Herpes is a viral infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Herpes usually affects the mouth or genitals because it is easy for the virus to penetrate mucous membranes. Symptoms on other areas of the body such as the trunk are uncommon, but do occur in people with burns and other kinds of skin injuries. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent found in many personal care products, may cause skin irritation that increases the risk of herpes outbreaks.
Definition
Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. It belongs to the family of compounds known as detergents because it features a negatively charged sulfate molecule and a positively charged sodium molecule, both attached to a long neutral carbon tail. The combination allows SLS to dissolve both oil and water, one of the key features of detergents. SLS was invented, according to dermatologist Gulrez Tyebkhan, M.D. in the September 2002 edition of the "Indian Journal of Pediatrics," during World War II when animal fat --- the substance traditionally used to make soap --- was diverted for food.
Relationship
SLS, like all detergents, can cause irritation. In high concentrations or under conditions of prolonged exposure, detergents eventually start to dissolve the oil and water in skin, not just the oil and water present as dirt and grime on top of skin. Irritation can provoke herpes outbreaks in people who are already infected with the virus. It can also increase susceptibility to infection in people who are not yet infected by damaging skin so the herpes virus can gain entry
Options
SLS is commonly found in products such as shampoo, liquid soap, mouthwash and toothpaste. Patients can tell whether SLS is present in a specific product by reading the label. SLS-free alternatives to these products are available at many organic and specialty stores, although they may cost more than traditional brands. Patients can choose to eliminate all SLS-containing products, or focus only on the products that they use on the areas where they experience herpes symptoms. For example, people with oral herpes may choose SLS-free mouthwash and toothpaste, but continue to use SLS-containing shampoo because shampoo does not come in contact with the mouth. Patients with genital herpes may choose to eliminate body washes or bubble bath that contain SLS, but continue using all other products.
Risks
The major risk of avoiding SLS is that it will have no effect. As of October 2010, the National Library of Medicine lists no studies that link SLS to herpes outbreaks. MayoClinic.com recommends a trial of SLS-free oral care products for people with canker sores, but not for people with herpes. In addition, SLS-free products are not necessarily more irritating than alternatives. Dermatologist Tyebkhan says that SLS became popular because it was more gentle than other detergents, including natural soaps that are made with lye.
Benefits
Avoiding SLS products might help some people with herpes. In order to tell whether SLS has any effect, a patient should keep of diary of symptoms that occur before and after eliminating SLS products. It may take several months or a year to reveal whether there is a difference. However, eliminating SLS does not replace conventional medical treatment for herpes. People who experience severe, frequent or prolonged --- longer than two weeks --- outbreaks should see a doctor.
References
- "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th Edition"; Klaus Wolff, M.D. et al.; 2008
- "Indian Journal of Pediatrics"; Skin Cleansing in Infants and Neonates: Basics of Cleansers; Gulrez Tyebkhan, M.D. ; September 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Cold Sores: Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Canker Sores: Causes
