The Natural Treatments I Tried For Herpes
I even tried using essential oils to treat the lesions, which helped a bit, but it did not prevent the outbreaks. For those of you who are interested in using essential oils, I used oregano essential oilas an antiviral and clove essential oil to numb the area, which definitely helped with the constant pain.
Of course, it wears off and you have to reapply it, but the combination of oregano and clove oil worked better than any ointment I got by prescription. After tinkering around a bit, I learned to numb first with clove oil, wait about 5 minutes, and then apply the oregano oil diluted in coconut oil makes it hurt less. You can mix it with the solid or liquid kind.
How To Use Prescription Antivirals For Cold Sores
Prescription antivirals are most effective when taken within 24 to 48 hours of an outbreak. If you have frequent cold sores, ask your doctor about a daily antiviral. This helps reduce the frequency and severity of future outbreaks. Youll likely take an antiviral by mouth twice a day for 7 to 10 days
How Effective Is Lysine For Cold Sores
Most studies back up the benefits of supplementing with lysine for cold sore breakouts.
One older questionnaire study enrolled 1543 participants with either herpes labialis or genital herpes and had some of them take Lysine supplements. The participants that took the Lysine supplement reported a shorter healing time than the group that did not take Lysine, and 88% considered Lysine an effective treatment for herpes.
A placebo-controlled study had 27 patients with herpes take 1,000mg Lysine 3 times daily for 6 months, and had 25 herpes patients take a placebo 3 times daily. At the end of the 6 months, the group taking Lysine had an average of 2.4 fewer outbreaks, shorter healing times, and less severe symptoms than the placebo group.
However, some studies, like this 1984 study by DiGiovanna, did not find any benefits of Lysine supplementation compared to placebo. But, this could be due to the dosing being much lower than some of the other studies at only 400mg three times daily.
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Topical Treatment For Cold Sores
Lemon balm essential oil has antiviral effects on HSV-1 and -2. Studies found that lesion formation was significantly reduced, and in some cases, viral infectivity stopped almost entirely. Lemon balm is fat soluble, which enables it to penetrate the skin, and is an effective topical treatment for herpetic infections.
Peppermint oil has stopped several viruses, including herpes in preliminary studies, from reproducing.
Manuka honey, as shown in a study in the British Medical Journal, may be as effective as antiviral creams lesions cleared in eight days with antiviral cream and nine days with honey.
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How Is Genital Herpes Treated During Pregnancy
You should take acyclovir or valaciclovir tablets, as above.
If it’s your first outbreak of genital herpes, your baby may be more at risk because you haven’t had time to develop immune protection against the virus, which also helps protect the baby.
Some women experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes might be advised to have a caesarean. This would prevent the herpes virus passing from mother to baby during a vaginal birth. But most women in Australia with genital herpes do give birth safely to healthy babies vaginally.
It’s often recommended that women who have ever had genital herpes take antiviral tablets prior to the birth, even if the herpes isn’t active at the time.
Talk to your doctor or midwife about the best course of action for your situation.
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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, it’s 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.
Cold Sore And Genital Herpes Outbreak Prevention
Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center report regular treatment with lysine supplements may help prevent the outbreak of cold sores in people with oral herpes, a viral infection. Additionally, this supplement may reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks, a sexually-transmitted disease. In such cases, lysine supplements may help diminish the appearance of painful, inflamed skin lesions across the genital region. However, additional research is necessary to further examine the effect lysine supplements have on herpes outbreaks.
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Herbal Remedies May Also Offer Relief
Research supports the use of certain botanical remedies. You may want to try one or more of these:
Long dan xie gan tan This Chinese herbal formula has been used to quell symptoms and reduce herpes outbreaks. Its English name is clear liver fire pills. In at least one study, the formulawas shown to inhibit the activity of -1 and HSV-2.
Chinese herbal medicine is always individualized, and there are other formulas that help too, so it is helpful to consult a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist before starting this formula, says Mindich.
Mushrooms Mushrooms boost the immune system, Mindich says, and thus can help prevent recurrent herpes outbreaks. She recommends mushroom products from the Immune & Protection collection of Host Defense and from Myko San. Eating shiitake mushrooms daily has also been found to have a positive effect on the immune system in a study published in April 2015 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Lemon balm This herb, which is related to mint, has traditionally been used to improve brain function and also has antiviral properties. Records concerning the medicinal use of lemon balm date back more than 2,000 years.
Lemon balm can be prepared and drunk as a tea. It can also be applied to the skin to both prevent herpes to prevent outbreaks and reduce symptoms. Research has shown that lemon balm oil directly counteracts herpes viruses.
