Herpes

Genital herpes is an infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), Type 2 and affects the genitals, buttocks, or anal area. More are affected more often than men are, and in the United States, one out of four women is infected with genital herpes. The number of cases has increased thirty percent since the late 1970’s with the largest increase among teens and young adults. It is usually transmitted by having sex with someone who is shedding the virus, which can be during an outbreak or during a period with no symptoms. It can also be transmitted through close contact, oral sex, or close skin-to-skin contact.

The first outbreak will appear within two weeks after infection and can last for several weeks. Some of the symptoms may include tingling or sores near the area of infection such as the genital or rectal area, on buttocks or thighs, and occasionally on other parts of the body if it has entered through broken skin. In women, it may also appear inside the vagina and on the cervix, or in the urinary passages of both men and women. The symptoms start as small red bumps, then develop into small blisters that become itchy, painful sores that may develop a crust. There may sometimes be a crack, raw area or redness without the pain, itching or tingling that is customary. You may also experience fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the groin area.

With this condition, it’s important to remember that home remedies may not work as well as medications that the doctor can prescribe. There is not even a natural cure for herpes, but some methods that may help ease the symptoms are worth trying.

Home Remedies for Herpes:

Melissa/Lemon Balm:

Lemon Balm Essential Oil has been shown to almost completely stop the herpes virus infectivity. U.S. National Library of Medicine reported that Lemon Balm exerted a antiviral effect on herpes viruses and can be used for topical treatment of herpetic infections.

Lysine:

When you begin to feel overly tired or tingly, like an outbreak is coming on begin drinking plenty of orange juice and L-Lysine, an over the counter vitamin. Eating foods that are rich in Lysine is also a good idea – yogurt is an example. You also want to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest during this time. Taking Lysine or Echinacea daily can help prevent outbreaks since both of these vitamins are immune system boosters.

Salt Water:

To aid faster healing of the sores, run water in a tub as hot as you can stand it. Put about four tablespoons of salt underneath the running water and mix it around. Only put in enough water to sit it so that it covers the area. The salt bath will ease the pain, make the sores burst, and therefore, promote faster healing.

Tea Tree And Lavender Oil:

For instant relief, dab the area with tea tree oil, lavender oil, or a combination of the two.

Keep Area Dry:

At the first signs of an outbreak, keep the infected area clean and dry. Using a cornstarch powder and sleeping without underwear will keep it dry.

Bleach:

At the first signs of itching, dab a q-tip in bleach and dab on the area.

Yogurt:

For itching, wipe plain yogurt on a napkin or pad and change every two hours.