How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? K doctors are able to treat herpes with medication, but patients must be diagnosed already. If youre worried that you might have genital herpes, a K doctor can refer you to a physician for an in-person visit. to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Try Essential Oils At Genital/mouth Sores
Essential oils are extracted from medicinal plants, where they get their healing properties from.
However, these are potent liquids that can be too harsh on the skin if applied directly. So, you will have to dilute them in a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil before application.
Some of the most recommended essential oils for healing genital and oral herpes are tea tree oil, thyme oil, and ginger oil.
How to use:
You can either use them all together or individually, but make sure to add olive oil/coconut oil to the mix as well. Apply the oil blend to the infected area.
When To See A Doctor
Most of the time, cold sores go away on their own within a couple of weeks. If your cold sore lingers beyond 2 weeks, it might be time to check with your healthcare professional.
If you feel like youre constantly dealing with cold sores several times a year or more thats another good reason to check with your doctor. You may benefit from a prescription-strength antiviral medication.
Other reasons to see your doctor:
- sores near your eyes
- sores that have spread to other parts of your body
If you have eczema, which is also called atopic dermatitis, you may have some cracked or bleeding areas on your skin. If HSV-1 spreads into those openings, it can cause complications, according to the National Eczema Association.
You May Like: How To Dry Out Herpes
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Herpes Naturally Forever
How Do You Stop A Herpes Outbreak In Tracks
- You may talk to your doctor over antiviral medication. the physician may also help you know common antiviral herbs for your herpes.
- Understand your triggers so that you can avoid some and combat other with antiviral medications.
- Recognize symptoms early and respond effectively.
- Use essential oils for lubrication during sexual intercourse.
- Talk to your healthcare practitioner before using any antiviral medications or remedies.
Genital Herpes And Pregnancy
Women with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery.
If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, theres a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes.
This can be fatal, but most babies recover with antiviral treatment.
The risk of your baby getting neonatal herpes is low if you have had genital herpes before.
Its higher if you get genital herpes for the first time in pregnancy.
You May Like: What Causes Herpes To Flare Up
Also Check: Is There Anything Over The Counter For Herpes
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.
Prevention Of Genital Herpes
The best protection against STIs is to always use barrier protection such as condoms, female condoms and dams . Because herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact, condoms will reduce the risk of transmission, but it will not protect sexual partners completely as condoms do not cover the entire genitals.
Using lubricant with a condom during sex will also reduce the risk of trauma to the genital skin. This has been shown to reduce HSV transmission, especially in the first six months of a sexual relationship. Silicone-based lubricants are recommended.
Remember that herpes transmission can occur when symptoms are present , but may also occur even if there are no genital symptoms through asymptomatic viral shedding.
For people who have frequent episodes of genital herpes, antiviral medication, taken daily, helps to reduce transmission of herpes to a sexual partner.
Read Also: Can I Donate Plasma If I Have Herpes
You May Like: Why Are My Herpes Outbreaks So Frequent
Check Your Vitamin Levels
A healthy diet can buoy your bodys ability to defend against the herpes virus. If you are deficient in certain vitamins and nutrients, you will see issues with your immune system, Dr. Frey says.
An essential one is vitamin D: Its important to make sure your vitamin D levels are intact, Dr. Frey says. A May 2021 study in âSAGE Open Medicineâ found that vitamin D has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps regulate the immune response. Yet an August 2016 study in âThe American Journal of Clinical Nutritionâ reported that up to 18 percent of people were vitamin D deficient. And keep in mind that for people living in the northern hemisphere, D plummets during the winter.
Another biggie is vitamin C. It is an antioxidant, and building up your antioxidants is key to helping your immune system function properly, Dr. Frey says. A November 2017 study in âNutrientsâ also points out that vitamin C supports the immune system.
Other potentially helpful nutrients include vitamin E , folic acid, iron and zinc, an element with antiviral activity that is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping inflammation in check, per an April 2015 study in âAutoimmunity Reviewsâ.
Just be sure to talk to your doctor before popping a supplement they can advise you on how much to take and how long to take it for. Some vitamins, including D and E, are fat-soluble, Dr. Frey says. So you dont want to overload your body with those.
How To Use Salt And Oil For Tooth And Gum Decay
Youll also discover the old mustard oil and salt remedy that people use to restore gums and remove plaque.
Salt acts as a mild abrasive that helps remove stains and brighten teeth. It also contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth.
On the other hand, mustard oil helps strengthen your gums and makes it easier to remove the plaque naturally.