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What Is The Conventional Treatment
Prescription drugs taken orally, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir have been developed to effectively treat herpes infections. These medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms of an outbreak and shorten its course or to suppress recurrences, reduce the number outbreaks and prevent spreading the disease. This type of treatment is not curative and can get expensive, especially if it is used daily to suppress outbreaks.
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Pay Attention To What You Eat
ASHA reports that some people believe foods containing the amino acid arginine, such as legumes and whole grains, can contribute to outbreaks. A few older studies, conducted in 1981 and 1987, showed a possible connection, but ASHA states there is no clinical evidence to support these studies. However, because triggers may vary based on the individual, keep track of the foods you eat to determine if there is a connection.
How To Use Zinc On A Cold Sore
Oral zinc supplements can strengthen your immune system and help prevent cold sore outbreaks. Take 1 tablet per day with food. To treat a cold sore, apply topical zinc cream directly to lesions to reduce blistering, tingling, and other irritation. Use several times a day as needed.
found that licorice root has antiviral and antibacterial abilities. Its antiviral properties helped prevent viruses from replicating, while its antibacterial properties inhibited bacterial function. This same review showed that licorice also exhibited antifungal activity.
You can use licorice root extract with a cream or moisturizer to target and treat cold sores.
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How Lysine Affects You
Like many amino acids, lysine is used to build muscles and collagen, which is an important constituent of cartilage, connective tissue and skin. âBiochemistry of Human Nutritionâ author, George Gropper, reports that lysine has other important roles in your body, such as promoting absorption of calcium from the intestines, facilitating the manufacture of enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and stimulating the production of creatinine. Creatinine is used by the body to help convert fatty acids into usable forms of energy. If also reduces blood levels of LDL, the âbadâ cholesterol. In âAdvanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism,â Carolyn D. Berdanier et al., explain lysine is also taken as a supplement to reduce the symptoms created by cold sores and genital herpes, which are caused by different forms of the herpes simplex virus, and shingles, caused by the herpes zoster virus. Specifically, lysine is able to reduce viral uptake of arginine, which inhibits replication.
Top 13 Best Herpes Support Supplements Of 2021 For Outbreaks
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Despite the stigma around herpes, the condition is still relatively common. With over 500 million currently suffering from HSV-2 , the use of supplements can have a profound effect. The companies that make these products provide the body with essential nutrients that can help the immune system.
Some supplements promise to help users eliminate the virus, offering antiviral benefits with the ingredients. The top products on the market will help consumers potentially get rid of herpes entirely. Even though most scientists agree that this is a lifelong condition, reducing the outbreaks and making them much easier to handle.
For some people, these supplements can work, but why? Which ones are the best herpes supplements on the market right now? Thats what this guide aims to reveal.
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Lysine Can Potentially Help Both Types Of Herpes Virus
Dear Doctor: Are cold sores and herpes the same thing? Ive got both, and finding out theres no cure really stinks. My friends say lysine can help. Is that true?
Dear Reader: Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by different types of the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. Each type is quite contagious.
HSV-1 causes cold sores on the lips and mouth. Its estimated that half of the population in the United States is infected with the oral herpes virus. The majority of genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by HSV-2. The infection rate of HSV-2 in the U.S. is estimated to be at least 15 percent and as high as 20 percent.
Youre correct that at this time, there is no cure for either type of herpes infection. Instead, people who have frequent outbreaks seek to manage the condition. Many people infected with HSV-2 rely on antiviral medications, which can shorten or suppress outbreaks of genital herpes and also lessen symptoms when an outbreak does occur. The three main drugs are acyclovir , famciclovir and valacyclovir . Antivirals may also be prescribed to people infected with HSV-1 who are having frequent or severe outbreaks. The over-the-counter cream Abreva, which targets oral herpes, can be useful.
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How Long Do Outbreaks Last
Because the virus stays within the body for life, outbreaks are characterized as any time the symptoms manifest. The first outbreak of either type of herpes is typically the most severe and lasts the longest. The first outbreak of herpes can last anywhere from two to four weeks but then each outbreak is usually progressively shorter and less painful.
Lean more about Herpes Simplex Virus in the Complete Guide to HSV.
L-Lysine
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Why Cold Sores Come Back
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex.
Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore.
Most people are exposed to the virus when they’re young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
It does not usually cause any symptoms until you’re older. You will not know if it’s in your skin unless you get a cold sore.
