What Is The Best Over The Counter Treatment For Herpes

What Are Herpes?

Herpes, also called oral herpes, fever blisters and cold sores, is a viral infection that causes blisters around the mouth and lips. Herpes simplex is a virus that affects one in every four adults in the U.S. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex type 1 causes cold sores while Herpes simplex type 2 can result in liver inflammation, fever and genital herpes outbreaks. There is no known cure for herpes; however, certain measures may help suppress the herpes simplex virus and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Oral herpes causes sores and blisters on the lips and gums and in the mouth—typically referred to as cold sores. Oral herpes is very common and can be spread by kissing or oral sex. It is usually caused by HSV-1. Herpes simplex is a highly contagious virus with no cure. Fifty to 80 percent of Americans get cold sores, which are caused by herpes simplex type 1. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in six people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes, which is caused by herpes simplex type 2. Luckily, there are home remedies to help with herpes outbreaks. Most importantly, you need to live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of herpes and want to know what is the best over the counter treatment for herpes then continue to read.

What Causes Herpes Outbreaks?

Medical experts still don’t know what causes Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) outbreaks to reactivate but some common physical triggers include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, prolonged fatigue, sun exposure, injury to the skin, other genital infections or other circumstances in which the immune system is weakened. Studies indicate that extended periods of stress are linked to more frequent herpes outbreaks, as well as stress associated with the outbreaks themselves.

The Signs and Symptoms of Herpes

Genital Herpes can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other sexually transmitted diseases, or they may be too mild to notice. Many people infected with Herpes Simplex Virus never know they have the disease or they mistake it for a yeast infection, jock itch or other conditions. If you do suspect you have gential herpes, be sure to see a doctor. Here are some common signs of herpes and herpes outbreak symptoms:

Skin Sensitivity, Pain or Itching

This usually occurs on one side of the body in the genital area. This symptom can begin within a few days or weeks from exposure.

Swollen Lymph Nodes and Flu-Like Symptoms

The initial outbreak of HSV is usually the worst occurrence of the disease. People can experience swollen lymph nodes in the groin area and flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and muscle aches.

Small Red Bumps

Several days after the herpes outbreak symptoms described above happen, red sores can appear that are often mistaken for pimples, ingrown hairs or insect bites. In men, the sores can appear on the scrotum, buttocks, penis, anus or thighs. In women, the sores can appear on the genitals, buttocks, vaginal area or anus.

Ulcers

The bumps eventually will rupture and may bleed or ooze. They will form scabs and heal after two to four weeks.

Painful Urination

In men, sores can also form inside the urethra—the channel inside the penis that leads to the bladder. This may make urination painful.

Lack of Urination

In women, urine retention (losing the ability to urinate) can be another sign of HSV infection. Be sure to see a doctor or go to the emergency room if this happens and your bladder pressure is becoming uncomfortable. Urine retention can lead to bladder and kidney problems if not addressed.

Recurrences

After clearing up, herpes sores can reappear when your immune system gets stressed. The good news is that herpes outbreak symptoms during recurrence are usually milder and clear up in 2 to 12 days. Triggers for recurrences of herpes outbreaks symptoms can include:

-fatigue and sleep interruptions

-menstruation

-emotional or physical stress

-illness

-surgery

-immune system suppression from medication

-friction in the genital area from tight clothing or sexual intercourse

Most Common Locations of Herpes

Herpes infection causes painful, itchy ulcers and blisters. It is very common and very easily spread. Although symptoms of herpes infections can be very painful and pronounced, most individuals are asymptomatic and have no idea that they are infected.

Lips

Herpes labialis infects the lips and mouth. It usually results from infection with herpes simplex type 1, but HSV-2 can cause herpes labialis from oro-genital contact. The initial outbreak usually occurs within one to three weeks after exposure to the virus.

Genitals

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. During an outbreak, a person may experience visible symptoms, such as a sore; however, genital herpes may be transferred without any visible signs or symptoms, or when there is no outbreak. Genetal herpes infections are usually caused by exposure to herpes simplex virus type 2 during sexual contact. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital lesions from oro-genital contact. The primary outbreak of genital herpes generally occurs within two weeks of exposure.

Fingers

Herpes infections of the fingers are known as herpetic whitlow. These occur from touching active genital or oral lesions when there is a break in the skin. Herpes infections are spread easily, and herpetic whitlow often results from scratching the itchy ulcers.

How Do People Get Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes painful blisters and sores. The contagious virus spreads via direct contact between people. The transmission occurs either through skin-to-skin contact or with the exchange of infected bodily fluids. There is no cure for the herpes virus. The most common areas for the sores to occur are on the lips and the genitals due to herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) respectively.

