What makes herpes feel better

No one knows why outbreaks occur, although sunlight, physical illness, excess alcohol, and stress are all thought to be trigger factors. They often do become less frequent over time.

Recurrent episodes of genital herpes generally don't last as long as the first outbreak. They are sometimes preceded by itching or tingling in the genital area. Recurrent outbreaks usually last about days, shorter than the primary infection which can last up to two weeks.

They are also often milder than a primary infection but as R found , the shallow ulcers left when the blisters break can still be quite painful. I got a little lazy taking my herpes medication, and here I am: 5 days into an awful outbreak. Has anyone got any advice on how to heal the broken sores quicker?

There are several options that can be tried to ease the pain. A and Donnor suggest dabbing cornstarch directly on the sores. I can't find any scientific studies that have researched this, but I can't see that it would do any harm.

A also recommends squirting water from a bottle over the sores when you pee. This is a time-honoured method that will help to ease the pain. Yolandayw mentioned taking a simple painkiller such as paracetamol during an outbreak. Feelbroken advised putting Vaseline on the sores. Some people find it helpful to put on five minutes before passing urine.

You need to get it on prescription and it doesn't suit everyone. Protect yourself from the sun, wind, and extreme cold and heat. Use sunscreen, especially on your lips. On windy, cold, or hot days, stay indoors or take steps to guard against the weather. Preventing the Spread of Herpes. To protect others: Let any sexual partner know that you have herpes before having sex.

Allow them to decide what to do. Use latex or polyurethane condoms, and avoid sex during symptomatic outbreaks. Do not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex when you have sores on or near the genitals, anus, or mouth. Do not kiss or have oral sex when you have a sore on the lips or inside the mouth. Do not share your towels, toothbrush, or lipstick. Make sure dishes and utensils you use are washed well with detergent before others use them.

Wash your hands well with soap and water after touching a sore. Consider using daily antiviral medicine to limit viral shedding and reduce the risk of passing the virus to your partner. You may also want to consider getting your partner tested even if they have never had an outbreak. If you both have the herpes virus, there is no risk for transmission. When to Call the Doctor. Call your provider if you have any of the following: Symptoms of an outbreak that worsen despite medicine and self-care Symptoms that include severe pain and sores that do not heal Frequent outbreaks Outbreaks during pregnancy.

Alternative Names. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics. Genital Herpes. But important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements like drugs. You should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Taking zinc may reduce how many herpes outbreaks you experience each year.

Taking 30 milligrams mg per day could be enough to help with a herpes outbreak. Vitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. These vitamins boost your energy, help your metabolism, and support healthy cell growth. These functions are essential when the virus is attacking the body in during active outbreak.

Different supplements on the market will vary in how much of each B vitamin a B-complex product contains. Lysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. Some reports suggest that a daily dose of mg to 3, mg of lysine may be beneficial. Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to help the body generate an immune response against herpes infections.

Taking probiotics may also strengthen your immune system through other ways. Eating yogurt is the first place to start. Probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus are known to improve immune function. When used correctly, certain topicals can help speed up healing, relieve itching, and numb discomfort.

Carrier oils , like jojoba and coconut oil, are important for using topical ingredients safely. All of the topicals listed below should be used with a carrier oil unless otherwise noted. You should also do a patch test before performing a full application. Purchase a carrier oil for the following topicals:. Aloe vera has proven wound-accelerating properties. These properties may soothe and heal herpes lesions. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to nearly every area of the body without being diluted.

Tea tree oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before using it on a cold sore or genital herpes. Witch hazel has significant antiviral properties. Some people can use pure witch hazel without experiencing irritation, while others find that it stings. You should use a diluted solution if you have sensitive skin. Older research suggests that topical application of manuka honey may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1 and HSV Manuka honey can be applied directly without dilution.

Goat milk contains an antiviral agent that may work against herpes simplex. You can apply goat milk directly without dilution. Some research suggests that chamomile essential oil has soothing and virus-fighting properties that may help treat HSV It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Ginger essential oil has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. Thyme essential oil also has potential to fight the herpes virus. Greek sage oil may also fight the herpes virus.

Eucalyptus oil may be a potent antiviral against herpes. It also soothes and promotes healing. Mexican oregano oil contains carvacrol, a powerful antiviral ingredient. It is important to wash the hands both before and after applying the jelly. For centuries, people have used pomegranate as a home remedy for infection.

Pomegranate contains zinc, which can help reduce herpes infections. Other dietary recommendations include :. Soy protein, peanuts, walnuts, and fish are all rich sources of arginine. Avocados, chicken, cottage cheese, and pork are all sources of lysine. Older studies suggest that the following supplements may be effective at controlling herpes symptoms:. According to the International Council on Amino Acid Science , taking lysine supplements may help prevent outbreaks of cold sores.

However, the evidence for this came from older sources. In a review, experts found that taking a minimum of 1 gram of lysine per day, in combination with a low arginine diet, can help people manage their symptoms. Always check with a doctor before taking supplements.

They may interact with other medications or have negative effects. The Food and Drug Administration FDA do not monitor supplements, so it is not always possible to know exactly what a product contains.

Oils that may help include :. Besides oral consumption, a person can also use oils in a diffuser, in bathwater, or by mixing them with a diluting oil and applying them to the affected area. Using a diluting oil is important, as the oil may cause adverse effects if a person applies it directly to the skin.

Diluting oils, or carrier oils, include almond oil and olive oil. Researchers are carrying out clinical trials to test for other potentially effective home remedies, including sesame oil, organic coconut oil , and jojoba oil. There is not yet enough evidence to prove that a specific oil can help a person manage herpes symptoms.

There are medications available that can lower the chance of spreading the herpes virus and reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms.