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.
Natural Remedies For Cold Sores: Basil Leaves
Holy basil is known for its antibacterial and anti-viral properties. Basil leavesâ tea is the best cure for cold sores. Put some basil leaves in boiling water to prepare tea. Drink this warm basil tea to heal cold sores. You can also use a tincture prepared from the Tulsi plant to treat the problem.
Are Cold Sores Contagious
Yes, cold sores are contagious. While HSV-1 is far more contagious when there is an active lesion, it can still spread while dormant.
The HSV-1 virus can be transmitted through kissing or oral sex, sharing utensils, food, or cups, and any other instance in which another person can come into contact with fluid from an active sore, says Shainhouse. Therefore, if you know someone has cold sores of the mouth, avoid engaging in these activities with them.
It’s also import to avoid kissing or engaging in oral sex with someone who has active lesions. Oral sex can spread HSV-1 to the genitals.
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How Do Dermatologists Treat Cold Sores
To treat cold sores, a dermatologist may prescribe:
Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you:
-
Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream
-
Take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir
For someone who has a serious outbreak and cannot get relief from the above, a dermatologist may prescribe an antiviral medication that you receive through an IV, such as foscarnet or cidofovir. Youll be closely watched if one of these medications is necessary.
If you get cold sores often and have a weak immune system, your dermatologist may prescribe a prescription cream called penciclovir. It can reduce the time that you have cold sores. To work, you need to apply it to the skin with the first symptoms of a cold sore, such as burning or tingling.
Treatment tip
When applying medicine to cold sores, dermatologists recommend gently dabbing the medicine on with a clean cotton-tipped swab.
Pain medication: If you have a lot of pain, your dermatologist may prescribe a medication that you apply to the sores, such as lidocaine.
Sunscreen: While the sores are healing, its important to protect them from the sun. A lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection can help protect your lips. Worn year round, this lip balm may help prevent new cold sores.
Treatment can also reduce your risk of spreading the virus to others.
What Are Cold Sores
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are painful infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. They can show up anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the outside of the mouth, lips, cheeks, nose and fingers.
A cold sore looks like a blister, and it usually lasts for seven to 10 days, at which time its contagious. Over time, it breaks and oozes, then develop a yellow scab, with new skin growing underneath.
Although a cold sore infection is generally not serious, it can be a major issue for people with depressed immune systems due to disorders or medications. Even after a cold sore crusts over and heals, the herpes virus remains, and it can cause future outbreaks in the same area of the mouth or face.
When cold sores spread, its called autoinoculation, and these simplex infections can cause a lesion to appear when it spreads.
Here are the different ways to describe herpes simplex cold sores, according to TeensHealth from Nemours:
- Herpes labialis
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How To Treat A Cold Sore At Home Once You Have One
Some of the most effective cold sore treatments are over-the-counter anti-viral treatments and cold sore patches.
However, if youâre unable to get to the chemist or prefer to take an all-natural approach, try these home remedies to tame your cold sore and alleviate the symptoms.
Please note: these options should not replace medical care and any recommendations may not be 100% effective and may even make symptoms worse.
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.
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Complications Of Cold Sores
For most people, cold sores get better in time with over-the-counter treatments and self-care. However, for people with weakened immune systems, cold sores can be more severe and spread more widely.
Uncommon complications of cold sores include:
- bacterial infections where the cold sore is crusty and has pus
- cold sores that spread to the eyes see your doctor immediately since this can lead to eye damage
How Can I Stop Cold Sores From Forming
So you nipped your last cold sore flare-up in the bud , and it lasted less than a week but here you are, just a few months later, and the cold sores are back. There’s good news, and then there’s bad news. Let’s start with the bad news.
“Once a person is infected with herpes simplex virus, he or she is infected for life,” says Dr. Brown. “After a cold sore heals, the virus isn’t actually cleared from your body. Instead, the virus travels back into your nerves, where it can lie dormant for long periods of time. When the virus reemerges, it typically does so in the same spot as before.”
So what triggers the virus to reactivate and cause a flare-up?
