How to Alleviate Herpes Pain With Home Treatments

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 26 January 2021
Update Date: 29 June 2024
Anonim
Oral Herpes Treatment || Genital Herpes Cure || Herpes Symptoms - All You Need to Know
Video: Oral Herpes Treatment || Genital Herpes Cure || Herpes Symptoms - All You Need to Know

Content

The disease people call herpes is caused by two closely related viruses, the herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 mostly causes herpes in the mouth or lips, while HSV-2 causes genital herpes. These two types of herpes are both painful and itchy in both men and women. The herpes virus enters the body through direct (sex, kissing, touching) or indirect (sharing contaminated personal items) contact with an infected person. Although there is no cure for the virus, there are steps you can take at home or through your doctor to relieve the pain and unpleasant symptoms associated with herpes outbreaks and shorten the duration of the illness.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Home Treatment of Herpes Pain


  1. Apply cold ice to the sore area. The easiest way to relieve herpes pain at home is to use ice. Ice provides significant pain relief in most types of pain by numbing the skin and making the pain receptors in the affected area less sensitive.
    • Cover the ice pack with a towel to avoid getting too cold and apply it to the affected area.
    • Use a clean towel to cover the ice pack each time you apply it, and wash it with soap and hot water after using it to prevent infection.

  2. Apply a warm compress. If the cold doesn't help relieve the pain, you can try relieving the pain with a hot / warm compress. Fold in a clean cotton towel or cloth so that it is large enough to completely cover the pain. Soak a towel in water that is not too hot, squeeze out the water, and cover the sore area.
    • Use a clean towel or cloth each time you apply and wash in hot soapy water to prevent spreading.

  3. Apply propolis on the sore area. Propolis is a wax-like substance secreted by bees, has antiviral properties and accelerates the healing process. You can use ointments or lotions containing propolis to help heal the cold sore.
    • This product is available in many natural food stores and pharmacies.
    • Make sure to buy the correct ointment or lotions (do not buy capsules or tincture) and use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • When using propolis or any other home remedy, try first by applying a small amount to the healed area and waiting 24 hours (to make sure there is no allergic reaction) before applying it to the sore area. .
  4. Apply aloe for pain relief. You can use aloe vera gel or aloe ointment for pain relief. Apply directly to the skin by breaking off a branch of aloe and taking the water inside or using commercial product according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • You can let the aloe gel or ointment dry, then wash off the crust. Reapply every four hours if needed.
    • Cooling benefits from fresh or commercial aloe vera can ease pain and aid in healing. If you have an entire aloe plant, break a branch off and cut it in half with a knife. Rub the gel inside the leaves directly onto the affected skin.
  5. Try a lysine supplement. 1-3 grams of lysine per day may shorten the duration of the illness. Some studies have shown that lysine is effective in reducing the number of oral herpes outbreaks, but taken only for 3-4 weeks at the most.
    • Lysine is an amino acid (a “building block” protein) that can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so consult your healthcare professional before taking it.
    • You can also eat foods rich in lysine like fish, chicken, eggs, and potatoes.
  6. Apply olive oil. Olive oil is known to help hydrate the skin. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and is one of the best home remedies for herpes treatment. It also contains dinitrochlorobenzene, a substance that plays an important role in the treatment of herpes.
    • Heat 1 cup (240 ml) of olive oil in a saucepan, add a few sprigs of lavender and beeswax. Allow to cool and apply the mixture to the affected area. The beeswax can help keep the oil mixture on your skin, but you may still need to lie down to let the mixture stay in place.
  7. Apply manuka honey to the sore area. Manuka honey has anti-bacterial and viral properties. It can help the cold sores and sores heal. You just need to apply a thick layer of honey to the affected area. Apply several times a day to increase efficiency.
    • Use a cotton ball to apply it directly to the cold sore. It may feel a bit painful at first, but you will quickly feel the affected area numb.
    • When applying honey to your genitals, be sure to lie down so that the honey stays on the lesion and does not drain.
  8. Apply oregano oil to the affected area. Oregano oil has anti-viral properties, helping to speed up the healing process. Just use a cotton ball to apply a little oregano oil directly to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse and blot dry.
    • Oregano oil, chamomile oil, or jojoba oil can all be applied alone or in combination.
  9. Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has long been touted as a remedy for all sorts of open sores. Tea tree oil, commonly used to treat canker sores and sore throats, can aid in the healing of herpes sores. Just use the dropper that comes with the tea essential oil bottle to place a drop on the affected skin.
    • Most tea oils sold over the counter are concentrated and distilled, so even a small amount will be effective.
  10. Apply coconut oil. Coconut oil with lipid-coated antiviral properties such as the herpes virus can reverse outbreaks of the herpes virus. Coconut oil is also effective in moisturizing the skin.
    • Although some doctors recommend taking coconut oil to help boost your immune system, use it sparingly. Coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, much higher than butter (64%), beef (40%) or lard (40%). There are no studies showing that coconut oil's benefits outweigh the risk of heart disease from eating too much saturated fat.
    advertisement

