Although there is currently no cure for the HSV-1 virus, some herpes treatments and home remedies can help relieve symptoms. However, such a viral infection can also be easily treated with antiviral medications. Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, primarily affect the mouth area and can often cause pain or itching. Here is some useful information and treatment options you can try at home.
Prevention and home remedies for herpes
There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes, but only HSV-1 causes oral herpes. The medications not only help relieve symptoms and shorten outbreaks, but can also be used to prevent relapses. If you treat herpes correctly, you will significantly reduce the risk of infecting others. The symptoms begin with tingling, then the edge of the lip or the corner of the mouth begins to burn. The infection then breaks out, causing a red sore to appearAppearance of cold soresappears. However, a few days later it breaks open and crusts over. The whole thing should be gone within 2 to 4 weeks.
As mentioned earlier, cold sores or cold sores are caused by a virus and there is no cure. However, if you experience signs, there are some treatments you can use to get rid of herpes faster, although you may not need medical attention. There are things you can do at home to ease the pain and make a cold sore look nicer while it heals. Everything from theUse of essential oilsup to painkillers from the medicine cabinet could be an effective strategy. The most common variants are listed below.
Relieve pain and itching with cold or hot compresses
A hot or cold compress can relieve the pain and itching of such a lesion. The warmth around the lips can also prevent blisters from forming during an oral herpes infection. You can numb the pain if you also apply a cold compress to the wound. However, do not put ice directly on your skin as this can damage the area. It is also advisable to gently wash the area with salt water. Place an ice pack covered with a cloth on the wounds for 15 minutes several times a day to keep them warmto relieve pain. Keep the ice pack moving to avoid frostbite.
Preventive measures
Also avoid touching and scratching the wounds. This can cause the infection to spread to other areas of the skin. In addition, cold sores can become infected with bacteria when touched with dirty hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom or before using medications. Stress can also increase your sensitivity to pain during a herpes outbreak. You can reduce stress by performing gentle exercises orMind-body therapies such as meditation, yogaand practice guided imagery.
To reduce the risk of spreading herpes, you should also avoid kissing and sharing objects that come into contact with saliva, such as drinking straws and eating utensils. It is also important to note that oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals and that genital herpes can be transmitted to the mouth. In order to reduce the risk of infection, it is therefore recommended to use appropriate protective measures during physical contact. Avoid such contacts if you have an active condition or feel an impending outbreak.
Use propolis or honey as a home remedy for herpes
Using bee resin in the treatment of oral herpes could be as effective as antiviral creams, according to reports. This is a resinous material made by bees from the buds of poplar trees and cones. It can be used like an ointment to treat cold sores. Additionally, medicinal Kanuka honey, produced by bees in New Zealand, can be effective for treating cold sores, as can topical medications. However, it is unclear whether the potential healing properties are unique to this type of honey or whether they are present in every type of honey.
The potential effect of garlic against herpes
Garlic may also be known to have properties that counteract the activity of several viruses, including both types of HSV. For example, some study results suggest that allicin, a compound in garlic, may be effective against HSV. However, there is no clear evidence that garlic can cure herpes. However, the volatile organic sulfur compounds they contain could also cause burns. Therefore, you should not use raw garlic directly on your skin. So consider the risk carefully when using garlic on your lips, nose, or eye area. If you experience irritation, you should discontinue use and wash the area thoroughly immediately. An alternative to this would be to eat fresh garlic and take garlic capsules.
Consume certain foods and vitamins for cold sores
It has been shown that vitamin C and vitamin E could counteract cold sores by strengthening the immune system against such a viral infection. Herpes infections are also more likely to occur if the affected person has low vitamin D levels. In addition, vitamin D can protect the body from infections and support the immune response. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E can reduce the stress that herpes puts on cells, reducing the risk of infection. There is also ongoing research into theantiviral properties of vitamin C. Retrospective studies suggest that oral vitamin C combined with antiviral treatment may reduce recurrence of herpes simplex keratitis, a corneal infection caused by HSV.
When it comes to diet, you could use pomegranate consumption as a home remedy for herpes. This fruit contains zinc, which can help reduce herpes infections. Pomegranate also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help strengthen the immune system. Further nutritional recommendations for herpes include:
- Increasing intake of the amino acid lysine, although evidence for its effectiveness is mixed
- Avoidance of the amino acid arginine
- Avoid excessive smoking and consumption of red wine and caffeine
- Identifying and removing food products that cause allergies
Soy protein, peanuts, walnuts and fish contain arginine, while avocados, chicken, cottage cheese and pork are rich in lysine. Additionally, certain supplements might be just as effective in fighting herpes. Taking a minimum of 1 gram of lysine per day, combined with a diet without arginine, can help people manage symptoms. Some studies have also shown that lemon balm extract can also help cold sores get better. However, always consult a doctor before taking any supplements. They may interact with other medications or have negative effects.
Essential oils and other home remedies for herpes
Using certain essential oils can reduce virus spread among HSV-1 cells. These also include extracts from plants such as thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary and wormwood, as well as compounds in clove oil and cinnamon and basil essential oil. You can dilute the oils in a carrier oil or massage them onto the skin, but do not consume them as some are toxic and can cause harm. It is also important to think about other living beings in the area when using aromatherapy. Some essential oils are harmful to pets and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Using a carrier oil is important because the essential oil can have adverse effects if you apply it directly to the skin. In addition, carrier oils mostly contain almond oil and olive oil. Researchers are conducting clinical trials to test other potentially effective home remedies for herpes, including sesame oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to suggest that any specific oil can help a person manage the symptoms of cold sores. For example, laboratory studies suggest that algae extract can also inhibit the growth of HSV-2 in test tubes, although this has yet to be proven in humans.
Tips for medical treatment of herpes
Complementary and alternative therapies are sometimes used to treat oral or genital herpes, but there is little clinical evidence to support their use. The key to successfully treating such a viral infection is timely response. The sooner you recognize the signs and begin treatment, the shorter and less severe the outbreak is likely to be. For best results, begin treatment within 48 hours of symptoms first appearing.
The first time you are exposed to the virus, you are likely to get cold sores. These usually go away on their own after one to two weeks. Then the virus lies dormant in your body and you may never have a cold sore again, but it does recur in many people. Some factors that make an outbreak more likely include colds or other illnesses, fever, stress, too much sun without sunscreen, and periods in women. In such cases, medications can also limit the likelihood of the herpes virus spreading and reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms. The most common medicines doctors prescribe for this purpose are called antiviral and include acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir and penciclovir.