Dr. Brown says that a cold sore outbreak can be triggered by:
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Natural Treatment For Cold Sores & Oral Herpes
Blist-Eeze
An all-natural cream to help your skin heal from fever blisters, cold sores, and the sores associated with oral and genital herpes.*
Blist-Eeze is an all-natural cream that helps your body fight the virus that causes fever blisters, cold sores, and the sores
associated with genital herpes. Blist-Eezecontains an array of natural anti-viral ingredients to boost your bodys ability to suppress the virus and to speed up the healing process. For best results, Blist-Eeze should be applied at the first sign of a fever blister or cold sore, and then as often as needed up to 6 times in a 24-hour period.
Blist-Eeze is a proprietary blend made up of many ingredients, including the following ingredients, shown to promote healing:
- Aloe vera, which has anti-viral effects, soothes and heals symptoms of the herpes simplex virus .
- Resveratrol, which inhibits replication of HSV and may help control outbreaks.
- Quercetin, which has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties, slows the spread of the virus.
Ingredients:
*None of the statements on this website have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the products sold on this website are meant to cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. Discontinue use of any product on this website if irritation occurs. We do not suggest anyone use these products instead of seeing a licensed medical professional.
How To Get Rid Of Herpes Naturally
Not every person with a herpes infection actually experiences breakouts of cold sores throughout his or her lifetime or even after initially becoming infected. How often someone has a herpes cold sore outbreak, how severe the outbreaks are, how contagious someone is after infection and how long the sores take to heal all depend on someones individual immune response.
1. Boost Nutrient Intake
If youre going to keep the herpes virus from frequently causing outbreaks, the first step in how to get rid of herpes is to improve immune function by boosting nutrient intake. Include these healing foods in your diet to keep the virus dormant as much as possible:
2. Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Certain foods can raise inflammation, weaken immune defenses and make skin irritation even worse. Avoid the following foods as much as possible to limit outbreak severity and duration.
3. Consider Supplements
- Antiviral herbs: These include elderberry, calendula, echinacea, garlic, astragalus and licorice root.
- L-lysine : Can help treat and prevent outbreaks.
- Lemon balm extract: Apply as a topical cream for healing.
- Vitamin C : Vitamin C boosts immune function improving herpes.
- Zinc : Zinc benefits include supporting immune function, keeping viruses dormant and rebuilding skin tissue to speed up healing.
- B-complex : B vitamins help your body deal with stress and can prevent outbreaks.
4. Try Essential Oils
5. Ease Cold Sore Pain Naturally
Related: How to Use Witch Hazel to Clear Up Your Skin Fast
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How To Treat Cold Sores
There are many that you can do at home to soothe the sting of a cold sore, such as:
Ice. You can numb the pain if you apply a cold compress to the sore. Donât put ice directly on your skin — that could damage it.
Pain relievers. When a cold sore really stings, you may get some relief from an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen.
Over-the-counter creams. There are products available at the drugstore that can help reduce the pain of a cold sore or help keep the skin soft while it heals.
Prescription drugs. Because cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir , valacyclovir , famciclovir , and penciclovir .
Sunscreen. Getting a sunburn may trigger a cold sore. Using sunscreen when youâre out in the sun may prevent it.
Aloe vera gel. The same gel used for sunburn may help a cold sore to heal. Lab research has shown the gel may help fight viruses, including herpes simplex.
Lysine. This supplement may be used sometimes to treat cold sores. It comes in a cream or in capsule form.
Propolis. This is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. It may be used like an ointment to treat cold sores.
Lemon balm. Some research has shown that lemon balm extract can help cold sores get better, too.
Tea tree oil. Some research has shown that this strong-smelling oil helps a cold sore heal more quickly.
How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore Fast
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are painful blisters that can develop on or around the lips. These sores are common and will go away on their own, but if you have a major event coming up like a wedding or an important job interview you might be wondering how to get rid of a cold sore fast.
Also Check: Is Genital Herpes Contagious All The Time
Can Cold Sores Be Prevented
There are steps you can take to prevent spreading cold sores to others if you have them:
- Avoid any direct physical contact with other people, particularly kissing or intimate sexual activities such as oral sex.
- Always wash your hands if you touch the affected area.
- Try not to share things like cups, cutlery, towels, toothbrushes, razors, flannels and cold sore creams with anyone else.
