Thursday, March 14, 2024

What To Use For Herpes On Lips

How To Get Rid Of Herpes Naturally

Cold Sores | Oral Herpes | Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Treatment

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

Zovirax Topical Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • dry, cracked, or peeling lips

  • dryness or flaking of treated skin

  • burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine is applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Is Oral Herpes Permanent

Yes. Once a person contracts the herpes virus, they will always have it.

However, this doesnt mean theyll have active recurrences throughout their lives. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of recurrence. For example:

  • Mitigate fevers
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight

If unavoidable circumstances such as menstruation, surgery, or physical injuries trigger an outbreak, the treatments listed above can reduce your risk of an outbreak and/or lessen the severity of an outbreak.

Read Also: Can You Donate Plasma If You Have Genital Herpes

There Is More Than One Type Of Herpes Infection

There are two types of herpes simplex infection: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 . Cold sores around the mouth are generally caused by HSV-1. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for people who do not already carry the cold sore virus. There are many other viruses that are also in the herpes virus family, however the infection and symptoms are different. One example is varicella zoster virus which causes chickenpox and shingles.

Symptoms Of A Primary Hsv Infection

Stages of Oral Herpes

For some people infected with HSV, the first infection can cause symptoms. These can include:

  • pain inside the mouth and on the gums
  • swollen neck glands.

The symptoms can last up to 14 days and may cause dehydration, especially in young children, because it is painful to swallow. Primary infections are more likely to be severe in newborn babies, people with atopic dermatitis and in people whose immune system is suppressed.

Recommended Reading: Where To Get Tested For Herpes For Free

How To Get Rid Of Herpes Symptoms Naturally

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.

You May Like: Why Do I Keep Getting Herpes Breakouts

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:

Don’t Miss: How To Know If I Have Herpes Or Not

Cold Sores On Lips Vs Angular Cheilitis

These two are:

Cold sores or herpes labialis

What causes cold sores or fever blisters? They are caused mainly by the herpes simplex virus type 1 .

Symptoms of HSV-1 on lips usually start with a burning, itchiness and tingling or tautness on lips or around the mouth. Due to irritation, the area is likely to turn red and small blister or tiny clusters of blisters that itch.

How long do cold sores last? They usually heal after a period of 2 to 3 weeks from infection time or when transmission of the HSV -1 virus occurs.

The symptoms will tend to vary with each stage of herpes simplex on lips. For instance, if individuals show the early signs of fever blisters during the first episode, they usually develop fever or illness depending on how severe the infection is.

If you have recurring fever blisters or cold sore symptoms, the following may be responsible for the activation of the virus after initial breakouts on your lips or face.

  • Medical conditions like anemia, and Down syndrome
  • Overactive salivary glands or if your mouth holds a lot of saliva

However, angular cheilitis is not a symptom of HIV since it is due to the compromised immune system that puts one at risk of it. Angular cheilitis can also last for days or possibly years.

Angular cheilitis symptoms

Like cold sores on lips, AC can also be symptomized by blistering, redness and swelling on the mouth corners.

However, angular cheilitis may have the following other main symptoms/signs like bleeding, scaling and crusting.

When To Talk With A Doctor

Herpes simplex (Cold sore): All you need to know

Herpes isnt curable, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can reduce the severity of an outbreak.

If you suspect you have herpes, make an appointment with a doctor. Its also a good idea to talk with your doctor about a herpes screening if:

  • your current or previous sexual partner has herpes
  • youre planning to have sex with a new partner
  • you had a risky sexual encounter

If youve already been diagnosed with herpes and youre currently experiencing an outbreak, the outbreak might go away without causing complications and without treatment.

However, its wise to make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • the outbreak is particularly painful or unbearable
  • youre experiencing symptoms of other STIs
  • youre experiencing frequent, severe outbreaks

If youre sexually active, its a good idea to have regular STI screenings. You can book appointments for STI screenings with your doctors office. You could also try a local clinic, certain pharmacies, or Planned Parenthood.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Herpes Forever

How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores On Lip

Many cases of viral infections usually go short of cures. This means that there are no sure cold sore medicine. Even though, there are a few things you can do to deal with the cold sore symptoms.

Available treatment options only shorten the duration of lip herpes. These include:

  • Over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen
  • Cold sore cream which are mostly anti-viral options
  • Prescription antiviral tablets from your doctor
  • Dabbing anti-inflammatory creams and liquids on the cold sores

Ensure that you take right action on use any of the medicines to deal with cold sore symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for proper advice or see your doctor.

Cold sores that show tendency to recur can be serious and that means that you have to observe self-care and follow all directions on medication to the latter if you have to get rid of lip herpes.

IMPORTANT: If you have a weakened immune system or you are pregnant you must see your doctor frequently and make follow-up when asked to.

Over The Counter Cream For Herpes Is Effective

The most common OTC for herpes is a cream. An over the counter cream for herpes is quite effective remedy which is not very costly. Creams and topical ointments can reduce the intensity of the sores and accelerate the healing process. There are anesthetic cold sore ointment such as Dynamiclear and Herpecil-L which protect his lip area, and reduce the chance of possible outbreak. To relieve pain Neosporin and Polysporin are used. An antiviral medication, Docosonal, is even available without prescription it helps greatly to those suffer from oral herpes to recover.

If you need more choice for the herpes cream over counter, there are some other names:

Penciclovir heals HSV-1 sores, and it take like a half a day faster than if they are healed without treatment. It stops viral shedding and reduces the duration of pain. It is good to apply the cream during the first hour since the symptoms appeared. The treatment usually takes four days, and should be reapplied every 2 hours while awake.

