Genital Herpes Outbreaks: How To Get Rid Of Them Quickly & Safely

Genital herpes cannot be cured, but many over-the-counter treatments can help clear up outbreaks faster, including supplements, herbs, topical treatments, and dietary changes. This article discusses the early symptoms of genital herpes, home remedies for outbreaks, and how to heal herpes sores more quickly.

We'll discuss what is safe and evidence-based. I will let you know when to consult your doctor.

The Early Warning Signs Of Genital Herpes

At least 3.7 billion people worldwide have herpes simplex virus. A patient can contract HSV without showing any symptoms. There is a chance you might get genital herpes and never get an outbreak, or you may not get one for years.

It is possible that genital herpes may not appear within the 2-12 day incubation period of HSV-2. Contagious herpes can also occur without any genital herpes sores.

A genital herpes outbreak may begin with the following symptoms:

• Lymph nodes that are swollen
  
  
• Aches all over
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• One to three days before sores appear, there may be tingling, itching or numbness.
  
  
• Headaches
  
  
• Blisters or sores that form around the mouth, genitals, anus, inner thighs, and groins
  
  
• Fatigue

Medicine

Getting genital herpes does not mean the sores will heal immediately with medication. The outbreak may, however, be shortened with antiviral medications. Future outbreaks may be reduced with the use of other medications.

Herpes simplex cannot be cured with medication.

Oral Antiviral Medications: Herpes blisters can be treated with acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex). The medication you're prescribed will be described to you by your doctor, but it can either be used for 7-10 days after an outbreak occurs or daily in order to prevent outbreaks from occurring.

Topical Sntiviral Creams: Herpes sore outbreaks can be shortened with topical antiviral creams. It is possible to purchase some over-the-counter (OTC). Prescriptions are required for others. Acyclovir cream (Zovirax) and penciclovir cream (Denavir) are two such creams.

OTC Pain Relievers: Blisters caused by herpes can be extremely painful. In the meantime, you can reduce your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.

Supplements

A few supplements may support the function of the immune system, but not all supplements do. Suppressing herpes simplex naturally may help reduce outbreaks.

If you have a medical condition or are taking a new supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting. Supplements can interact with medications or have contraindications depending on your condition.

Zinc

In addition to supporting the immune system's function, zinc may reduce herpes outbreak frequency. Consume pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and lamb to increase your zinc intake.

The number of yearly outbreaks may also be reduced by taking 30 milligrams of zinc daily.

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins support immune and nervous system functions.nVegans and vegetarians should supplement B vitamins as they are water-soluble, and some B vitamins, such as B12, are only found in animal foods. B vitamins can benefit your general health even if you eat meat.

Among the B vitamins in B complex supplements are niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, B6, and B12.

Vitamin C

Balanced immune function is supported by vitamin C. Bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, and mangoes are rich in them. Supplements are also available. One thousand milligrams is a common dose of a supplement.

Dietary Changes

Even though there is no specific diet that can cure herpes simplex, eating a nutritious diet and avoiding certain foods may aid in your body's ability to fight the infection.

Avoid Alcohol

White blood cells can be suppressed by excessive alcohol consumption. To combat viruses, the immune system relies on these cells. There is a possibility of an outbreak when alcohol consumption increases and white blood cell counts to decrease.

Avoid Acid

Cold sores around the mouth can be irritated by acidic foods, but they can also affect how quickly your body digests food. A change in immune function can result from this. Reducing the consumption of processed foods, sodas, and sugar is one way to reduce your acidity.

Eat More Omega-3 Fatty Foods.

Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory nutrients support healthy immune function. There is a common problem with people needing more omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. Including salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, and chia seeds in your diet will help you get these healthy fats.

Probiotics

Good bacteria regulate a person's immune system in the gut, and there are more bacteria in the body than cells. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus was found to help balance the immune system's response to the herpes simplex virus in one study. Human trials are still needed to validate the results of this study since it was conducted in a test tube.

Topical Herbs & Oils

Whenever you apply anything topical to your genitals, you should be extremely careful. These areas of the body have much more sensitive skin than other parts. It is still possible to relieve genital herpes sores with topical herbs and oils when used properly.

The following rules should be followed:

• A carrier oil should always be added to essential oils for dilution.
  
  
• It is always advisable to test any carrier oil or essential oil before liberally applying it to the genitalia in a small, non-sensitive area.
  
