Herpes 2, also known as herpes simplex type 2, is the virus that causes genital herpes. Sores usually develop on the genitals, but sometimes involve other areas such as the anus, buttocks and thighs. In the June 9, 2008 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," dermatologist Christina Cernik says that one in five adults carry the virus. While prescription drugs are available for treatment, Cernik says they are usually reserved for people who suffer from unusually severe, frequent or prolonged --- longer than 14 days --- outbreaks. Home remedies and supplements can be used on their own or as a complement to prescription antiviral drugs. Discuss the options with your doctor.
Vitamin C and Flavonoids
In the 2007 edition of her book, the "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," naturopathic doctor Tori Hudson recommends supplements that contain vitamin C and flavonoids. Flavonoids, like vitamin C, occur naturally in citrus fruits; supplements, however, offer these nutrients in a more concentrated form. Hudson says that taking a supplement that contains 600 mg of vitamin C and 600 mg of flavonoids three times a day for three days at the first sign of herpes 2 symptoms leads to "rapid" resolution of symptoms. Vitamin C and flavonoids also work well topically, according to Hudson. She claims that applying a cotton ball soaked in a solution of vitamin C, flavonoids and water for two minutes, three times on the first day of the outbreak alleviates discomfort on subsequent days and hastens overall healing.
Lemon Balm
In the 2007 edition of his book, "Integrative Medicine," University of Wisconsin professor David Rakel, M.D. describes lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, as the "most common botanical supplement used for herpes infections." Rakel says that lemon balm reduces healing time for herpes 2 and, if used during the first outbreak, may prevent subsequent outbreaks from occurring. Rakel recommends a product that contains a 70-to-1 ratio of lemon balm to other ingredients. To use it, Rakel says, you should apply a thick --- about 1 mm --- coating to all sores between two and four times per day until they heal.
Home Remedies
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends placing a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm or cool water over herpes 2 sores in order to ease discomfort. If there are many sores, you should try sitting in a lukewarm bath. For women with herpes 2, urination can cause pain as urine comes in contact with the sores. If this is a problem for you, the AAFP suggests urinating in the tub at the end of a bath because the bathwater dilutes the urine. For all people with herpes 2, wearing loose-fitting underwear promotes healing by minimizing chafing.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infections; Christina Cernik, M.D. et al.; June 9, 2008
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine: Alternative Therapies and Integrative Medicine for Total Health and Wellness"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 2007
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Herpes
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