What Are The Stages Of A Cold Sore
Cold sores progress through five stages over 7 10 days:
Initial Symptoms: Most sufferers begin with symptoms like tightness, tingling or soreness around the lips for 1 2 days.Progression: Clumps of red and fluid filled blisters will start forming as the infection develops in days 2 4.Rupture: The blisters might burst open and can be really painful. The exposed sores will start scabbing over as the body begins the healing process on days 4-5.Scabbing: Scabs will form on days 5 8. Theyll probably be itchy and sore and could even crack open and bleed, but its best not to pick them.Resoluton: The scabs will begin to peel off when youre body has the virus back under control, at around day 8 10 of the cycle and your skin underneath might feel a little red or raw.
Also Check: How To Keep Genital Herpes Dormant
How Long Are Cold Sores Contagious
It usually takes roughly two weeks for a cold sore to no longer be contagious.
If you have a cold sore, waiting until all of your symptoms have gone away, including the blister and any scabs, will decrease the likelihood of spreading HSV to others. However, it doesn’t eliminate the chances completely.
The idea that cold sores arent contagious once theyve scabbed over is a misconception.
Antiviral Action Of Lemon Balm For Herpes
An in vitro study conducted at Sapienza University, Rome, Italy , compared the antiviral activity of lemon balm’s hydroalcoholic extract in active HSV-2 cells with an antiviral drug commonly used to treat herpes infections. Lemon balm showed to reduce cell degeneration caused by HSV-2 with a maximum inhibiting effect of 60%, therefore supporting its use for treating herpes lesions.
Another study, conducted at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany , analyzed the antiviral activity of three of lemon balm‘s phenolic compounds against herpes in vitro. Lemon balm was capable of neutralizing and destroying the virus even at very low concentrations.
You May Like: Over The Counter For Herpes Outbreak
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
What Is The Treatment For Oral Herpes
Possibly more commonly known to the majority of us as cold sores or fever blisters, oral herpes is primarily caused by HSV-1 . This type of herpes is typically spread through direct skin contact with someone who has the virus. In fact, according to Mayo Clinic, many people contract HSV-1 as babies if they have been kissed by a family member who had a cold sore.
Though oral herpes usually clears up on its own within a number of days, there are some things you can consider that will help relieve any irritation or pain:
- Cream to ease pain and irritation
- Antiviral cream to speed up healing time
- Cold sore patches
You May Like: What To Do When You Think You Have Herpes
You May Like: How To Get Oral Herpes
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.
The Right Diet Is The Key To Managing Many Diseases And To Improving General Quality Of Life For This Condition Scientific Research Has Found Benefit In The Following Healthy Eating Tips
Recommendation Why Eat more high-lysine, and fewer high-arginine, foods A diet that is high in lysine and low in arginine may help prevent or treat cold sores.
The herpes simplex virus has a high requirement for the amino acid, arginine. On the other hand, the amino acid, lysine, inhibits viral replication. Therefore, a diet that is low in arginine and high in lysine may help prevent or treat herpes outbreaks. Several studies have shown that increasing lysine intake can reduce the recurrence rate of cold sores. Although people with herpes simplex reportedly consume about the same amount of arginine and lysine in their diet as do people without cold sores, it is conceivable that adjusting the intake of these amino acids may be beneficial. For that reason, many doctors advise people with cold sores to avoid foods with high arginine-to-lysine ratios, such as nuts, peanuts, and chocolate. Nonfat yogurt and other nonfat dairy can be a healthful way to increase lysine intake.
Also Check: Will Herpes Clear Up Without Treatment
Dab On Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract can do more than make your home smell fresh. Some people believe the alcohol in pure vanilla extract makes it difficult for a cold sore virus to thrive, which would lessening the severity of an outbreak. As soon as you feel a cold sore forming, you can try dabbing on pure vanilla extract.
Preventing The Spread Of Herpes
Even when you do not have sores, you can pass the virus to someone during sexual or other close contact. To protect others:
- Let any sexual partner know that you have herpes before having sex. Allow them to decide what to do.
