How to Get Rid of My Herpes Outbreak

Herpes outbreaks are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or the Herpes Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Outbreaks can occur all over a person's body but are most common on the lips, mouth and external genitalia. There is no permanent cure for herpes. Most individuals are carriers of the virus and are infectious when they have an active lesion. Medical treatment is most effective in shortening the time the lesion is active; home remedies can also be effective.

Instructions

• 1

  Use over-the-counter medicine. Topical lidocaine and benzocaine are both pain relievers that can help ease the discomfort caused by a herpes outbreak. Docosanol (Abreva), an over-the-counter medication, has been proven to speed up the recovery process. Abreva speeds up an individual's recovery by preventing viral replication.

• 2

  Use cold or warm compresses. These not only ease the discomfort caused by the outbreak but also bolster the healing process.

• 3

  Avoid common cold-sore triggers. Cold weather, illness and stress have all been known to cause herpetic outbreaks in infected individuals. These triggers also prevent the body from combating the outbreak.

• 4

  Avoid touching the sore. Probing the sore may complicate the infection and can cause secondary infections and permanent scarring.