The Best 13 Herpes Supplements Final Thoughts
Even with no current cure for herpes, it is possible to support the immune system and take the right herpes supplements to reduce outbreaks and help the body to reduce the effects that herpes can cause. The right ingredients can make a big difference, and the formulas in this list are perfect examples of some of the easiest ways to take care of the body.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex
Preventing HSV-1
You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.
If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:
- Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
- Touching the skin near their mouth.
Preventing HSV-2
If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:
- Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
- Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
- Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
- Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.
Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.
If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:
- Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
- Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
- Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.
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How Is Herpes Diagnosed
The herpes virus is almost always spread through sexual intercourse, oral sex, or kissing. Although sometimes HSV-1 can spread via shared lip balm, utensils, or other items that come in contact with saliva.
In most cases, healthcare providers can diagnose herpes with a visual examination and by discussing various symptoms. If theres any doubt, they can take a viral culture to confirm, which involves lab analysis of a swab or scraping.
If the patient has no history of herpes simplex and is a new patient, I always do a viral culture, says , MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. Also, if I am suspicious of HSV-2 or if it is an immunocompromised patient, I will order a viral culture. I start treatment right away before results come back. These results can take one week and it is best to start treatment early.
But again, symptoms arent always present. Fortunately, its also possible to diagnose HSV with a blood test. Your body produces antibodies to combat viruses, and doctors can use a blood sample to detect the specific antibodies that fight the herpes simplex virus.
A primary care physician can perform the examinations and tests necessary for an accurate diagnosis. However, sexual health clinics offer similar, reliable services.
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Scientific Evidence For Herpes Supplements
Since scientists generally agree that there is no current cure known for herpes, how did these supplements help consumers? What does the science behind the product say?
Some ingredients in the industry can help with the bodys natural defense against the herpes virus. Even individuals that cannot cure the virus overnight or have long-term results can still help with the severity of an outbreak. Thats why these supplements are so important.
The majority of the herpes supplements on this list contain an amino acid called L-lysine. L-lysine is one of the most studied ingredients to use in herpes supplements now. According to studies, this nutrient may reduce the severity of an outbreak, though it can also reduce the amount of time that the individual has to heal. Consumers do not have the same visible symptoms during an outbreak with the last healing time.
A study in 2017 showed that researchers examine the current evidence on the market for lysine and herpes. The researchers discovered that supplementation wasnt effective as a way to prevent or treat herpes. However, by consuming more than three grams per day, patients seemed to have a less severe encounter with the virus. It could alleviate the symptoms, even if it could not provide a cure.
If You Have Symptoms Find Out What Youre Dealing With
With genital herpes, the biggest mistake people make is not seeking medical advice, says Gade.
People often find the signs or symptoms of a first herpes outbreak confusing, says Gade. You may mistake herpes symptoms for those of a yeast infection and try curing that condition on your own. But if your healthcare provider diagnoses you with herpes, the first line of treatment will be antiviral medications.
, you can make matters worse by putting things on the herpes sores that you shouldnt put on the sores, she says. People often try using Vaseline, bacitracin, or Aquaphor to soothe the itchy or painful eruptions.
Honestly, not putting anything on the sores is best, says Gade. Do keep the area clean and dry, though.
Warm compresses applied to tender or painful areas can help. So can sitting in a warm bath, using Epsom salt.
Sometimes people have enormous pain with urination, says Gade. For relief, you can urinate in your bathwater or while taking a shower to dilute the urine stream and lessen the sensation. You can also use warm water in a spray bottle to dilute the stream while youre urinating.
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The Best Herpes Supplements Of 2021 Final Verdict
Even though there are no known cures for herpes, various supplements and formulas can help alleviate its symptoms and speed up the healing process. The products mentioned in this ranking contain ingredients with the best-known immunity-boosting properties that allow the body to overcome the virus and the symptoms that come with it. All these supplements and formulas have been tested in the real world and have proven effective in curtailing the spread of herpes they have significantly relieved almost all symptoms associated with it. If you are looking for a herpes remedy that will make life easier for you, the supplements mentioned above in this review are the best options on the market.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Herpes
Vitamin C, if taken within 48 hours of the onset of tingling or itching, may help to prevent an oral herpes outbreak. If an outbreak has occurred, plant compounds called fucoidans, derived from edible seaweeds, can help speed the healing and inhibit the reactivation of herpes lesions. In addition, the over-the-counter gastric reflux medication, Cimetidine, has been shown to suppress the herpes zoster virus through a beneficial impact on immune function. For symptomatic relief, cool baths and wet compresses can help subdue itching and pain during an outbreak.
