What is the best treatment for herpes? + video

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes herpes. Sores or blisters can develop in the mouth or genital area as a result of this infection. A person with an HSV infection is infected for the rest of their lives; however, some people never develop symptoms. Although there is no cure for herpes, you can manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of it getting worse by doing some things. The following sections will introduce you to other viral disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods.

 

 

What is herpes?

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of this viral disease. Another strain of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can cause herpes in other cases. It is estimated that 48.1% of people in the United States aged 14 to 49 have HSV-1, making them more susceptible to the disease. Although there is no specific cure or prevention for this viral disease, there are some steps one can take to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks.

 

 

Viruses such as HSV are common. About 67% of the world’s population is infected with HSV-1 and 11% with HSV-2, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Viruses do not leave the body; they remain inactive for most of the time, but can reactivate periodically and cause this disease. The majority of people who have oral herpes do not realize they have it until they experience symptoms such as this viral disease or other symptoms. Due to the fact that HSV remains silent after infection, some people only get infected once. Others may persist for a long time.

 

 

Herpes types:

1.Herpes simplex virus type 1

Due to HSV-1’s persistent worldwide presence, the medical community considers it an endemic disease since it is the most common form of HSV. In most cases, HSV-1 causes oral herpes, since it usually affects the mouth and surrounding areas. Other areas of the body, such as the genital area, may also be affected. HSV-1 often develops in childhood and is a lifelong illness. Kissing, for example, can spread this condition asexually.

 

2.Herpes simplex virus type 2:

Sexual contact and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the main methods of transmission of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Geneital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2; this means that the symptoms usually occur around the genital area and the anus.

 

Herpes symptoms include:

Typically, people with HSV do not experience significant symptoms; however, they can still transmit the virus. Symptoms of this disease usually appear as sores. Itching may accompany these blisters that form on the surface of the skin.

HSV can infect any part of the body; depending on the type, it usually appears around the mouth, genitals, or anus. Herpes usually appears within the first 20 days of infection and lasts for about 7 to 10 days. HSV may also cause the following symptoms:

Localized tingling, itching, or burning

Symptoms similar to the flu

Difficulty urinating

eye infection

There are some people with oral this viral disease who have no symptoms, and others who experience it only after contact with the virus for the first time. More than 25% of people with oral herpes get the virus again, and it appears in the same place every time. Symptoms of HSV-1 virus may appear 2 to 20 days after exposure to the virus, including:

A wound on the tongue, mouth, chin, cheeks, or nostrils

Mouth or tongue pain

Lip inflammation

Difficulty swallowing

Sore throat

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

High body temperature

Headache

Dehydration

nausea

Also known as gingivostomatitis, oral and gingival infections are possible. There is no recurrence of this condition after 1 to 2 weeks. An initial herpes infection can lead to infections of the throat and tonsils, also known as pharyngitis and tonsillitis.

Symptoms of oral herpes are classified as follows:

The onset of herpes is often accompanied by tingling, itching, or burning around the mouth.

Around the mouth, painful, juicy sores usually appear.

It takes 3 to 4 days for the peel to disappear and the pink skin to appear.

Herpes can disappear without treatment in 1 to 2 weeks, after which no scars remain.

 

Herpes is caused by:

Direct contact with HSV causes both types of HSV. HSV-1 is usually spread through mouth-to-mouth contact, caused by sores, saliva, or skin surrounding the mouth. The virus can also be transmitted through lip balm, toothbrushes, or other products that come into contact with it.

If you come into contact with someone who has active symptoms, you are significantly more likely to contract HSV-1. The fact that HSV-1 can be transmitted during sexual activity is not harmful to know. The transmission of HSV-2 almost always occurs during sexual contact. During vaginal, oral, or anal sex, any contact with the skin, sores, saliva, or body fluids of a person with HSV-2 may result in this condition.

 

What is the diagnosis of herpes?

People can manage symptoms at home by identifying the symptoms and using them; however, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is best to see a doctor:

Severe symptoms

The person does not recover after ten days

swelling of the gum

Weak immune system

Symptoms and visual examination are usually enough for a doctor to diagnose this condition. A blood test may still be ordered in some cases, such as when a person has a weak immune system, or samples may be taken from the fluid in herpes and sent to a lab. HIV, organ transplant drugs, some cancers, and some cancer treatment drugs can weaken the immune system.

