How to Help Herpes Pain

Herpes is a viral infection that can affect the oral area, in which case it is called herpes labialis, or the genital area, where it is called genital herpes. In either case, the available treatment options are similar. Herpes symptoms consist of blisters or sores that may be painful or cause itching. Since herpes is not curable, remedies focus on alleviating pain or shortening the duration of outbreaks, which, when left untreated, typically persist for about a week.

Things You'll Need

• Siberian ginseng
• Zinc
• Aloe
• Lysine
• Echinacea
• Anti-viral prescription medicine
• Daily multivitamin and mineral supplement

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Instructions

How to Help Herpes Pain

• 1

  See a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Though you may think you have herpes based on your symptoms, it is easy to misdiagnose yourself, especially since other conditions can strongly resemble herpes. A professional with plenty of experience in skin maladies can evaluate your lesions with more certainty. You do not want to administer inappropriate treatment and cause your condition to last longer or get worse. Dermatologists, gynecologists, urologists and general practitioners usually see enough herpes cases to diagnose the condition confidently.

• 2

  Practice basic wound care. The lesions of a herpes infection are, after all, small open wounds. Keeping them clean and dry will help them to heal faster and help you to avoid secondary infections caused by bacteria entering the wounds. Avoid touching the sores, and stay away from tight clothing that could irritate them.

• 3

  Try alternative remedies. For the average adult, herpes is not a life-threatening condition, but merely an annoying, at times painful one. It is acceptable to experiment to see what works and what does not. Siberian ginseng, zinc, aloe, lysine and echinacea are sometimes used in herpes treatment for their wound-healing or immune-boosting properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

• 4

  Take an anti-viral medication. If you want a stronger therapy, acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir are the main options. They can knock back symptoms and help you to recover from an outbreak more quickly. If taken every day, they can also lessen the frequency of outbreaks. You need a prescription for these medications.

• 5

  Strengthen your immune system by taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Investigate other supplements that build up the immune system, such as vitamin C.