Effective Ways to Reduce Herpes at Home

February 02, 2020

Herpes is an infection and a long term condition that is produced by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be oral and genital. The parts that get affected with this virus are mucosal surfaces, anal region, external genitalia and skin on other parts of the body.

Types of Herpes Simplex Viruses:

  1. Herpes-type 1 (HSV-1)– It is also called as oral herpes

  2. Herpes-type 2 (HSV-2)– It is also called as genital herpes

Symptoms

Many people after getting infected do notexperience symptoms for months or years. Some people see symptoms in the earlyperiod that usually appear around 4 days after exposure. Many people withHerpes simplex virus have recurrent herpes. Recurrence occurs more frequentlywhen a person had herpes before.

Symptoms of Primary Infection

  1. Ulceration and soreson the external genitalia

  2. Vaginal discharge

  3. Itching

  4. Pain

  5. Swollen lymph nodes

  6. Pain while urinating

  7. High temperature

  8. Malaise

  9. Cold sores nearby themouth

  10. Red sores occur on the skin

Symptoms of Recurrent Infection

Symptoms of recurrent infections are lesssevere and do not last as long as the primary infection stage.

  1. Tingling or burningsensation around genitals before blisters appear

  2. Women may experienceblisters and ulcers on the cervix

  3. Cold sores nearby themouth

  4. Red sores

As we have discussedthe above symptoms of herpes, its cause. So, it is also important to discussthe management of the condition now. Thus, in this article, we are going torefer to home remedies for herpes. Home remedies include some effective methodsand dietary guidelines that are easy to adopt and safe to use.

Home Remedies for Herpes

  • Hot Compress

Applying heat can behelpful as soon as you feel the formation of a sore. If a sore is alreadythere, heat can help reduce pain and swelling. You can use a clean cloth or acotton towel, soak it in warm water. Squeeze the cloth to remove excess waterfrom it. Apply it to the throat area. You can also use a dry hot compress. Tomake this you can fill a sock in half with rice, put it in the microwave for aminute to heat it.

  • Warm/HotBath

Bath the affectedarea/genital area two times a day with moderate soap and water. This can helpin neutralizing the virus and promoting healing.

  • ColdCompress

You can also use a coldcompress to reduce swelling. Apply ice-filled cloth or ice packs over theaffected area. The use of ice helps relieve herpes pain, it numbs the skin andsuppresses the pain receptor in the area.

  • BakingSoda Paste

Baking soda helps todry out wounds and provide relief from itching. So, you can use baking sodapaste on the affected area. For this, dip wet cotton in baking soda powder andput it on the sore.

  • UsePropolis

Propolis is a waxyresin produced by bees that possess antiviral properties and stimulates thehealing of wounds. You can find this easily in food stores. When you first useit, use it on the unaffected area to make sure it does not cause any allergiesto you. If it suits you then use it as it is very effective.

  • OliveOil

Olive oil helps tomoisturize the skin. It is a rich source of antioxidants and is one of the besthome remedies to treat herpes sores. Heat olive oil with a few twigs oflavender and some beeswax in a pot. Left for cooling and apply this to theinfected area.

  • CornstarchPaste

Corn starch paste canalso dry out wounds and provide relief from itching.  For this, dip wet cotton in cornstarch powderand put it on the sore or wound.

  • CoconutOil

Coconut oil holdsanti-viral properties that can help combat disorders of the herpes virus thatcreates sores. It is also effective for the skin as a natural moisturizer.

  • Garlic

Garlic is also effective against the herpes virus as it has antiviral activity. Grind a fresh clove of garlic and add it to olive oil to dilute. Apply this blend to sores thrice a day.

  •  Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegarholds antiviral and anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Take one partof apple cider vinegar and dilute it with three parts of hot water. Then applyit to the affected area. It is also an effective home remedy for herpes.

  • Oatmeal Bath or Salt Bath for Genital Herpes

An oatmeal bath or saltbath can help you to reduce the discomfort and pain of the sores. Use Epsom saltas it helps in relieving pain and itching due to herpes infection.

  • Dietary Guidelinesfor Herpes

Diet plays an importantrole to manage any condition. So the following are the dietary guidelines forpeople with herpes including what to eat and what to avoid.

Food to be Added in Your Diet

  • Omega-3 fatty Acids Rich Food

Omega-3 fatty acidshelp to improve the functioning of your immune system and make your body strongto combat chronic inflammatory diseases like herpes infections.  The rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids areCanola Oil, mackerel, salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

  • Antioxidant-RichFood

Antioxidant-richvegetables can boost your immunity. It can reduce inflammation and suppressherpes infection. Great sources for antioxidants such as spinach, bananas,cauliflower, and tomatoes.

  • VitaminC

 Vitamin C helps to heal sores and infectionsdue to herpes virus. Some fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C such ascauliflower, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and oranges.

  • VitaminB

 Vitamin B can boost your immune response tohelp your body fight the herpes virus. Some vitamin B rich sources are wholegrains, red meat, eggs, green beans, spinach, broccoli, and nuts.

  • Protein

A healthy amount ofprotein intake is important to fight the herpes virus and other pathogens.Always have a diet with high protein and low saturated fat. Some sources ofprotein are oats, almonds, and eggs.

  • Zinc

Zinc can reduce theoutbreak of herpes in a patient. So, increase zinc consumption by eating chickpeas,wheat germ, lamb, and pork.

Some Food to be Avoided in Your Diet

Avoid Acidic Food

Avoid acidic food whenyou have sores. Especially do not consume citrus fruits, soda, processed foods.

  • L-arginine

Avoid foods thatcontain high amounts of arginine such as pumpkin seeds, legumes, chocolate. Ahigh arginine diet can trigger herpes symptoms.

  • AddedSugar

The added sugarsconvert into acids in our body which is a trigger factor of herpes infection.Avoid foods with added sugar and pay attention to natural occurring sweets suchas bananas.

  • ProcessedFood

Processed foodcomprises synthetic chemicals that increase oxidative stress. So, avoidprocessed food.

Author Bio:

DR. Vikram Chauhan, MD – AYURVEDA is an expert Ayurvedic practitioner based in Chandigarh, India, and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic, and Krishna Herbal Company.

The post Effective Ways to Reduce Herpes at Home appeared first on Miska.