What Can I Put On My Herpes Outbreak

What Is Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex is a virus that causes skin infections. The infection lasts your lifetime, and it causes painful or itchy sores and blisters that come and go. Herpes simplex virus typically doesnt cause severe problems. But it can be dangerous in infants and people with weakened immune systems. There are two types of herpes simplex:

• Herpes simplex 1 tends to affect your mouth or face. It causes cold sores. HSV-1 spreads through contact with saliva .
• Herpes simplex 2 is a sexually transmitted disease . It causes sores on skin that comes in contact with the genitals of an infected person.

Sometimes a herpes infection can affect other parts of your body, such as your eyes or other parts of your skin.

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How Can I Prevent Genital Herpes

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:

• Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have herpes.
• Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that a condom can cover. Also, the skin can release the virus from areas that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

If your sex partner has/have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting it if:

• Your partner takes an anti-herpes medicine every day. This is something your partner should discuss with his or her healthcare provider.

What Is Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus . It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas.

As genital herpes can be passed to others through intimate sexual contact, it is often referred to as a sexually transmitted infection .

HSV can affect any mucous membrane , such as those found in the mouth .

Genital herpes is a chronic condition. The virus remains in your body and can become active again. The average rate of recurrence is four to five times in the first two years after being infected. However, over time, it becomes active less frequently and each outbreak becomes less severe.

Read more about the symptoms of genital herpes.

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What Are The Herpes Outbreak Stages

• Lauren Stuttaford

Herpes, otherwise known as the herpes simplex virus, is categorized into two types: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 .

The first is mainly transmitted through oral-to-oral contact causing oral herpes but can also cause genital herpes. While HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. Both types of the infection are lifelong.

A person infected with herpes, whether oral or genital, might show no symptoms or could progress through the different herpes outbreak stages from blister development to herps healing. However, most herpes infections are asymptomatic.

According to the World Health Organization , an estimated 3.7 billion people under 50 years old have HSV-1 infection globally, and an estimated 491 million people between the ages of 15-49 have HSV-2 infection worldwide.

Astonishingly, the virus causing genital herpes or HSV-2 increases the risk of contracting and transmitting HIV, putting millions at greater risk of contracting an HIV infection.

Lets take a closer look at the herpes outbreak stages.

Herpes On Leg: Everything You Need To Know

Herpes on leg is a very mysterious condition. Whenever people develop any rash on their leg, they are worried if this is herpes on leg. Some people also get confused if its is shingles on their leg. Many people dont know the reason for the rash on their leg.

They also dont know the difference between herpes simplex and shingles. So, let us try to clear your confusion. We shall discuss in detail about Herpes simplex virus causing herpes on leg and also about shingles.

Contents

Human Herpesvirus :

There are many different viruses which fall under the category of Human Herpes viruses. Some important examples of this virus are Herpes simplex virus and Varicella zoster virus.

Herpes simplex virus :

Herpes simplex virus or HSV are of two types. They are the HSV 1 and HSV 2. Both of these viruses can be transmitted sexually. HSV1 can also be acquired during respiratory infections during childhood.

HSV viruses travel to the nerve root ganglia near the spinal cord and stay dormant there. HSV1 virus stays dormant in the nerve root ganglia behind the cheek. HSV2 stays dormant in the nerve root ganglia near the lower abdomen.

Both of them are dormant in the majority of the people without causing any symptoms. But, in some people, they become reactivated due to a weak immune system or other causes and lead to the development of rash.

Herpes on leg:

Symptoms of herpes on leg:

Treatment of herpes on leg:

Shingles:

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How To Prevent Cold Sores

It is not always possible to prevent an outbreak of cold sores. In people who have attacks triggered by sunburn, using sunscreen or avoiding heavy sun exposure may reduce the number of attacks. Taking daily prescription antiviral medications can significantly reduce the frequency of cold sores. However, the vast majority of people do not have enough attacks to justify taking a daily medicine.

The Early Warning Signs Of Genital Herpes

Once you learn to identify the early warning signs of a genital herpes outbreak, you can take action to avoid the worst outbreak symptoms.

