Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
• Method 2 of 3: Try over-the-counter drugs
• Method 3 of 3: Preventing Herpes
• Tips
• Warnings

Herpes is caused by a virus and is quite common. Approximately 60-90% of people have it in the body, but many do not even know about it, because they have never found any of its symptoms in themselves. Those who have encountered its manifestations know that herpes is painful and looks rather unattractive. Although the herpes virus cannot be cured, you can relieve pain and appearance by using several different methods.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies

1. 1 Use ice. Applying ice to cold sores in the early stages can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Apply an ice cube to the infected area 2-3 times a day - this can shorten the healing time.
   • A cold accumulator or cold compress will also do the job.
   • Try eating popsicles for a delicious ice replacement - just don't share with anyone!
2. 2 Apply some petroleum jelly. Dabbing herpes with petroleum jelly will speed up the healing process and prevent a secondary infection caused by the bacteria. Apply some petroleum jelly to the cold sore with a cotton swab and leave it on overnight.
   • The petroleum jelly will keep the cold sore hydrated and without oxygen, allowing it to pass.
   • Some proponents of home remedies insist that cold sores should be kept dry rather than hydrated, but there are successful experiences with both methods. See which one is right for you.
3. 3 Apply some milk. Soak a cotton ball in milk and apply to cold sores to relieve pain. Even better, if you feel a tingling sensation that signals the onset of herpes, use cold milk. This will speed up your recovery at the very onset of the illness.
   • Milk contains immunoglobulins and lysine, an amino acid that speeds up the treatment of the herpes virus.
   • The coldness from the milk will also help reduce pain, redness, and tingling.
   • Raw, whole milk works best for this procedure.
4. 4 Try vanilla extract. Vanilla is believed to contain infection-fighting substances, which makes it possible to fight the virus faster. Vanilla extract also reduces inflammation, making cold sores less painful. Using a sterile cotton ball or cotton swab, apply a few drops to the inflamed area 3-4 times.
   • Use only 100% vanilla extract. Don't use aromatic vanilla because it doesn't have the properties you want.
5. 5 Try licorice. Studies have shown that the glycyrrhizic acid in licorice stops the growth of herpes cells - try chewing on licorice sticks. Just make sure they are made from real licorice, because today most licorice candies (and in the US too) are anise flavored.
   • If you find “licorice mass” in the ingredients, then the product contains real licorice.
   • You can also buy some licorice powder and apply it to your cold sore by making a cream with a handful of the powder with a little vegetable oil and then apply it to your cold sore.
6. 6 Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic properties; his fans claim that tea tree oil cuts the duration of the rash by almost half, significantly reducing the size of herpes overnight. Try applying a few drops of the oil twice a day with a sterile cotton ball.
   • If you have sensitive skin, before applying, you can dilute the oil in an equal part with water, or mix with petroleum jelly.
   • Tea tree oil is the same as melaleuca oil.
7. 7 Take herbal lysine tablets. Lysine is an amino acid that is not naturally produced in us, but we get it from food. It has been scientifically proven that lysine (if taken in adequate amounts) slows down the growth of herpes, as well as reduces the development of a viral infection. Studies have shown that lysine supplementation reduces the frequency and intensity of herpes outbreaks.
   • When choosing a lysine supplement, look for one that contains natural pure lysine, not synthetic, because the former also contains other beneficial substances such as zinc, vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
   • Lysine-rich foods include vegetables, fish, chicken, cheese, milk, brewer's yeast, and legumes.
8. 8 Harness the power of tea. Some tea is believed to have antiviral properties and can be used to combat cold sores. The simplest solution is to drink tea, but this may not produce results quickly enough. Another option is to apply warm tea bags to the herpes several times a day. Antiviral qualities will relieve pain and shorten the duration of the rash.
   • Black, green and yellow teas contain tannins, which are believed to have antiviral properties. The antioxidants in tea stimulate immunity, giving your body the strength to fight infection now and in the future.
   • Some herbal teas also have antiviral properties. The simplest example is peppermint and chamomile tea.
9. 9 Rub in some garlic. Directly rubbing a chive of fresh garlic into herpes 2-3 times a day will help speed up the healing process up to 3-5 days. Beware of the smell!
   • An alternative is to take a garlic supplement twice a day. Start with 1000 mg per day before trying to increase your dose.
   • From direct contact of garlic with herpes, you will feel pain, this is due to the fact that garlic contains acid.
10. 10 Try essential oils and tinctures. Certain essential oils, when applied to herpes, dry it out and speed up the healing process. These oils include: lemon balm, lavender, calendula, myrrh, and hydrastis tincture.