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms, and avoid sex during symptomatic outbreaks.
- Do not kiss or have oral sex when you have a sore on the lips or inside the mouth.
- Do not share your towels, toothbrush, or lipstick. Make sure dishes and utensils you use are washed well with detergent before others use them.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water after touching a sore.
- Consider using daily antiviral medicine to limit viral shedding and reduce the risk of passing the virus to your partner.
- You may also want to consider getting your partner tested even if they have never had an outbreak. If you both have the herpes virus, there is no risk for transmission.
Donât Miss: How To Reduce Herpes Outbreaks
Don’t Miss: Dating For People With Herpes
Editorial Sources And Fact
Recommended Reading: Can You Transmit Herpes Through Saliva
Remember These General Dos And Donts
If you develop cold sores on your mouth or genitals due to herpes, here are some ways to improve healing, lower pain, and prevent transmission:
If you have a cold sore,
- Do use natural, mild soap and warm water on your sores.
- Do throw out your old toothbrush and use a new one.
- Do press a warm towel against the affected area to decrease pain. Sitting in a warm bath or taking a warm shower can also be soothing.
- Do load up on vitamin C and eat a healthy diet.
- Do use a hypoallergenic lip balm to protect your skin.
- Dont share cups, drinks, towels, lipstick, or any personal item that touches your mouth and skin during the outbreak.
- Dont try to pop, rub, or drain the cold sore while its healing.
- Dont kiss someone if you have an open sore.
- Dont touch any open sores. If you cant avoid it, wash your hands each time you do.
- Dont apply store-bought anti-itch creams or salves as it may worsen swelling.
If you have a genital herpes outbreak,
- Do wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
- Do take long and warm showers to soothe the sore.
- Dont soak in hot tubs or baths.
- Dont share bath towels, and be careful to use a separate towel on your genitals.
- Dont have sex. The virus might still be transmitted even if you use a condom.
Also Check: How To Control Genital Herpes Outbreaks
Petroleum Jelly Soothes Irritation And Discomfort
If you have petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, on hand, try dabbing a bit over your cold sore. This provides a soothing aspect, says Russell. For many people thats the major concern its just uncomfortable having a cold sore. Vaseline also provides a small amount of a barrier. Keeping some petroleum jelly over the cold sore will give you a little more relief.
Is There A Cure To Genital Herpes
Unlike bacterial infections that can be quickly cured with antibiotics, a virus such as HSV-2 causing genital herpes has no immediate cure. But that doesnt mean a painful genital herpes outbreak is out of your control!
These genital herpes natural treatments make it possible to reduce inflammation, irritation, and other common symptoms. When you take the following steps to minimize the effects of genital herpes, you can escape the worst effects of an outbreak and get back to living your life.
Recommended Reading: How Does Herpes Look On Men
How Do I Know If I Have Genital Herpes
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection.
Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is known as having an outbreak. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Flu-like symptoms also may occur during the first outbreak.
People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2. However, repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although genital herpes is a lifelong infection, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.
Ask a healthcare provider to examine you if:
- You notice any symptoms or
- Your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD.
STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods .
Sores On The Genitals
Most sores on the genitals are sexually transmitted.
Sores on the genitals should be kept clean. Wash them with soap and water. Dry them carefully. Wash any cloth that you dry them with before you use it again.
|
WARNING! Other infections, especially HIV, can easily pass through these sores on the genitals during sex. The best way to prevent passing infections from one person to another is to not have sex until your or your partners sores have healed. |
You May Like: How To Get Over Herpes Outbreak
Can I Still Have Sex If I Have Herpes
If you have herpes, you should talk to your sex partner about their risk. Using condoms may help lower this risk but it will not get rid of the risk completely. Having sores or other symptoms of herpes can increase your risk of spreading the disease. Even if you do not have any symptoms, you can still infect your sex partners.
