What Are Some Home Cures For Herpes?

Herpes simplex virus is known as genital warts, cold sores, fever blisters, HSV-1 or HSV-2. It usually is seen as blisterlike outbreaks on the skin and inside the mouth. But can also lead to more serious types of body infections. For thousands of years, doctors have tried to find a cure, but HSV has proven to be persistent and hard to control. Recent studies suggest that HSV-1 is not strictly an infection of the mouth as was previously thought, and that it can be transmitted to the genital area and passed through transmission of body fluids in the same way HSV-2 is spread. There is no cure, but in many cases, the symptoms can be treated with simple methods and over-the-counter medications.

Relief of Symptoms

• - Maintaining good hygiene is imperative. Avoid touching the infected area, wash hands frequently, and keep fingernails clean to avoid transferring germs to the open sores.
  - Drink plenty of water to help flush the virus out of your body
  - Keep the infected area clean and dry. Clean gently with water and a mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry or use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
  - Cornstarch or a similar powder may be effective in keeping the area dry, but women should not use products containing talcum (often found in baby or body powder) because it may increase the risks of certain types of cancer.
  - Wear clothing that fits loosely and 100-percent cotton underwear to promote air circulation.
  - Ice packs placed directly on the infected area may soothe the pain and promote healing by suppressing the virus.
  - Some people report that warm baths help relieve the pain.
  - Avoid sex during outbreaks. Friction can prevent the blisters from healing.
  - Over-the-counter pain medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin) can help reduce fever and pain.

Dietary Supplements

• Many sources on the internet claim that oils and supplements help--and some even go so far as to say cure--herpes. The fact is that herbal and dietary supplements do not require approval and testing by the FDA, so the claims are largely unproven. Check with your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your diet, because just like medications, herbal remedies or dietary supplements can have drug interactions and unexpected side effects.

Oral Herbs and Supplements

• - Echinacea is used to stimulate the immune system and help fight infection. When taken over time, echinacea can lower white blood cell count. It may also interfere with certain drugs used to treat the immune system.
  - Siberian ginseng works to boost the immune system. When tested on herpes patients, it was found to reduce the frequency, severityand length of outbreaks.
  - Lysine is an essential amino acid found in food. Taking lysine supplements can help speed up recovery and reduce the chances of recurrence.
  - Bee products containing propolis, a substance collected by bees that contains natural antibiotic properties and is thought to boost the immune system.

Topical Ointments

• - Aloe vera is a substance found in the aloe plant that has natural healing and soothing properties. While topical aloe has no known side effects, many aloe vera lotions commonly sold contain very little aloe and are mostly made up of other ingredients, any number of which could irritate blisters and make the condition more painful.
  - Zinc in a topical form may relieve symptoms and help prevent recurrences of HSV-1 herpes (canker sores). It is not recommended for genital herpes.

Warnings

• Always check with your doctor or health-care provider before taking any kind of herb or supplement. Several prescription medications for the treatment of herpes are available by prescription. Some home cures for herpes may make the problem more severe, so if symptoms persist or get worse, see your doctor. An estimated one out of four adult women in the United States suffer from this highly contagious infection. The infection can hide in the system for many years before erupting. Prevent the spread of sexually transmitted disease by using condoms. People can pass herpes to a partner before they know they have it.