The most common sign of genital herpes is the development of blisters around the genital area. Herpes simplex blisters are often itchy and painful.

Other symptoms may accompany the blisters to indicate early warning signs of genital herpes:

• -Difficult or painful urination

• -Wash your hands immediately after any possible contact with sores to prevent the spread of infection
• -Take medication as directed by your healthcare professional
• -Use natural treatments known to reduce discomfort and accelerate healing
• -Use foods and supplements known to strengthen your immune system
• -Use the Luminance RED on current outbreaks and in-between

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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 HSV-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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Types Of Tea Tree Oil

There are many factors that come into play when buying tea tree oil for herpes outbreaks. Lets go over what you want to look for in a quality tea tree oil right here.

Terpinen 4 OL Content

Some tea tree oils may not provide the terpinen levels. If it does, the higher the percentage, the more potent its antiseptic properties will be. Many tea tree oils might contain anywhere between 10 to 45 percent of terpinen. Higher concentrations might cause skin sensitivity, so its important to purchase a carrier oil to dilute for topical applications.

Packaging

Terpinen is extremely susceptible to oxidation when exposed to sunlight. You want to ensure your product arrives and is stored in a dark, glass bottle. When tea tree oil oxidizes, it increases para-cymene levels. Para-cymene is a known skin irritant, so youll want to ensure packing is consistent with protecting the oil. As always, dont use oils that come unsealed, with broken packaging, and open lids.

Oil Concentration/Quality

Some oils may come pre-mixed with a carrier oil. However, other oils are used for fragrance only purposes and are not intended for topical use. You also want to look forunmixed oils that havent been blended with other essential oils. Organic and unadulterated oils will also have higher purity, and therefore, better quality.

Cost

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How Effective Are Topical Herpes Treatments

Studies have found that topical creams and ointments like and arent so great at preventing lesions fromoral herpes . Theyre also really expensive and usually have to be applied several times a day.

Two new topical medications for oral herpes may hold more promise, but they come at a cost.

• includes acyclovir 5% cream and 1% hydrocortisone and works better than either ingredient alone. Interestingly, Xerese cream has been shown not only to shorten healing time but also to make it less likely that the lesions will return. Unfortunately, Xerese is expensive and rarely covered by insurance. But it is a combination of 2 cheaper generic creams, so talk to your doctor about making your own combination.

• is a different form of acyclovir that can also be used to treat an oral herpes outbreak. It is an adhesive tablet that you place on your gums. Sitavig delivers a high concentration of acyclovir directly to your lip, the site of the cold sore. But again, itll cost you.

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What Are Recurrences Of Herpes And How Likely Are They

Recurrences are repeat symptoms which appear at or close to the place where the infection was first noticed. These are often fairly minor and may be no more than a small spot that heals in a few days. They may be accompanied by sensations itches or nerve twinges. They are unlikely to be as severe as first symptoms and may be almost unnoticed.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

Most individuals infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition. 9 When symptoms do occur, herpes lesions typically appear as one or more vesicles, or small blisters, on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days after exposure. 10 The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection. 5,10 Experiencing these symptoms is referred to as having a first herpes outbreak or episode.

The Herpes Simplex Virus

There are two types of herpes simplex virus , type 1 and type 2. Both types are highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sex with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes does not have any symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the condition on to a sexual partner.

At least 8 out of 10 people who carry the virus are unaware they have been infected because there are often few or no initial symptoms. However, certain triggers can activate the virus, causing an outbreak of genital herpes.

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Home Remedies And Lifestyle

There are some things that you can do at home to lessen the pain of a cold sore or genital herpes, prevent worsening of your condition, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

• Apply cold compresses: Place a well-insulated ice pack on your lesions for as long as it makes you feel better. The cold will not worsen or improve the lesion, but it can lessen the pain.
• Dont scratch: Avoid touching and scratching lesions caused by herpes, as this can spread the infection to other areas of your own skin.
• Keep the sores clean: Cold sores and genital herpes infections can become infected with bacteria from your hands or, in the latter case, from urine or feces. Keep the sores and blisters, and the areas around them, clean and dry to avoid an additional infection.
• Reduce stress: Stress can affect how well your immune system can keep your herpes infection in check. Reducing your stress may help prevent excessive herpes recurrences.

