear up within a couple of weeks.

    According to Lauren Ploch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Augusta, GA, even though many claim that apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that they use as a justification to apply it to cold sores, it’s wise to stick to traditional medicine to treat cold sore outbreaks.

    You may also want to steer clear from applying apple cider vinegar if you have sensitive skin.

    Does Apple Cider Vinegar Turn Herpes White

    In the field of natural health, apple cider vinegar has assumed a stature that is almost legendary, serving as a the go-to treatment for virtually any digestive, skin, or immune system issue. There is virtually no proof that apple cider vinegar may treat or cure herpes, despite studies suggesting it has antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities.

    Herpes has no known treatment, thus apple cider vinegar cant possibly get rid of the infection from your body. Despite this, proponents of apple cider vinegar assert that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a useful tool for managing herpes outbreak symptoms.

    The advocates of ACV suggest a number of methods for combating herpes. Some users advise taking apple cider vinegar orally to tame the strong flavor this is typically done with a squeezed lemon and warm water. Some people advise applying apple cider vinegar to cold sores and herpes lesions. Others even go so far as to advise using ketchup to treat cold sores due to its vinegar component .

    There is no scientific proof to back up any of these anti-herpes treatments. In actuality, there is absolutely no scientific evidence to back up the idea that apple cider vinegar functions as an antiviral agent, enabling it to target and suppress the herpes virus in the body.

    The best way to think of apple cider vinegar is as a health supplement rather than a known cure for HSV-1 or HSV-2.

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    Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar On My Herpes Sores

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    How To Treat Cold Sore Pain

    How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Herpes?

    Home remedies and medications can reduce the pain caused by a cold sore. For effective cold sore pain relief, try:

    • Ice or a cold compress
    • Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen
    • Pain relievers like Tylenol
    • Benzocaine or lidocaine gel to numb the affected area

    Be sure not to touch or pick at your cold sore, as this can extend the length of your infection and cause more pain.

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    What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Apple Cider

    What are the health benefits of drinking apple cider? Cider offers pulp and sediment that will contain fiber. Drinking apple cider can help increase your daily dietary fiber intake to improve digestion and lower blood cholesterol. Fiber also helps you feel full and may suppress the appetite.

    Can drinking apple cider vinegar be harmful? PERSPECTIVES FROM THE WEB

    Vinegar is not bad or unhealthy to drink. According to HowStuffWorks, drinking apple cider vinegar can help control blood sugar in diabetics and increase nutrient absorption. However, vinegar needs to be diluted with water or juice before consumption due to its high acidity level.

    reference.com

    Too much of anything: There are harmful effects of too much of anything! Even drinking too much water can kill you. And anything that helps can also cause harm. That said, apple cider vinegar is fairly safe but should always be diluted. It appears to be wise to limit consumption to 2 tbsp per day.

    healthtap.comWhat are the side effects of drinking vinegar?What are the side effects of drinking vinegar? According to Health Services at Columbia, drinking vinegar regularly can cause several negative effects, including intestinal pain, due to its high acid content. You may experience burning in the mouth, throat or esophagus, nausea, stomach upset and intestinal discomfort.

    Why Is Natural Treatment Better

    Since the herpes virus stays in your body once contracted, it becomes important to keep the virus in an inactive or dormant state to reduce outbreaks. There is no cure for the condition, although some medicines may provide some relief from pain and discomfort during every outbreak.

    If you have contracted the virus, it is essential to take precaution lifelong to prevent the outbreak and reduce the chances of pain and damage to your skin.

    Natural remedies are one of the best options for treating herpes, as it helps in preventing the outbreaks while healing them in a mild way. With no side effects, remedies like apple cider vinegar or essential oils can bring positive results in people suffering from herpes.

    Natural remedies can help in reducing the triggers that make the virus active, thereby preventing outbreaks. You can use natural methods for as long as you want without worrying of the harm caused by any chemicals.

    Though natural ways may also cause adverse effects if not followed in the correct manner, these may work wonders when used in the right way.

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Cold Sores

    When someone gets a cold sore, the symptoms are typically worst during the first breakout.

    Cold sore signs and symptoms include:

    • On or near the lips, tingling, itching, and/or burning sensations are noticed.
    • Blisters gradually develop, becoming the affected area red, puffy, and painful.
    • The blisters burst throughout the course of the next two to three days. Blisters that have ruptured exude fluid, which may be clear or yellowish. The weeping phase of oozing fluid is known as this stage.
    • The cold sore crusts and scabs over during the course of the following four to five days after it appears. As the skin heals, it can fracture or bleed.
    • The scab eventually comes off. For a few days, the skin beneath can appear a little more rosy or reddish than usual.
    • Other signs could include a fever, a sore throat, and a bodyache.

    Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

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    As far back as 400 BC Hippocrates prescribed Apple Cider Vinegar to treat a variety of illnesses. A small amount of apple cider vinegar added to a diet can help increase weight loss and help control insulin levels.

    The way to make apple cider vinegar is to squeeze out the juice from crushed apples, then to ferment it with the addition of yeast and bacteria until the sugars turn into alcohol. The sour taste comes from acetic acid and malic acid. The sour taste is the reason its most commonly used in salad.

    Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. This means that any ailment that comes from a bacterial, viral or fungal origin can be treated with apple cider vinegar. These can include allergies, acne, joint pain, sore throat, Candida, sinus infections, ear infections, rashes, digestion and stomach ulcers to name a few. As a daily supplement, apple cider vinegar is great in preventing and treating a whole host of issues.

    Apple cider vinegar is great in helping you lose weight and maintaining a healthy weight. A 2009 Japanese study showed that you develop 10% less body fat when you supplement apple cider vinegar with your daily meals. It has a positive effect on blood lipid profile and insulin levels, which makes it great for diabetics. In rats its has also been shown to significantly increase HDL and significantly decrease LDL . It also has been shown to \”kill\” cancer cells by starving them of the energy they need.

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