Also Check: How Does Acyclovir Work Against Herpes
Can You Get Rid Of Herpes For Good
It is not possible to be permanently cured of herpes. Once infected, an individual carries the sexually-transmitted infection for the duration of their life. While various treatments and remedies can effectively treat and slow the progression of HSV-1 and HSV-2, no cure has been discovered for the disease.
How To Stop A Herpes Outbreak Before It Happens Without Medication
In order to get rid of herpes without medication, it is important to recognise the individual triggers that result in a flare-up. While these root causes vary from person to person, common identifiers exist that â with a little patience and practise â can aid in the repression of onset symptoms. Whilst the following can help to provide symptomatic relief, they are not able to cure herpes, and it is not possible to cure herpes naturally forever.
Common triggers include:
- StressIndividuals suffering from high stress tend to exhibit herpes symptoms with higher frequency. Efforts to combat cortisol-releasing activities or events will result in diminished or delayed flare-ups.
- Feeling run-downAs mentioned, self-care is an important, holistic approach to fighting the effects of genital herpes. Being run-down, overtired or anxious can impact immune system function and lead to an onset of blisters or the fatigue and irritation associated with a herpes episode.
- SmokingThe act of smoking during an active herpes outbreak slows the healing process, as smoking weakens the bodyâs natural healing response. In the case of HSV-1 cold sores, the duration of presentation on the lips are delayed by days or weeks. In a healthy body, red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the blood. In a smokerâs body, carbon monoxide and other chemicals debilitate red blood cells, slowing their natural healing properties.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does First Outbreak Of Herpes Last
Another Alternative For Genital Herpes Outbreaks
If you prefer natural remedies but want to try something backed by more extensive clinical research, you may want to consider light therapy. You may not already have this treatment in your kitchen cabinet, but its a proven therapy that allows you to avoid pharmaceuticals in the comfort of home.
Multiple studies show that red light therapy not only reduces the pain of a genital herpes outbreak, it also decreases the viral load in peoples systems, potentially decreasing the severity and frequency of recurring outbreaks.
The Luminance RED Genital Sore Treatment Device is an FDA-registered, handheld device that harnesses similar waves of red light for the management of genital herpes blisters without the use of chemicals.
Best For Skin Barrier: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Price: $3.2917.70
- Pros: available in a range of sizes, suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons: reports of product hygiene issues from online sellers
A person can purchase Vaseline online through Amazon.
Vaseline states it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive, dry skin.
It also claims that its product helps seal in moisture, which may help the skin heal naturally. Additionally, petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and outside elements.
This Vaseline product may be best suited to people with cold sores.
Vaseline costs between $3.2917.70, depending on the tub size.
Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes
These caplets are suitable for vegetarians and free of allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, and lactose. They are also free of sugar.
CVS Pharmacy claims these caplets may help support healthy skin, collagen production, and tissue maintenance.
CVS states it requires third-party testing for all supplements.
The company recommends taking one caplet a day on an empty stomach. Each pill contains 1,000 mg of L-lysine.
CVS Pharmacy L-Lysin Caplets cost $11.29.
Also Check: Is There Any Treatment For Herpes
What Is Herpes Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation and irritation of the esophagus. The cause of esophagitis is usually acid reflux. But, rarely, it results from a herpes infection.
The esophagus, or food pipe, is part of the digestive system. It is a tube that begins at the back of the throat and carries foods and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
The most common cause of esophagitis is acid reflux. Occasionally, though, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections are responsible for this irritation and inflammation.
When esophagitis results from an infection with the herpes simplex virus the medical name for it is herpes esophagitis. This type usually only occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
In this article, we look at the symptoms and causes of herpes esophagitis. We also describe its diagnosis and treatment, as well as who is at risk and how to prevent it.
Herpes esophagitis causes inflammation and irritation in the esophagus. As a result, a person might experience:
- pain or difficulty when swallowing
- symptoms that typically accompany a fever
- sores in the back of the throat
- sores on or around the mouth
The sores on or near the mouth are called herpes labialis, or cold sores.
Cold sores result from an oral herpes infection they do not accompany other types of esophagitis. People with oral herpes tend to experience outbreaks of these sores that come and go.
Dos And Donts For Herpes Outbreaks
With oral herpes outbreaks, avoid irritating the inflamed area any further. Eat bland, healthy foods while avoiding salty, sour, acidic and spicy foods.
Switch to a softer toothbrush to avoid irritating your lips and gums. For genital herpes outbreaks, air drying speeds healing.
Try to wear loose fitting clothes and breathable cotton underwear. Wash sores gently and dry them, but do not bandage them tightly afterward.