 

Treatment of herpes:

When symptoms do occur, they usually go away after several weeks without treatment, and there is no specific treatment for HSV. It is the goal of treatment to control symptoms and reduce outbreak frequency, which can be very useful; some medications can also reduce the risk of transmitting HSV to others. Herpes can be treated with antiviral creams or ointments. Besides curing herpes, these treatments also relieve itching, burning, and discomfort. The following are some examples of antiviral drugs:

Acyclovir

Famciclovir

Valacyclovir

 

Home remedies for herpes:

1.Compressor

Herpes pain and itching may be relieved by hot or cold compresses. During an oral herpes infection, applying heat around the lips can also prevent blisters. Wrap an ice pack in a woolen cloth and apply it to the painful area for a cold compress. Ice should never be applied directly to the skin. Before doing anything, it is also recommended that you gently wash the affected area with saline.

 

2.Honey

In 2019, a study found that honey may be as effective as antiviral creams in treating oral herpes. With antiviral cream, herpes improved after eight days, and with honey, it improved after nine days. Without treatment, herpes zoster can improve in one to two weeks.

 

3.Garlic

Garlic may have properties that reduce several virus activity viruses, including both HSVs, according to old studies. Allicin (a compound in garlic) may be useful in eliminating HSV, according to some studies. Garlic, however, does not appear to be effective in preventing or treating herpes. It is important to note that this plant can be used in several ways, including eating fresh garlic and taking garlic capsules. 

 

4.Vitamins

The body may be able to resist the virus and reduce symptoms with the help of various vitamins. Herpes infections are more likely to spread if a person has low vitamin D levels, because vitamin D improves the immune system so that the body can fight infection. Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties may also reduce the risk of infections, such as herpes.

Vitamin E is currently being tested in clinical trials against herpes. By changing their diet or taking supplements, a person can increase their vitamin intake. Vitamin D levels can also be increased by exposing the skin to sunlight.

 

Changes in diet:

For centuries, pomegranates have been used as a home remedy for infections. Zinc is found in pomegranates, which can reduce herpes infections.

The following are other dietary recommendations:

Increasing consumption of the amino acid lysine, although the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed.

You should avoid the amino acid arginine.

Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeine.

The identification and elimination of allergies-causing foods should be taken care of.

 

Supplement:

Herpes symptoms may be controlled by taking the following supplements:

lysine

Zinc

Adenosine monophosphate

Lemongrass

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

In 2017, a study showed that consuming lysine at least 1 gram per day and reducing arginine consumption can help manage symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking supplements because they may interact with other medications.

 

Oils:

HSV-1 cells can be reduced by using some essential oils. Here are some oils that may help improve herpes:

Thyme

Eucalyptus

Rosemary

In addition to oral consumption, oils can also be used as moisturizers, bathwater, or by mixing them with a diluting oil and applying them topically. It is essential to use diluent oil; If the oil is rubbed directly on the skin, it may have adverse effects. Olive oil and almond oil are diluent oils. Sesame oil, organic coconut oil, and jojoba oil are also being tested in clinical trials as effective home remedies. There is insufficient evidence to prove that a particular oil can help manage symptoms.

 

Medicine:

In addition to reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms, some medications can reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus. For this purpose, doctors prescribe antiviral drugs. Among these drugs are acyclovir, famciclovir, valaciclovir, and penciclovir. Oral, intravenous, or topical antiviral medications may be prescribed by your doctor.

 

Taking preventative measures:

Herpes rarely causes symptoms. If symptoms are present, it is best to avoid oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Keep your partner informed about genital herpes by talking to him or her. You should also avoid cracking and squeezing your mouth if you have oral herpes.

 

What is the best time to see a doctor?

An individual should see a doctor if they have had sexual activity with their spouse who has herpes or has symptoms. A pregnant woman with genital herpes should consult her doctor. The herpes virus can sometimes be transmitted to the fetus before, during, or immediately after delivery. There is a risk of developing baby herpes as a result of this condition.