Page last reviewed: 20 July 2020 Next review due: 20 July 2023
Over The Counter Medications For Cold Sores And Fever Blisters
- Brand names listed as examples do not imply better quality over other brands. Generic equivalents may also exist.
- Use only as directed on the package, unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do otherwise.
- OTCs may interact with other medications or be potentially harmful if you have certain medical conditions. Talk to your pharmacist about options that are right for you.
example:L-Lysineî
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What Is The Lysine Dosage For Cold Sores
L-lysine supplementation appears to be ineffective for the treatment of herpes simplex lesions with doses below 1 g/day without low-arginine diets. Doses above 3 g/day appear to improve patients subjective experience of the disease.
Some sources also recommend that people with a history of herpes infections take 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of lysine supplements a day.
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How To Select The Lysine Ointment For Genital Herpes
Making your final decision can pose to be a challenge. But worry not. We have a few suggestions to make your selection process easier.
Before that, we would recommend you opt for sites like Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, and Best Buy for your purchase.
So the factors you should consider while selecting your lysine ointment for genital herpes would be:
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Amino Acid Deficiency And Your Body
If a body does not collect the necessary ten amino acids, it will start to suffer from an amino acid deficiency. An amino acid deficiency is severe and causes the degradation of internal cells within the body. The deterioration will eventually lead to serious health problems. In developed countries, amino acid deficiencies are rare, but they do happen. Deficiencies are naturally preventable by eating foods that are rich in essential acids or by taking supplements. Foods rich in amino acids include eggs, meat, beans, and cheeses. Yes, you can take a supplement instead of eating essential foods, but as with anything that the body naturally requires, it more readily absorbs the substance when ingested as a natural food source then when taken in supplement form.
Huge Variety And Selection
The online platforms around the world are growing exponentially in size, and that applies to the selection of products as well. As they get more popular, more and more brands sign up to sell their products on online platforms.
They have a wide range of products across many categories, divided and organized well. This helps you find exactly what you are looking for easily. You may even get software-generated recommendations for products you may need. This includes lysine for genital herpes reviews and many more.
Having a huge variety means that you can assess your preferences and choices. You can choose from a range of alternatives before purchasing. This is often not the case in most physical stores, where there is a limitation to the number of brands.
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Side Effects And Warnings
Taking more than 15 grams per day has been associated with unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. In addition to this, excessive consumption of L-lysine at these high levels has been linked to kidney problems and a higher risk for gallstones and higher cholesterol. Individuals with high cholesterol or taking cholesterol medications need to carefully monitor their lysine supplements.
L-lysine can also have interactions with other compounds or drugs, so you need to discuss any supplement with your doctor before starting.
Lysine interacts with another amino acid arginine, which supports your circulatory system. Excessive intake of L-lysine can reduce the bodys ability to move arginine through the body to where it is needed.
L-lysine also boosts the absorption of calcium, so it is important to monitor calcium intake and lower calcium supplement use if needed.
A specific group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides can have negative interactions with L-lysine causing kidney damage. These antibiotics are typically administered for severe infections, so your doctor must always be aware of any supplements you are taking.
Taking L-lysine is safe and effective in recommended doses, but you need to seek immediate medical attention should you notice any of the following symptoms:
Kidney problems Chronic diarrhea Vomiting
Where Is Lysine Found
Your body cant manufacture lysine, so the only way to get it is through your diet.ii As one of the building blocks of protein, lysine is found in many protein-rich foods such as red meat, fish and dairy products.i If you eat these foods as part of a balanced and healthy diet, your body will get ample amounts of lysine.
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What Is The Ratio Of Lysine To Arginine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that means it is not produced by the body, so it must be obtained through diet or supplements. It is important for growth and plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a molecule that is responsible for converting fatty acids into energy. In combination with high doses of vitamin C it has been suggested to reduce lipoprotein which is one of the causes of atherosclerosis. It also helps with the absorption of calcium and the formation of collagen Vitamin C converts lysine to hydroxylysine which is then incorporated into collagen. Many people consume enough lysine through their diet but some athletes or vegans may need more. If you do not have enough lysine in your body, you may experience some symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Laboratory research has shown that the addition of the amino acid arginine to cell cultures caused an uncontrolled proliferation of the herpes virus. In contrast, the addition of lysine inhibited the growth and spread of the virus in cultured cells. Based on this fact, patients suffering from herpes could benefit from following a diet rich in lysine and poor in arginine.
As HSV reproduction requires arginine-rich proteins while lysine inhibits their synthesis, L-lysine has been used to inhibit infection by alternative health professionals. Foods rich in lysine are beef, chicken, pork, cod, eggs and yogurt.