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How To Treat Outbreaks
Herpes is an extremely common infection caused by the transmission of the Herpes Simplex Virus. Once acquired, individuals will experience genital or oral ulcers for the rest of their lives. The severity of outbreaks changes over time, with the initial episode generally being the most painful and emotionally difficult. Prescription antiviral medication, Valacyclovir helps decrease the severity and frequency of herpes outbreaks. Keep meds on hand, and take what you need as soon as you need it to avoid painful outbreaks.
Perfect For Easy & Pain
The Luminance RED is quick and easy to use in the privacy of your home. Treatments are painless and only take a few minutes. The device is sleek, ergonomic, and easily stored for discreet usage.
My doctor told me to check out the Luminance RED to for frequent genital outbreaks. He said that it helps with healing and may prevent outbreaks from happening down the road. I agree and have seen this for myself.
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Is There A Home Treatment For Herpes
Although its not available at-home for treating herpes, there are natural remedieswhich can help relieve the symptoms associated with herpes simplex virus infection including hot compresses and topical treatment.
A change in diet can even be helpful in preventing a further outbreak. Many believe that hey must eek for prescription medications forgetting that there are natural treatments.
You probably may think that both natural and home remedies only serves to relieve symptoms or prevent outbreaks bit this is not trues.
Several foods and plants at home have antiviral properties that can serve the purpose of herpes medications.
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Do Condoms Help Prevent The Spread Of Genital Herpes
Yes. To prevent transmission of herpes, we recommend that condoms be used 100% of the time. Many patients will shed the virus and be contagious when they dont have symptoms. Studies have shown that asymptomatic shedding occurs between 1% and 3% of the time in patients with HSV II genital infections. Many new herpes infections occur from partners who are shedding the virus asymptomatically, so condoms are highly recommended.
Condoms may not be an attractive option for monogamous couples or for couples who desire to become pregnant. Couples may opt to have serological tests to determine if either partner has an asymptomatic infection. In close monogamous relationships, the risks of transmission can be weighed against other relationship issues, such as intimacy and pregnancy.
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Is There A Link Between Herpes And Hiv
Genital herpes is one of the most common co-infections for people with HIV. It can be a more serious condition if youâre HIV positive outbreaks may last longer and blisters can be more severe. If youâre having recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, you should have an HIV test, as this may be a sign of a weakened immune system caused by HIV.
Having an STI such as genital herpes can increase your risk of getting and passing on HIV. The blisters and sores provide an easy way for HIV to get into your body and cause an infection.
People with HIV who arenât on treatment or who have a lower CD4 count are more likely to get other infections, like herpes.
If youâre taking antiretroviral treatment for HIV, itâs important to discuss this with your doctor. They can advise how treatment for herpes may interact with your HIV drugs.
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Types Of Tests Used To Diagnose Herpes
There are a number of tests used to diagnose herpes, depending on whether lesions are present.
- Symptomatic testing: Samples taken from lesions can be used to detect the virus with a viral culture or nucleic acid amplification test . Of the two, NAAT is more sensitive . A polymerase chain reaction test may be used if herpes is suspected as the cause of a systemic or central nervous system infection, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
- Asymptomatic testing: A blood test may be used to detect HSV antibodies. This is an option for people who had a previous outbreak or had recent exposure. Very recent herpes infections may not be detected. Retesting in a few months may be necessary for accurate results. Some blood tests can also specifically identify an HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection.
Due to the high rates of false-positives, screening for genital herpes in asymptomatic adults and adolescents is not recommended.
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What Do The Studies Show
Some studies have shown that taking lysine on a regular basis can reduce the duration of cold sores symptoms. One study found that 3 grams a day for a period of six months reduced the number of cold sores and shortened the healing time . Another study showed that lysine accelerated the healing process for 87% of participants, reducing the average time from 21 days to 6 days . A comparable result was reported in a 12-month double-blind, crossover study with 1 gram of lysine per day .
Experts generally agree that lysine may not prevent cold sores but may reduce recurrences or the severity of symptoms. A review published in 2017 concluded that more, longer-term studies are needed for daily doses of lysine in excess of 1.2 grams to definitively test the role of lysine in the prevention of the herpes virus .
Note that not only the absolute amount of lysine but also the ratio of lysine to arginine plays a role. Foods that have a relatively high ratio of lysine to arginine are yogurt, cheese and goats milk. Nuts, sesame seeds and snails have a high ratio of arginine to lysine .