- Try not to pick at a cold sore as this can lead to further infection and/or scarring.
There are also ways to prevent spreading cold sores from erupting again:
- Try to avoid your triggers. Triggers are different for different people but can include things like a cold , sunlight, very windy conditions, emotional or physical stress and hormonal changes.
- Take care of your general health avoid getting run down and overly stressed.
The Official Drsebis 3
Traditional remedies against cold sores and genital herpes are nothing more than a band-aid.
The proof is they come back OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
But why is that?
Because the only way to definitely get rid of herpes is detoxifying the body, treating it as its whole.
Though, in our western world, we have never get used to the idea of treating the body as a whole. So we have never been able to definitely get rid of herpes.
Embarrassed about that, we have put a stamp on herpes as a âcyclical disorderâ, when itâs not.
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How To Get Rid Of Herpes Symptoms Naturally
By Joe Boland
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases , prompting many to wonder how to get rid of herpes naturally.
The herpes virus can live dormant inside a persons immune system for a lifetime, periodically causing blisters that burst and turn into open cold sores or ulcers before healing. When left alone, herpes cold sores usually last about 1014 days and are uncomfortable for a variety of reasons causing redness, pain, burning and often embarrassment.
Many people wonder if there is a natural cure for herpes or are looking for ways on how to get rid of herpes for good. While technically the virus that causes herpes is not curable, there are many natural herpes remedies that can put herpes into remission. In fact, many people with herpes dont experience any symptoms at all, especially long term, once they learn to manage triggers of outbreaks. So while theres no guide for how to get rid of herpes naturally, there is a method for how to get rid of herpes symptoms the natural way and keep breakouts at bay.
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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How To Get Rid Of A Cold Sore
Healthcare providers use oral and topical cold sore treatments to ease your pain, slow the growth and spread of the virus, and speed up healing.
There are three ways to use antivirals to fight cold sores, explained Dr. Brodell. One is to treat the virus at the first sign of recurrence using a course of oral or topical medication.
The second is “suppressive therapy,” meaning you take oral antiviral medicine every day to prevent outbreaks. “Let’s say you’re having outbreaks once a month, every time you get a menstrual cycle or every time you feel stress,” said Dr. Brodell. “You can give that person a vacation from having their outbreaks with suppressive therapy.”
This daily oral antiviral therapy “is the most effective treatment” to prevent outbreaks, Benjamin Barankin, MD, a Toronto-based dermatologist and medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, told Health.
A third option is “intermittent suppressive therapy” for people who can predict their outbreaks. You might get a lip full of blisters every time you go on vacation to sunny Florida, for example. You know you’re headed for trouble next time you visit, but you don’t want it to ruin your getaway.
The solution: Have your healthcare provider prescribe an antiviral medicine that you can take for the week that you’re away. Few healthcare providers educate their patients about using suppressive therapy intermittently, said Dr. Brodell, despite the fact that “it absolutely works,” said Dr. Brodell.
Types Of Antiviral Drugs
There are three oral antivirals recommended for the treatment of oral or genital herpes:
| Famvir, 250 mg | Twice daily |
Preventing genital herpes recurrence is important as it reduces the risk of HIV. According to the CDC, having an active genital herpes infection increases the risk of HIV by 200% to 300%.
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How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores Naturally
Did you know that 90 percent of the population gets at least one cold sore in a lifetime, and 40 percent of American adults repeatedly get cold sores? They can be painful, uncomfortable and downright unattractive, beginning as a blister and eventually forming a crust. Cold sores are commonly mistaken for canker sores, especially in children. Canker sores, however, involve only the mucous membrane, and theyre never on the outside of the mouth.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus , an infection that may cause only a single cold sore or an outbreak of several cold sores. Until a cold sore is scabbed or crusted, its extremely contagious and can even be spread to other parts of the body, including the eyes and genitals though most cold sores are nongenital.
The most common conventional treatments for cold sores are antiviral creams and oral medications, which can reduce the duration of cold sores by a few days but arent completely reliable. There are natural cold sore remedies, however, that are safe, inexpensive and effective in boosting the immune system, relieving pain and swelling, and reducing the duration and frequency of cold sores.