What Are Cold Sores

Cold sores , sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. Often the first sign of a cold sore is a spot that tingles, burns, itches, or causes discomfort. A blister usually forms within 6 to 48 hours. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.

I have been using Abreva cream on my HSV2 blemishes. It seems like they take about a week to heal. Im also taking L-Lysine 500 mg tablets three times a day. Has anyone had any experience with Abreva? Thanks.

0 likes, 4 replies

• Posted 7 years ago

  Hi, I have had great relief eating pineapple everyday. It has done wonders for me. I have about a large slice everyday.

  and if i feel an outbreak coming on I double my intake.

  I used to get back to back outbreaks but not any more, I believe due to eating Pineapple every day. The very Occasional outbreak i have got doesnt last long at all and its no where near as bad as I used to get them.

  Good luck

• I would love to know how you go with it.

  Please keep me informed.

  It truly has been a huge relief for me. Like I said I used to get one out break after another.

  All the best

Thanks for your help!

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Hair Bumps On Genital Area

Genital lumps can be worrying, but whilst some are harmless, others are certainly a cause for concern. Dr Aka, Consultant Gynaecologist here at The Gynae Centre explains: It is quite normal to notice the sebaceous glands on the skin of the genitals. These secrete sebum into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair and are not cause for concern.

Is There A Way To Prevent Getting Herpes

You can protect yourself and your partner by taking steps to prevent an outbreak of herpes. Some things that you can do include:

-If you already have herpes, dont have sex until the outbreak is completely gone, even with a condom.

-Try to learn the signs of an impending outbreak, such as itching, tingling and burning, and stop having sex as soon as you notice.

-If you wear contact lenses, dont wet your lenses with your saliva. This could spread your herpes infection to your eyes.

-Dont have sex with your partner until your herpes sores are completely healed.

-Always tell your partner if you are infected with the herpes virus before you have sex. Even though it can be embarrassing and difficult, herpes is very common, and telling your partner will help keep the infection from spreading.

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Drying Out Herpes Blisters Quickly

r35506

Hi all,

Used to quite an active member but have generally come to terms a little with my illness over the past ten months. As a back story I caught herpes off my new partner. He didnât know he had it and it was a terribly tough time. Iâve been through a major depressive period, but to those of you struggling, there is light at the end of the tunnel. On suppressive therapy and looking after myself I have been herpes free for about 8 months which has been awesome.

Unfortunately Iâve just been on holiday and got a little lazy in taking my daily tablets⦠And here I am. 5 days into an awful outbreak.

Has anyone got any advice on how to heal the broken sores quicker ? Iâve been bathing and keeping them clean, washing with soap and water and applying some witch hazel but this is dragging out now, some of the sores are still not drying and obviously it is irritated and causing me pain. Walking and sitting in my work clothes is not comfortable and I just want this to end ASAP ! I forgot how annoying the outbreaks are!!

Do any of you apply anything directly to your sores ? Bearing in mind I am female and this is already a sensitive area and I donât want to irritate myself furtherâ¦

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, willing to try absolutely anything at the moment.

How Can I Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

If you have lots of herpes outbreaks, your doctor may tell you to take medicine every day this is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future herpes outbreaks, and lower your chances of giving herpes to your partners.

Whether or not you take medicine to treat herpes, taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress might help keep future outbreaks from popping up.

No one knows for sure what triggers genital herpes outbreaks. Other infections, surgery, sex, your period, skin irritations, and stress may cause outbreaks. Sunburns, injuries to your lips, or other infections can cause oral herpes flare-ups. Try to avoid getting sunburned if you have oral herpes.

Genital herpes outbreaks usually happen less often and become shorter and weaker after a few years whether or not you get treated.

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