Method 2 of 3: Try over-the-counter drugs

1. 1 Try an over-the-counter docosanol cream. Herpes creams containing docosanol (behenyl alcohol) are recognized by the medical community as an effective herpes cure. Docosanol relieves the discomfort caused by herpes and has been found to promote faster recovery. Gently apply the drug until completely absorbed on the affected skin area 5 times a day.
   • The dose of the medicine depends on the strength of the cream, so check the instructions.
   • In the early stages of the disease, the medicine is most effective.
2. 2 Use a prescription antiviral cream. If you need something stronger in your fight against herpes, see your doctor - he will prescribe you an antiviral cream. Prescription creams contain penciclovir and acyclovir, which are effective in treating herpes.
   • Apply the cream as soon as possible after you notice herpes symptoms. If you use the drug early, the blister may not appear.
   • The cream can also be applied on the open stage of herpes. It should go away in a couple of days after using the drug.
   • The same antiviral drugs can be bought in pills.
3. 3 Try an anesthetic cream or ointment. If the cold sore is causing you severe pain, you can try a pain relieving cream or ointment. Medicines containing benzocaine and lidocaine will temporarily relieve the infected area and relieve pain.
   • At the pharmacy, these medicines are usually referred to as anti-itch medicines.
4. 4 Get an appointment for oral antiviral drugs. If the cold sore is causing you extreme pain or itching, you may want to see your doctor for a prescription for oral antiviral drugs to help speed up your recovery and prevent recurrence. Antiviral drugs include acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir.
   • These oral medications are more effective when taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms of herpes are detected.
   • Valacyclovir is more expensive, but it is better absorbed in the digestive tract and therefore more reliable.
5. 5 Use a styptic pencil. A styptic pencil is usually used to stop bleeding from small cuts, such as after shaving. The aluminum in the pencil shrinks the blood vessels to provide healing. Use a pencil, simply "drawing" it on herpes 1-2 times a day.
   • Note that the pencil may hurt immediately after application, but the pain will reduce the general soreness and irritation caused by herpes.

Method 3 of 3: Preventing Herpes

1. 1 Avoid stress. Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by stress. You may find outbreaks of cold sores at the end of the school year, or when it's time to go home for the holidays. Taking care of yourself during stressful periods can help reduce the chances of getting cold sores.
   • Practice stress-relieving activities such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or reading.
   • Get a good night's sleep. Anything is stressful when you haven't gotten enough sleep, so get enough sleep.
2. 2 Boost your immunity. Most often, herpes outbreaks occur against the background of a weakened immune system. You may notice that they appear when you catch a cold or are cold (caught in the rain, etc.). Maintain your immune system healthy in the following ways:
   • Get enough vitamins and nutrients. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens and other fruits and vegetables. Take a multivitamin supplement if you are concerned that you are not getting enough nutrients.
   • Maintain water balance in the body. Water helps the body to flush out infections faster.
   • Take precautions against flu and colds. Wash your hands often during cold seasons and flu periods. Consider getting a flu shot if you are prone to viral illnesses.
3. 3 Apply sunscreen. Applying sunscreen to your lips and around your mouth can help prevent sun-induced cold sores. Find a sunscreen designed specifically for lips with a protection index (on the package it may be listed as SPF - Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 units. Or, choose a lipstick that includes sun protection.
4. 4 Don't touch herpes! Do not squeeze, pick, or pierce the cold sore. These actions will cause a bacterial infection. Wash your hands often, especially after coming into contact with cold sores.
   • Don't rub your eyes after touching herpes; you can cause eye herpes, which can cause blindness if left untreated.
   • Do not touch your genitals after contact with herpes; you can trigger genital herpes.
   • It will be appropriate to carry an antiseptic with you if you suddenly scratch off herpes, and there is nowhere to wash your hands nearby.
5. 5 Avoid acidic foods. Avoid sour and salty foods like potato chips or citrus fruits, as these will aggravate irritation and add pain.
6. 6 Try not to share. Herpes is a highly contagious virus, so don't share anything you've come into contact with: cups, towels, dishes, razors, and cosmetics. Also, don't kiss anyone when you have herpes, and don't let anyone with herpes kiss you.
7. 7 Change your toothbrush. Buy a new toothbrush after the blister appears, and repeat after you have healed. A toothbrush can be a breeding ground for the virus.

Tips

• Try to bite in smaller portions while you eat to reduce lip stretch as they heal.
• Active dairy yoghurts help your body fight these viruses by increasing the number of naturally occurring “good” bacteria in your mouth and intestines.
• Avoid pressing or touching the herpes, as this will likely enlarge the area of ​​infection.
• Aloe Vera is believed to help relieve pain associated with cold sores as well as prevent cracks around the lips.
• Vitamin E and Echinacea are believed to help fight cold sores.
• After shave lotion will dry out cold sores and speed up recovery.

Warnings

• You cannot cure the herpes virus, only reduce its manifestations.