Never pick at or open up herpes sores, as this can worsen the infection and and even spread the infection to other parts of your body.
Don’t Miss: Can Herpes Be Transmitted Through Blood
How Far Away Is A Cure For Herpes
To date, doctors and medical experts have been unable to find a cure for the herpes simplex virus. Researchers are actively searching for new treatments in order to combat herpes.
While the virus has successfully evaded efforts to isolate and destroy it, there are signs of hope on the horizon. A recent Financial Market Brief press release indicates that a potential vaccine is being actively tested, with two treatments promising up to 93.67% efficacy in stopping HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection.
The proposed vaccine candidates â HerpaGreens and Herpesyl â contain mutations of the herpes virus that could safely replicate and infect new cells at the site of injection. The study, entitled Assessment of Two Novel Live-Attenuated Vaccine Candidates for Herpes Simplex Virus 2 in Guinea Pigs, can be viewed on the MDPI website here.
While both vaccine candidates have been deemed safe, they are still a long way from availability to the public. The stringent testing and clinical trial phases can take up to 12 years, meaning that â while hope for a cure is on the horizon â treatment and prevention efforts are the best course of action to stop herpes from spreading.
Are There Side Effects From Treating Genital Herpes With Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are very well-tolerated by most people because they target the virus, not healthy cells. Side effects are rare. Specialist guidelines state that regular kidney function tests for people taking aciclovir long-term are no longer required. The drug has now been used for without problem for over thirty years treating genital herpes. It can be used in pregnancy, indeed it is even recommended that women take it from week 36. See our pregnancy page.
Recommended Reading: What Are Antibodies For Herpes
You May Like: Does Herpes Ever Go Away
Best Vitamin D Supplement: Pure Encapsulations D3 Liquid
- Pros: vitamin D can support the immune system, easy to take
- Cons: expensive, delivers above recommended daily dose of vitamin D
This vitamin D3 tincture is free of gluten and genetically modified organisms and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Pure Encapsulations claims this product may help improve cardiovascular and immune health and support bone, prostate, and colon function.
The serving size of this tincture is five drops. The product labeling states each serving contains 25 micrograms of vitamin D3.
This product is suitable for vegans who want to supplement their food with more vitamin D3, especially those who prefer a liquid form rather than a tablet.
Pure Encapsulations D3 Liquid cost $34.95.
- Pros: may support the immune system, can be added to drinks
- Cons: delivers significantly more vitamin E than daily allowances recommend
These raw vitamin E capsules do not contain any GMOs, synthetic binders, fillers, or artificial flavors. Additional ingredients of this product include fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K, and selenium.
Garden of Life claims these vitamin supplements can help support eye and immune health.
This product is also suitable for vegetarians.
The company recommends people take two capsules daily, either with or without food. A person can also break the capsules apart and add the powder to their drinks.
Each serving size has the following nutritional facts:
- Vitamin A: 900 mcg
Medical professionals may also recommend prescription gels or ointments.
What Is The Prognosis For A Person With Genital Herpes
As discussed previously, there is no cure for genital herpes infection, and the infection persists for life. People vary in the number and severity of outbreaks they experience. For those with frequent outbreaks, taking antiviral medications as suppressive therapy can decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
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%.
Don’t Miss: Is Herpes Type 2 Curable
Apply Hot And Cold Treatment
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.
Natural Remedies For Herpes
Herpes is a type of virus that is contagious and may spread from one individual to another through skin contact. It may appear on any and different parts of human body. Herpes is recognized by an outbreak of blisters. Some individual may show very less symptoms or almost no symptoms. The symptoms differ among individuals.
Some of the conditions that herpes virus groups may cause include cold sores, herpes whitlow, genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, Infectious mononucleosis or Glandular fever, Exanthem subitum or Roseola and B virus infection. Herpes infection cause very painful blisters and are very contagious. They remain contagious until totally healed. It may take two to four weeks for healing and then there is almost no risk of the transmission of the infection.
Symptoms of Herpes
Initially HSV-1 from the virus group may cause tingling or burning sensation around lip areas which can then be followed by small and red pimples which eventually turn into painful blisters. Patient may also suffer from mild fever along with inflamed lymph nodes on the neck area. It may again reappear with sunburn or in case immune system is disturbed with other infections.
However there is good news that herpes can be effectively treated with simple and inexpensive natural remedies without causing any side effects to your body.
Natural Remedies for Herpes
Ice
Domeboro Powder
Baking Soda
Cornstarch
Aloe Vera
Skin Repairing Essential Oils
Lemon Balm
Also Check: What Does Herpes Look Like In Your Mouth