Method 2 of 6: Home Treatment of Pain from Genital Herpes

  1. Use lotion containing the mineral calamine to ease the pain of genital herpes. Calamine lotion can help dry the blisters and soothe the skin. Use genital calamine lotion only when the damage is not in mucous tissue - so don't use calamine for vagina, vulva, and labia.
  2. Soak genital herpes in an oatmeal bath. Taking an oatmeal bath (or simply using an oat product like Aveeno soap) can help relieve the discomfort of the sore. Place about one cup (240 ml) of oatmeal in a nylon sock and keep under running water. Run very warm water through the oatmeal. Soak in the oatmeal bath for as long as it feels comfortable.
  3. Salt baths to dry genital herpes herpes. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulphate and other essential minerals that are known to dry, soothe, and clear pain. Thanks to this, epsom salt plays an important role in helping to relieve pain and itching caused by herpes infection. To use this therapy is:
    • Place about ½ cup (120 ml) of epsom salt in a bath of warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
    • Remember to always pat the affected area dry after bathing. Keeping the affected area dry will help prevent further itching and irritation, or the possibility of a fungal infection. If the towel irritates the damaged skin, you can use a hairdryer to stay cool.
  4. Apply perilla oil ointment. Lemon balm ointment can help relieve the acute symptoms of HSV infection. Some of the products on the market are Wise Ways Herbals Lemon Balm ointment and Ambe's Organics Lemon Balm ointment. Use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  5. Try a combination of sage and Chinese rhubarb. One study found that a combination of sage and Chinese rhubarb in cream form proved to be as effective as acyclovir (a prescription drug used to treat herpes) in healing local HSV infection. female genitals.
  6. Try topical medicine St John's wort. St John's wort ointment is an herb traditionally used to treat viral infections. There have been no human studies on the uses of St John's wort, but lab studies have shown that this herb can suppress HSV replication.
    • Products available on the market include Organic's St John's wort and Bianca Rosa's ointment / lotions / ointments.
  7. Apply zinc ointment to the sores outside of the mouth. Zinc ointments are effective against HSV in lab tests. You can use 0.3% zinc oxide cream (with glycine). Ask your pharmacist to find these and use according to the manufacturer's instructions. advertisement