A Holistic Approach To Prevention And Treatment
While herpes normally isnât a life-threatening illness, itis pervasive, persistent, painful and often embarrassing to theapproximately 60 to 90 percent of the U.S. population who have it. SinceAIDS surfaced more than 15 years ago, herpes âanother oftensexually-transmitted diseaseâ has received little media attention andresearch dollars. Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine warned that herpes lesions increase a personâs risk ofcontracting the AIDS virus. In addition, the Centers for Disease Controlhave reported that about 1 in 5 Americans age 12 years and older hasherpes, most of whom donât know they are infected. Since the late 1970âs,the incidence of genital herpes has risen 30 percent.
To compound theproblem, what conventional medical care offers people with herpes issurprisingly little. Current prescription medicines can be expensive,ineffective for certain individuals, and carry potentially serious sideeffects. The fact is, natural remedies offer many more options toeffectively relieve the discomfort and to prevent future herpes outbreaks.CONTROLLING HERPES NATURALLY: A Holistic Approach to Prevention andTreatment is a supportive, easy-to-use guide to help people withherpes take control of their health. It offers them the tools to liberatethemselves from the cruelty of facial and genital herpes.
CQ Editorâs Review:
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Supplements And Vitamins For Herpes Outbreaks
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Herpes, whether oral or genital, can be an annoying, frustrating virus. Whether you get frequent outbreaks or have asymptomatic herpes but worry about transmitting the virus to others, herpes can cause a variety of difficult physical and psychological symptoms. These days, the most common drugs used to treat herpes are oral antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir.
Weve covered these medications beforein general, they should be your first line of treatment in the event of a herpes outbreak. However, are there alternatives? We’ve all heard the stories about people using supplements and vitamins for herpes outbreaks, but is any of it true?
In this guide, well look at some of the most widely used vitamins and supplements marketed as herpes treatments. Well look at the scientific data behind each supplement and the benefits of each product to help you make informed, effective buying decisions.
Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic
You can see a GP, but theyll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
Theyll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
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Herpes Symptoms And Signs
In order to diagnose herpes, a health care provider can swab an area of visibly active herpes infection or, if symptoms arent active, a blood test can be given that measures the number of herpes antibodies present in the body. The antibodies dont indicate herpes itself, but rather show the immune systems response to the presence of the virus in the body. Its important to note that sometimes a swab can give false negative results since herpes lesions need to be large enough to yield enough detectable virus and if the outbreak is already healing it also may not be detected in a swab.
The most common herpes symptoms include:
Summary Of 2 Trials Not Included In Previous Literature Reviews
Wright2 conducted a study of 28 patients with RAUs and 14 patients with herpes labialis using a 500 mg/day prophylactic dose and 4-g treatment dose, followed up by telephone interview after 6 months. All but 1 patient with herpes labialis and 1 with RAUs reported that lysine was effective. Patients were nonconcordant with prophylactic lysine, in some cases due to forgetfulness and in other cases due to believing they had been cured. Starting the treatment dose at onset of herpes labialis, prodrome was effective for only reducing the duration of lesions in 25% of patients. Two RAU patients required 1 g of lysine daily for prevention. One patient found no benefit from lysine but the other 25 patients found 500 mg/day to be 100% effective for prophylaxis.
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Top 5 Supplements That Prevent Herpes Outbreaks
By | Submitted On September 18, 2011
There are 5 natural supplements that have been scientifically proven to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks while providing excellent immune boosting qualities. Your natural ability to defend against viral attack and prevent herpes outbreaks is directly related to the state of your immune system, without a strong immune system your body can become overwhelmed by the herpes virus leaving you vulnerable to frequent and severe outbreaks.
Top 5 Herpes Supplements:
1: Echinacea – Echinacea is a native American herb that is known to contain antiviral ingredients while boosting the immune system, it produces high levels of white blood cells that police against foreign invaders and increases the amount of interferon in the body which stops virus proteins from multiplying. Echinacea is widely used throughout the world to treat flu, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections , genital herpes, gum disease, streptococcus infections, tonsillitis, malaria, syphilis, typhoid, and diphtheria.
2: Lysine – Lysine is an amino acid found naturally in food that when taken in high enough doses has been proven slow down the growth of the herpes virus and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. High quantities of Lysine are found naturally in yoghurt, cheese, vegetable and fish. The recommended daily dose of Lysine to prevent herpes outbreaks is 1250mg per day, supplements are widely available from most health food stores.