Top 7 Tips to Treat and Prevent Genital Herpes

Genital herpes, or herpes simplex type 2, affects up to 20 percent of all sexuality active people. This type of herpes typically begins with tingling or itching before the blisters appear. After that, symptoms include painful open sores, a burning sensation when urinating and, occasionally, muscle aches and fever. The first outbreak is usually the most severe. After that, the virus lurks inside the nerve cells and flares in times of illness or stress and during a woman’s menstrual period. Flare-ups may also occur when someone with herpes is exposed to other trigger factors such as heat or sunlight. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt for pain-relief.

1. Look To Lysine

Take 3 grams daily of this amino acid during an acute outbreak of genital herpes, then take 500 milligrams a day to help prevent recurrences. Lysine helps inhibit the duplication of the virus. You will find lysine supplements in the vitamin section of drugstores or health food stores. Consult with your doctor, however, before you take this supplement. In some people, lysine can cause the liver to step up its production of cholesterol.

2. Get Your Antioxidants

Take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement that contains the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C as well as zinc. These antioxidants can help heal the skin and fight infection.

3. Go For The Silver

It is recommended to apply colloidal silver directly to the sores. It is available at health food stores. Colloidal silver has antiviral and antibacterial action. When you use it, the lesions seem to dry up in a matter of days.

4. Try To Stay Serene

Consider learning a stress-reduction technique such as progressive relaxation or meditation to reduce the severity and frequency of herpes. These techniques can help manage the disease by helping your immune system fight the virus more effectively.

5. Defuse Your Triggers

It is recommended to try to identify factors that seem to trigger your outbreaks and avoid them if possible. Some people develop an outbreak after they wear tight underwear, for example.

6. Keep Cool

Avoid sunbathing, saunas, and very hot baths and showers, especially is you start to feel the tingling sensation that precedes an outbreak. Heat can be a trigger for recurrences.

7. Apply Cold Compresses

It is recommended to apply a piece of gauze or a washcloth soaked in cool water directly on the sores. Cool compresses can help heal the lesions by drying them up.