Method 3 of 6: Using Home Medicine

  1. Consider taking an antiviral like zovirax (Acyclovir), famciclovir (Famvir), or valacyclovir (Valtrex) to treat genital herpes. These medications can be prescribed by your therapist. The drug works mainly by inhibiting DNA polymerase of the herpes virus, blocking their replication. In general, these drugs are used to treat the first episode and limit the recurrence that follows.
    • These drugs are only used in severe cases of oral herpes.
    • Zovirax comes in several forms, such as tablets, syrup, injections, and creams for the skin and eyes. Each form is used according to the patient's medical condition and age. The cream can be applied directly to the cold sore in the mouth or on the genitals.
    • Acyclovir is prescribed orally for 800 mg 5 times a day for 7-10 days.
    • Ophthalmic cream is effective in the treatment of herpes keratitis (herpes that affect the eyes, cause itching and discharge), applied once a day before bed.
    • Tablets and injections are more useful when a full-system treatment is needed. In severe cases, it should be taken 2 times daily.
    • The most common side effects of these medications are nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and muscle pain.
  2. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs can be used to reduce irritation and inflammation in the affected area. They work by blocking two enzymes responsible for prostaglandin production, COX-I and COX-II. Prostaglandin is associated with inflammation and pain. NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects that can help reduce fever. Usually you can take an over-the-counter NSAID for pain relief from herpes.
    • Cataflam (Diclofenac salt) and Brufen (Ibuprofen) are taken as tablets, syrup, effervescent powder, suppository or cream. The average adult dosage is 1 tablet of cataflam 50 mg orally 2 times daily after meals.
    • NSAIDs have a number of side effects, the majority being a stomach disorder such as nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal ulcers, or stomach ulcers. Patients with liver and kidney disorders should consult their doctor before taking these drugs again.
    • Take the lowest possible dose for pain relief. Do not take NSAIDs for more than two weeks without consulting your doctor. Long-term use of NSAIDs has been associated with stomach ulcers and other conditions.
  3. Replaced with acetaminophen. These can be used for pain relief like NSAIDs, but have less anti-inflammatory effects. However, acetaminophen still has analgesic and antipyretic effects, alleviating some of the symptoms.
    • Paracetamol is found in medicinal products such as Tylenol or Panadol and can be taken as tablets, syrup or suppository. The average dose for adults is 2 500 mg capsules, orally up to 4 times a day after eating.
    • Take the lowest possible dose for pain relief. Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage. It may also be linked to kidney disease.
  4. Try a local anesthetic like lidocaine. Anesthetics can be applied directly to the cold sores, especially on the genitals and rectum to reduce irritation and itching. Xylocaine (lidocaine) is a common medicine in gel form. This drug penetrates easily through the mucous membrane to numb the affected area.
    • Xylocaine can be applied twice daily.
    • Wear gloves or use a cotton ball to apply lidocaine to avoid numbness of your fingers.
    advertisement

Method 4 of 6: Prevent Herpes outbreaks

  1. Use echinacea to boost your immune system. Wild chamomile is an herbal plant and has anti-viral properties. This herb is known to help boost the immune system. All parts of the plant, such as flowers, leaves, and roots, can be used to treat herpes. It can be taken as a tea, juice or pill.
    • Wild chamomile supplements are widely available in most pharmacies, some grocery stores, and also online.
    • Drink wild chamomile 3-4 cups a day if taken as a tea.
    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions if taken as a supplement.
    • Consult your doctor before taking rabies if you have tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV and AIDS, immune disease or liver dysfunction. Rabies can interact with these diseases.
  2. Try licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which has been shown to help treat herpes. Experiments have shown that high levels of glycyrrhizic acid can counteract the herpes virus mononucleosis. However, it should be noted that long-term use of licorice can lead to sodium storage and potassium loss, so people with heart problems and pregnant women should avoid licorice.
    • Licorice root extract may be effective in treatment. Or 2 tablets of licorice root extract would have the same effect.
    • Check with your doctor before taking licorice root. The active ingredient glycyrrhizin in licorice can lead to pseudoaldosteronism causing headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure or even a heart attack. People with heart failure, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, hormone-sensitive cancer, diabetes, low potassium levels or erectile dysfunction should not drink licorice.
  3. Use medications made from seaweed. Seaweed such as Pterocladia capillacea, Gymnogongrus griffithsiae, Cryptonemia crenulata, and Nothogenia fastigiata (red seaweed from South America), Bostrychia montagnei (sea moss), and Gracilaria corticata (a red seaweed in India) can all prevent block HSV infection. These seaweeds can be used as a medicinal food by adding to salads or stews, or as a supplement.
    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions if taken as a supplement.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Stay healthy by eating healthy. The healthier you (and your immune system), the more likely you will be able to overcome herpes outbreaks, prevent outbreaks and reduce the severity of the disease. The "Mediterranean menu" includes plenty of olive oils, vegetables and fruits that can help boost the immune system and fight some inflammatory diseases.
    • Absolutely avoid processed and pre-packaged foods.
    • Eat only whole foods. Those are the foods closest to nature. For example, you should increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in your menu. Limit red meat and increase poultry (remove skin). Choose complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, lentils, beans, and green vegetables. Increase the amount of nuts and seeds in your diet, as these foods are high in minerals, vitamins and good fats.
    • Avoid processed or added sugars in foods. This includes sugars found in processed foods like high-fructose corn syrup. If you have a “sweet tooth,” try stevia, an herb that can provide 60 times more sweetness than sugar, or eat fruit. Also avoid artificial sugars.
    • Increase the amount of good fats. These are the omega-3 fats found in fish and olive oil.
    • Drink alcohol in moderation. Wine is a part of the Mediterranean diet, and when consumed in moderation, it can help promote overall health.
  5. Drink a lot of water. Your body has enough water to function better, helping to fight a herpes outbreak. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day (one 240 ml), even if you are not sick.
  6. Exercise regularly. Our bodies function best when exercised. Regular physical exercise helps maintain a healthy immune system, potentially helping to prevent outbreaks.
    • Start slowly by walking more often. Park your car a little further, use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, take the dog for a walk, or simply walk! If you want, you can exercise or find a fitness coach. Do weights, cardio, machine work, or whatever else gets you excited and steady.
    • Remember to consult your doctor and know the do's and don'ts. Don't push yourself too hard.
  7. Use relaxation techniques to deal with the stress of getting herpes. Herpes can affect every aspect of your life. Furthermore, stress and stress can trigger flare-ups, so finding ways to relax can be very helpful. Try yoga, meditation, exercise, or deep breathing to calm your mind. You can easily relieve stress by finding a hobby that interests you or taking a leisurely stroll around the area. advertisement