You may have concerns about how genital herpes will impact your health, sex life, and relationships. While herpes is not curable, it is important to know that it is manageable with medicine. Daily suppressive therapy can lower your risk of spreading the virus to others. Talk to a healthcare provider about your concerns and treatment options.
A genital herpes diagnosis may affect how you will feel about current or future sexual relationships. Knowing how to talk to sexual partners about STDs is important.
Dos And Donts For Herpes Outbreaks
Before going into the treatment options for herpes, its important to note a few important dos and donts to keep in mind when an outbreak occurs.
Things you should or should not do when you have an oral herpes outbreak include:
- Do wash your hands after any time you touch a sore.
- Do get rid of your toothbrush and start using a new one.
- Do protect your lips with lip balm.
- Do take steps to reduce stress, which can worsen outbreaks.
- Dont share cups, utensils, towels, or lip balms.
- Dont kiss while a sore is present.
- Dont try to pop or drain cold sores.
Things you should or should not do when you have a genital herpes outbreak include:
- Do wash your hands after any time you touch a sore.
- Do take steps to reduce stress, which can worsen outbreaks.
- Do wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
- Do keep your genital area clean and dry except when showering.
- Dont take baths or use hot tubs.
- Dont have sex since the virus has a higher risk of transmission.
- Dont try to pop or drain genital sores.
Recommended Reading: Aciclovir Cream For Genital Herpes
Verruca Vulgaris And Condyloma Accuminata
Podophyllin, used to treat condyloma acuminata, is extracted from the root of the American mayapple . It should not be used during pregnancy and is Class 2b externally and toxic internally . Commission E approves bittersweet nightshade , Classes 2b and 2c, and oat straw , Class 1, for the treatment of common warts . Calotropis is used in India, and greater celandine , Classes 2b, 2c, and 2d , is used in China for the treatment of warts . Bittersweet nightshade and celandine should also be avoided in pregnancy and while breast-feeding .
Is It Time For Treatment
Unfortunately, if you have contracted the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, theres no going back.
The virus can only be managed, and cannot be cured. However, your cold sore is extremely treatable, and rarely requires a visit to the doctor.
If your symptoms worsen, or you experience complications, you should without a doubt see your doctor.
However, in most cases, the cold sores can be cured with ointments or at home remedies.
Recommended Reading: Vitamins To Take For Herpes
Herpes And Hiv Infection
In a person with HIV who is not taking HIV treatment, herpes may make them more infectious. This is because untreated sexually transmitted infections can increase HIV viral load in genital fluids and because HIV is present in herpes blisters.
However, if the person with HIV is taking effective HIV treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they will not pass HIV on. Herpes will not make a difference to this. Taking your HIV treatment can also reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks but has less of an effect on viral shedding.
HIV-negative people who have herpes blisters are more vulnerable to HIV infection, as the blisters provide a break in the skin through which HIV can enter.
Traditional Treatment Of Genital Warts
While home remedies for genital warts are a convenient addition to medical treatment, you should always seek help from a doctor if you suspect you have any sexually transmitted infection. There are a lot of medical treatments available for genital warts, and some of the medications available may conflict with home remedies, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are trying any of them.
Some conventional medical treatments for genital warts include freezing them off using liquid nitrogen or destroying them with electricity. Some clinics use lasers for the same purpose. If you have large warts, a doctor may be able to cut them off with a scalpel. However, none of these treatments kills the underlying virus, so your genital warts could still return after months or years.
There is also a wide selection of topical treatments for genital warts. You apply these directly to problem areas. One of these treatments, sinecatechins ointment, contains green tea extract, one of the home remedies we mentioned earlier. Another, imiquimod, enhances the immune system to prevent the growth of the sores, while podofilox interferes with the wart cells ability to divide.
Doctors can also use trichloroacetic acid to dissolve the protein that forms genital warts. This process is similar to the apple cider vinegar method we described earlier, but only doctors can perform it.
Don’t Miss: Will I Know If I Have Herpes