The only FDA-approved non-prescription ointment for oral herpes is Docosanol cream . It is used 5 times a day from the first sign of symptoms.

Acyclovir cream is very well know remedy for herpes if is applied early, the best results can be achieved.

The anti viral pills like Acyclovir , valacyclovir and famciclovir are used to cure genital herpes, but can also treat cold sores.

herpes cream over counter

Also Check: Can Herpes Outbreaks Occur In Different Locations

How To Cope After Diagnosis

Many posters were occupied with the issue of passing on the infection. Yolandayw points out that you can minimise the risk of transmission by postponing sex until all the sores have healed. She also mentioned that condoms should be used. They wont completely prevent transmission but they will help.

Ending on a positive note, many posters emphasised that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Learning of the diagnosis may feel stressful at first, but its a manageable condition and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Lucy03934 has had genital herpes for 25 years. Shes been married for 18 years and has two sons living proof that there is life after herpes.

Dont Miss: Can You Transmit Herpes Through Saliva

Abreva Cold Sore Cream Product Description

Herpes on the lip close up macro containing problem, illness, and face ...

Abreva® Cream contains the only non-prescription ingredient approved by the FDA to shorten cold sore healing time.

The product of years of rigorous scientific study, Abreva® Cream works fast by penetrating deep into the skin to target the virus that causes cold sores. It blocks the cold sore virus from entering surrounding cells*** and reduces the duration of pain, burning, itching and/or tingling.i If used as directed at the first sign of a tingle, Abreva® cold sore cream can heal your cold sore in just 2½ days.*

Abreva® Cream is a smooth, white cream that dries clear and has no smell or taste.

***Based on laboratory studies.

*Median healing time 4.1 days. 25 percent of users healed within 2½ days.

Read Also: Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Herpes Outbreak

When To See A Doctor

Go see the doctor when you notice the early signs of mouth herpes Though the sores will disappear by themselves in 2 to 3 weeks without the help of any treatment measures, it is advisable to consult a doctor if certain conditions accompany the sores:

  • Recently you have suffered from some severe health condition that has given you a weakened immune system.
  • The cold sores persist and are not showing any signs of healing even after 21 days.
  • Frequency of recurrence is high
  • You are experiencing irritation in your hands, throat, eyes and neck.

What Is Oral Herpes

Many people associate herpes simplex virus or herpes with sexually transmitted diseases. However, not all herpes infections are contracted via sex.

Oral herpes herpes simplex 1 or HSV-1 affects the mouth. It causes cold sores and fever blisters to develop in and around the mouth. Both herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 can infect the mouth and genitals, but simplex 1 is most often linked to oral infections.

Virus type 1 HSV lesions usually last about 7 to 10 days. They begin as fluid-filled blisters that rupture after a day or two.

The fluid within the sores contains the herpes simplex virus type, which is how it transmits from one person to another. Anyone who comes into contact with the highly contagious fluid from another persons sores is at risk of contracting the virus.

Most people are infected in childhood, often through contact with a parent or another close person in their lives.

Herpes is often transmitted via kissing and other types of touching. Sharing objects such as lip balm or silverware contaminated with the infected fluid can also cause it.

Once infected, a person has herpes for life. However, this doesnt mean the infection is always active. It is common for the virus to lay dormant in the body and not show any symptoms.

Some people will experience only one outbreak in their life, while others have outbreaks more often. The most common causes of outbreaks include stress, sun exposure, or other illnesses.

Don’t Miss: How Long Should You Wait To Get Tested For Herpes

Fever Blisters Or Bumps

What causes fever blisters? HSV- type 1 or type 2 cause cold sore fever blisters it depends on whether the fluid-filled blisters are located on the genitals, lips, under nose or near mouth. Even though, an outbreak of fever blisters can be triggered by stress, exposure of lips to direct sunlight and suppressed immune system.

Fever blisters will appear on same spot on lips or genitals once the virus gets activated. This implies there is possibility of having a recurring lip herpes episodes.

What else? Fever blister stage presents lip herpes as lip bumps. Other symptoms that may come before the fever blisters appear include:

  • Difficulty or painful swallowing

Besides the lips, patients can also get the blisters on gums, mouth and throat especially in cases of recurrence in herpes infection.

What Are Recurrences Of Herpes And How Likely Are They

Mayo Clinic Minute: 3 things you didn’t know about cold sores

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.

Recommended Reading: How To Lower The Chances Of Spreading Herpes

How Can I Get Rid Of Cold Sores Quickly

They’re painful. They’re unsightly. They’re annoying. Cold sores are just plain unwelcome. When one pops up on your lip or mouth, you probably immediately think: What’s the fastest way to get rid of this thing?

“Herpes simplex virus the virus that causes cold sores is incredibly contagious, and infection with the virus is really common,” says Dr. Donald Brown, primary care practitioner at Houston Methodist. “In fact, more than 50% of adults in the U.S. are infected with the type of herpes virus that most commonly causes cold sores. Interestingly, however, most people who contract the virus never actually develop symptoms.”

If the virus does cause cold sores, it can spread from person-to-person through close contact, like kissing. But, while you may not know it, the virus can also spread by sharing:

  • Utensils and drinking glasses

“The virus is most contagious when a cold sore is present, particularly when the blister begins to ooze,” Dr. Brown adds. “However, it’s important to know that you can still spread the virus long after a cold sore heals as well as when a blister isn’t even present.”

For those who are no stranger to those painful, fluid-filled blisters, when you get a cold sore, you probably want it gone fast.

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.

Also Check: Should I Get The Shingles Vaccine If I Have Herpes

Popular Articles
Related news