subject: Tips On How To Manage A Herpes Outbreak [print this page] Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease or STD that is characterized by oral or genital blisters. An outbreak refers to episodes when symptoms of herpes are present. Herpes outbreaks are unpredictable and the symptoms can be very uncomfortable. Aside from this, the social stigma attached to the disease can cause humiliation to the sufferer. It would be very beneficial indeed to be able to find a natural remedy that would help alleviate herpes outbreaks.
When the symptoms are not present, the disease is said to be in its dormant state. There are foods that aid in keeping the herpes virus in this latent condition. Foods such as garlic, kiwi, berries, and sweet potatoes boost the immune system thereby helping one be protected from the herpes virus.
The hallmark of herpes are tender sores and ulcers that come out usually around the mouth and in the genital area. Fortunately the pain and discomfort can be managed through basic good hygiene, use of home remedies, herbal solutions and medication. Aside from treating the existing lesions, a herpes sufferer must learn how to manage stress as it is one of the major reasons behind herpes outbreaks. The following are some tips on how to manage such episodes.
1.Sores should always be clean and dry. Never use over-the-counter cream or ointment as these prevent the sores from drying up properly. To clean them, use soap, salt water or bicarbonate of soda.
2.Never pop or skin the sores with a sharp object or your fingernails. Only use cotton underwear and not anything made of synthetic material. Make sure they are loose to allow airing. Avoid using tight clothing.
3.To dry the genitals, use a hairdryer to keep you from touching the sores. To make them dry faster, apply a vinegar and tepid water compress to the blisters for 10 minutes two times a day.
4.To relieve the pain, apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth to the sores for ten minutes and take it out for five minutes. Do this alternately several times.
5.To sooth the pain, take a warm bath two three times everyday.
6.When going out, cover the lesions with a non-stick dressing to keep them from getting worse when exposed to sunlight. This will also prevent rubbing and will keep the virus from being transmitted to others.
7.Take nutritional supplements to boost your immunity and to fight the symptoms. Vitamin C and zinc are particularly helpful in preventing outbreaks. Vitamin E, on the other hand, shortens the duration of outbreaks and also works as a pain reliever. Beta-carotene improves the immune system and prevents viruses from penetrating. Lysine also works as a pain reliever and like beta-carotene, likewise keeps viruses from entering.
8.Eat foods that help combat herpes such as yogurt which has the live microorganism lactobacillus acidophilus. At the same time, avoid foods that are high in arginine such as seeds, chocolate, oatmeal, nuts, and raisins.
9.Carrot poultice, which is grated carrots wrapped in a hot moist cloth, is a good home remedy. Apply the carrot poultice to a sore or inflamed body part to relieve pain, reduce glandular swelling, and speed up the healing of blisters.
10.Herbal solutions also provide relief from pain. These include olive leaf extract, Solanum nigrum, horsetail, gentian, hyssop, myrrh, lemon balm, and lavender.
11.Medications that can help manage herpes outbreaks are pain killers, anti viral and anti-inflammatory drugs.