Sexual Contact

Sexual contact spreads HSV-1 from person to person, most often through sexual contact. Sexual intercourse without a condom increases the risk of contracting the herpes virus because of the direct skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids. The virus also spreads through episodes of sexual outercourse, or direct skin contact through rubbing the genitals together without clothing between the partners. The virus can spread even without any sores or blisters present on the genitals of the infected individual.

Oral Contact

The HSV-2 causes cold sores on the mouth and lips. This virus infects over

half of adults in the United States by the second decade of life. The virus transmits easily from person to person by direct contact with the skin and saliva through kissing. The oral herpes virus can also spread to the genitals through oral sex with an infected partner, while the genital herpes virus can also spread from the genitals of an infected partner to the mouth of the partner.

Autoinoculation

An individual can spread both herpes viruses to other parts of the body,

what’s called autoinoculation. Touching a herpes sore on one location on the body and not washing the hands allows the virus to transfer to additional locations. The virus can spread from the mouth to the genitals, the genitals to the mouth and from either to the eyes.

Mother to Child

Mothers can transfer the herpes virus to their child during the birthing process. A newborn immune system cannot handle the herpes virus, and an infection can make the baby extremely sick. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking special precautions such as suppressive therapy during the final months of pregnancy and having a cesarean section for women with active sores helps decrease the chances of transmission to the baby.

How Can Herpes Be Prevented?

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genetal herpes, because herpes symptoms can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom. However, outbreaks can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom. The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including gential herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when sores or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk.

Foods That Help Prevent Genital Herpes Outbreaks

While there is no cure for genital herpes, with proper treatment you may control the severity and duration of an outbreak. Along with medication prescribed by your physician, certain foods may be able to help prevent a genital herpes outbreak.

Lysine-Rich Foods

A diet with foods rich in lysine may help reduce reoccurring outbreaks associated with genital herpes and cold sores. The university continues by stating those who consumed the recommended 1 to 3 grams of lysine per day experienced a reduction in outbreak duration and severity. Consume foods such as eggs, potatoes, chicken and fish to increase your lysine consumption. You may also consume lysine supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center, however states those with heart disease and high cholesterol should avoid consuming lysine as initial studies showcased this compound increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels within animals.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidant-rich foods significantly decreased herpes sore outbreak duration, severity and lesion development. The Cleveland Clinic as well as the Mayo Clinic suggests consuming foods such as citrus fruits, whole grains, sweet potatoes, green vegetables, garlic and vegetable oils to increase your body’s antioxidant count.

Garlic

Include diced, chopped or crushed garlic in entrees and side dishes. Garlic

contains two chemicals, called alliin and allinase, that form an antibacterial

and anti-viral compound when you cut or crush garlic. This compound, called allicin, may help fight herpes viruses.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Consume foods rich in vitamin C, which include citrus fruits, broccoli, avocados, sweet bell peppers and kiwifruit. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help heal your skin in areas affected by herpes virus infections.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet as these essential fatty acids are necessary for the repair of skin tissues. Fish, flax seeds and walnuts are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Yogurt

Plain yogurt may be one of the most useful foods in treating your herpes, as it possesses a high lysine-to-arginine ratio. Yogurt has historically treated many conditions, including herpes. Yogurt has also treated recurrent vaginal yeast infections, free radical damage, thyroid dysfunction and arthritic inflammation. Yogurt is an excellent source of iodine, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin.

Foods to Avoid During Herpes

Here are some foods that you might not eat if you have herpes:

Arginine and Acidity

Arginine is an amino acid that is plentiful in specific foods and can increase the potential that you will experience a herpes blister, either genital or oral. L-lysine is another amino acid that has anti-viral properties and can help reduce the effect of arginine and your potential for an outbreak. However, lysine has acidic properties, and when taken with acid-rich foods like dairy products or sweets, it can lead to hyperacidity in the body. This imbalance can also trigger an outbreak.

Sweets

Foods that are sweet or have sugar are high in the amino acid arginine. This includes chocolate and raisins. Other foods that are high in sugar include soft drinks and foods made with high fructose corn syrup, such as popsicles, fruit juices, some breakfast cereals, candy bars, cough syrups, drink mixes, ketchup and jams and jellies. Each of these products contains sugars and syrups that will increase your risk of developing new herpes lesions.

Nuts

Nuts are high in arginine and low in lysine, increasing your potential for an outbreak so avoid peanuts and peanut butter because of the high amount of arginine in the products. Other nuts are also high in arginine, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, filberts, pecans and walnuts.

Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks and products will also increase your risk of an outbreak. Caffeine has been added to a number of products found in the grocery store. Aside from caffeine pills used to keep you awake, there is caffeine in coffee, tea, power drinks, power supplements, chocolate, soft drinks, medications and frozen desserts.

Herbal Remedies to Cure Genital Herpes Outbreaks

The application of certain herbs has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the topical application or internal consumption of lemon balm, aloe, peppermint oil and Siberian ginseng showcased benefits for those experiencing a genital herpes outbreak. Prior to applying an herb topically or consuming internally, speak with your physician; especially if you’re currently taking medications for genital herpes or another medical condition.

Vitamins to Prevent Genital Herpes Outbreaks

In addition to adhering to a balanced diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, you may use a daily multivitamin to maintain a healthy nervous system and promote optimum immune function. Specifically, antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E are key to supporting immunity. The vitamins that make up the B complex family, namely thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin and folic acid, are required for healthy cell metabolism.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for healing lesions caused by herpes outbreaks. It is

also an immune system enhancer, and may help your body destroy herpes simplex virus cells. Your body manufactures vitamin A from beta-carotene, which is found in food sources.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and enhances the function of your immune system, and may help minimize the spread of the herpes simplex virus. Vitamin C may help reduce the occurrence of genital herpes outbreaks. Talk to your physician before treating genital herpes with vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an important supplement for treating genital herpes. This vitamin is necessary for the production of healthy skin cells, and may speed the healing of sores and other lesions. It is also an infection fighter and immune system booster, which may help the body stave off the effects of the herpes simplex virus. Talk to your doctor if you plan to use vitamin E supplements to treat genital herpes.

How to Get Rid of Cold Sores Naturally Fast

Herpes labialis is infection of the lips, mouth, or gums with the herpes simplex virus. It leads to the development of small, painful blisters commonly called cold sores or fever blisters. Cold sores will generally heal themselves in one to two weeks; however, taking action can prevent spreading the virus further and speed up the healing process. Here to some steps on how to get rid of cold sores naturally fast:

• Wash infected areas with an antiseptic soap. Antiseptic soaps have minimal fragrance to prevent further irritation and the antiseptic components help to fight bacteria.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to others.
• Wash any clothing or towels that come into contact with the infected area, daily. Use warm water and dry with hot heat to kill the virus.
• Avoid any skin-to-skin contact while and even after you have the blister to prevent reinfection and further contamination to others. Even when the blister has healed, you can still be contagious.
• Discard your toothbrush when the cold sore is gone and buy a new one. The herpes virus can live on your toothbrush for several days, re-infecting you and causing another outbreak.
• Avoid passing the virus to others through a contaminated object. Do not share your drinking glasses, silverware, razors, towels, toothbrushes or other objects with other people when you have a cold sore.
• Do not wear nylon or other synthetic pantyhose, underwear, or pants. Instead, wear loose-fitting cotton garments
• Take care of yourself. Since cold sores usually pop up when your immune system is weakened, it’s important to stay healthy to fight them off. This includes getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night; eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean protein and whole grains; drinking water; and drinking alcohol in moderation.

What Is The Best Over The Counter Treatment for Herpes or Cold Sores

Cold sores come by many different names including fever blisters, herpes simplex type 1 and herpes labialis but they are never welcome. They can be painful, embarrassing and socially disruptive. There is little dispute that herpes or cold sores are painful and unpleasant to look at. By exploring various cold sore remedies and treatments, you will be able to determine what is the best over the counter treatment for herpes that fits your needs to heal quickly and effectively. Cold sore treatments only help reduce their duration or relieve symptoms, so no product will actually get rid of your cold sore very quickly. The products that help with symptoms include over the counter topical creams, home remedies and prescription antiviral medication.

Over the counter medicines might help relieve symptoms such as itching and minimize appearance of the cold sore because no drug can cure herpes simplex virus. The infection may recur after treatment has been stopped and, even during therapy, a patient can still transmit the virus to another person. Drugs can, however, reduce symptoms and improve healing times. Genital herpes cannot be cured. However, antiviral medication can relieve pain and discomfort during an outbreak by healing the sores more quickly. These drugs appear to help during first attacks more than they do in later outbreaks. Medicines used to treat herpes include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir but these medicines might have side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting etc. The frequency of outbreaks can often be managed through effective stress management, and getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise.

The best way for you to get rid of herpes is to make sure that you do your very best to make sure that you never get it. Along with your well-balanced diet, you need to also make sure that you maintain a regular schedule of exercise and rest throughout the week because that is truly the best way that you can stay healthy and remain in great shape.