Method 5 of 6: Managing Disease Outbreaks

  1. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Always wear loose cotton clothing, especially underwear. Cotton is a soft, natural material for the skin that does not cause further irritation. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and heal.
    • Other synthetic materials cannot absorb sweat and can cause inflammation, irritation, and aggravation of genital herpes, including any synthetic materials such as nylon and silk.
    • Avoid tight clothing, as it won't sweat and cause more skin irritation.
  2. Keep yourself clean. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Bathe and wash regularly, especially in the summer and hot days. Change clothes if they are sweaty or dirty.
    • Use soap to wash your hands and damaged skin, especially after using the toilet, after applying medicine, after contacting other people and before eating.
  3. Avoid having sex. If you have herpes, avoid any sexual contact to avoid infecting your partner. You can infect your partner while the virus is 'hibernating', but the chance of infection is even higher if the infection is active.
    • Always use a condom for protection during sex to prevent fluid from coming into contact with possible wounds on the skin. Any kind of unsafe sex can put you at risk.
  4. Take care of yourself. Illness can flare up due to illness and stress, so it is extremely important that you take good care of yourself to get well off your current outbreak and prevent future outbreaks. There are a few things you need to remember:
    • Sleep 7-8 hours a day. Fatigue weakens the immune system.
    • Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits like apples, cabbage, spinach, beets, bananas, papaya, carrots, mangoes, etc. Avoid sugar and fast food. Drink alcohol in moderation.
    • Control your stress level. Consider practicing yoga or meditation to dispel the potential for stress that can cause a flare-up.
    advertisement

Method 6 of 6: Understanding HSV-1 and HSV-2

  1. Identify the underlying cause of a herpes infection. Herpes can easily spread to a healthy person through direct contact with an infected person through saliva, herpes sores, or sexual intercourse. An infected person can infect anyone even when the virus is in a state of "hibernation", meaning that the person is not sick. Some people do not know they carry the virus until they "get sick", which is when herpes appears, a sign of herpes disease.
    • Viruses present in saliva can be spread by sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, dental floss, makeup or lip gloss, used household items, used towels or through direct contact. continue like a kiss.
    • HSV-1 causes oral herpes, although some reports of genital herpes develop from HSV-1. HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes because semen and vaginal discharge are favorable environments for HSV-2 transmission.
    • Always use a condom when having anal, oral, and vaginal sex, whether or not an infected person is showing symptoms.While you cannot guarantee that you or your partner are not infected, condoms also greatly reduce the risk.
    • If you have an injury in your mouth, you should not have oral sex without using protective equipment.
    • If a pregnant woman develops genital herpes during labor, the baby is at higher risk of infection than if the mother does not have symptoms.