  
• Make sure you are aware of any allergies or sensitivities you may have. Flower-based essential oils may be too strong for people allergic to flowers or plants.

There is little clinical evidence to support many of these remedies. Even if they have not proven effective, trying them may not be harmful. If you experience discomfort or other reactions, discontinue using that product.

Before trying anything new, speak with your doctor.

Tea Tree Oil

There is a strong, earthy smell to this essential antiviral oil. Several natural antibacterial products use this chemical, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and laundry detergent.

The effectiveness of tea tree oil against herpes simplex virus has been demonstrated in cell culture but has never been tested directly on humans. A small amount of the oil can be applied to genital herpes blisters diluted with a carrier oil.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is another potent antibacterial essential oil. In humans, it has yet to be studied directly. Apply eucalyptus oil to herpes blisters after diluting it with a carrier oil

Garlic

Herpes simplex blisters can be treated with fresh crushed garlic mixed with olive oil as a salve. An experiment was conducted in a test tube.

Be cautious when using raw garlic, as it can cause burns and irritation to the skin, other than its strong garlicky odour.

Ginger Essential Oil

The essential oil of ginger kills the herpes simplex virus type 2 in test tubes. Dilution is recommended when using ginger essential oil to avoid burning and irritation.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil also killed HSV-2 in a test tube. The oil can be mixed with ginger essential oil and a carrier oil, or the thyme can be used directly with the carrier oil.

Echinacea Extract

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were effectively treated with echinacea as a topical treatment. It is possible to use echinacea without a carrier oil.

Lemon Balm Extract

Researchers found that lemon balm extract suppressed the herpes simplex virus in test tubes in animal cells. If you will use it, dilute it with a carrier oil first.

Manuka Honey

For sores and blisters, manuka honey can be applied topically. HSV-1 and HSV-2 sores can be effectively treated with it.

No dilution is required when applying to the genital area.

Topical Apple Cider Vinegar

There are many antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar.

The ACV should be diluted with warm water in a ratio of three parts water to one part ACV if used for topical genital applications.

Aloe Vera

Aside from soothing stinging sunburns, aloe vera is also helpful for genital herpes. You can apply it several times daily, and it has wound-healing properties.

There is no need to dilute it.

Goat Milk

It may be beneficial to treat herpes simplex with goat milk since it has antiviral properties. To treat herpes blisters, apply goat milk topically.

The milk does not need to be diluted.

Compresses

Both warm and cool compresses can ease the pain and discomfort associated with herpes blisters. Ice shouldn't be applied directly to the skin, however. A soft towel should be wrapped around a cold compress.

Researchers have found that applying a warm compress when feeling tingling or numbing could decrease swelling and pain after a sore outbreak.

Reducing Outbreaks

Genital herpes outbreaks cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce their frequency by taking specific steps.

• Maintain good immune health by sleeping, eating, and exercising regularly. Herpes simplex virus is suppressed by the immune system, which prevents reactivation. It is more likely that a new outbreak will occur if the immune system is taxed.
  
  
• Reduce stress whenever possible to prevent outbreaks and immune dysfunction.
  
  
• Take antiviral medications as prescribed.

When To Call A Doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience or notice any of the following:

• Despite medication or proper management, outbreak symptoms worsen.A>SR
  
  
• A sore that does not heal within 2-4 weeks
  
  
• Outbreaks that occur frequently
  
  
• Pregnant women experiencing an outbreak

To get an accurate diagnosis and treatment options for genital herpes, consult a doctor.

It is not always necessary to seek medical care for subsequent outbreaks of herpes unless you experience complications, have healing problems, or become pregnant. It is not possible to cure genital herpes, but there are OTC treatments that may speed up healing time, reduce outbreak frequency, and alleviate discomfort. There is no reason for you to feel embarrassed about your genital herpes. A medical doctor won't shame you, but he or she will help you get the treatment you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Speed Up The Healing Of A Herpes Sore?

Some topical or oral antiviral medications may shorten the healing time of herpes sores by a day or two.

Is It Possible To Heal Herpes Sores In Two Days?

For cold sores, it usually takes 1-2 weeks to heal, and for genital sores, it usually takes 2-4 weeks.

What Is The Recovery Time From Herpes Sores?

The herpes sore typically resolves independently, even without medication or treatment, within 1-4 weeks. A first outbreak usually lasts long, while subsequent outbreaks tend to be less.

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