  2. Determine the cause of the outbreak to prevent future flare-ups. A person infected with herpes will carry the virus in the blood for life, but it may not always show signs of illness. However, there are several factors that can "awaken" HSV from hibernation and develop illness.
    • The sick body can activate the virus, causing the symptoms to appear.
    • Stress and fatigue can put stress on cells, affecting many parts of the body.
    • Any drug that can cause immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs, has a chance for HSV to work.
    • Vigorous sexual activity can stimulate genital herpes.
    • A woman's menstrual cycle can also be a trigger, perhaps due to hormonal disturbances, general malaise, and weakening of the body.

  3. Recognize the symptoms. Symptoms can appear within 2 weeks of infection and can last for 2-3 weeks. Although the main manifestation, herpes is not the only symptom of a herpes outbreak. Symptoms include: cold sores, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, leg pain, vaginal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes.
    • In men, herpes appear on the penis, buttocks, anus, thighs, scrotum, inside the urethra or inside the penis. In women, herpes appear on the buttocks, cervix, vaginal area, anus, and external genitals. Herpes can be painful and itchy, especially when it first appears.
    • Patients with genital herpes may experience pain during urination or bowel movements due to the presence of blisters around the genitals or rectum. In some cases, vaginal or penis discharge.
    • HSV is a viral infection, so flu-like symptoms may occur in some patients, such as fever, headache, weakness, and swollen glands.
    • Swollen lymph nodes (lymph nodes). Swollen lymph nodes often appear in the groin but can also be in the neck.
    • Some of the causes of genital pain that doctors should rule out are fungal infections (candidiasis), hand - foot - mouth disease (caused by Coxsackie A type 16 virus), syphilis (due to spirochetes. Treponema) and Herpes zoster infection (caused by Varicella zoster / human herpes virus type 3) - the same virus that causes chickenpox and measles).

  4. Learn how HSV works in the human body. Your immune system will detect HSV when you have an infection or when you are sick. Then the immune system begins to develop some antibodies against the virus; Swollen lymph nodes are the result of overproduction and overload of antibodies, and body temperature will rise to create an unfavorable environment for most bacteria and viruses. Once the body has the virus under control, the symptoms should subside, usually over a few days.
    • However, the immune system cannot completely remove the virus; the patient will continue to have HSV in their body. Thus, the antibodies formed will help prevent future outbreaks. This is true in both HSV-1 and HSV-2, and in exceptional cases both.
  5. Get diagnosed when you have an active herpes infection. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be diagnosed during onset by examining the pain site and taking samples. There are also blood tests to look for antibodies to the virus. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, about people you might share personal items with, and your marital status. Your doctor may also ask about having sex with one or more sex partners and the safety precautions you use.
    • The first and most important test is called a herpes culture. Liquid or discharge from herpes blisters will be sampled to rule out diagnoses of other illnesses.
    • In some cases, a blood test may be performed if the blisters are not present. These tests count the amount of antibodies made against HSV-1 and HSV-2. However, these tests are not always accurate. Hence, it is best to do a culture test.
    advertisement

Advice

  • Don't forget that HSV is very common, whether it is recognized by the carrier or not. The majority of adults have HSV-1 and an increasing number of people have HSV-2.
  • Some patients develop illness only once, others develop illness many times. The body's response and each person's medical conditions are different, making it different in HSV.
  • Treatment for HSV favors a reduction in the likelihood of developing HSV. The goal of treatment is to keep the virus in an inactive state for as long as possible, minimize the risk of infecting others and reduce the symptoms, itching, and pain associated with herpes.