Herpes is a viral infection caused by one or both types of the herpes simplex virus. In the 2008 edition of "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," University of Washington professor Lawrence Corey explains that infected individuals typically suffer periodic outbreaks of itchy, painful blisters and sores at the site where the virus entered the body. Most people contract herpes through person-to-person contact such as kissing or intercourse. However, the virus can also be transferred through contaminated objects such as drinking glasses, eating utensils, cosmetics and sex toys. Sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in chlorine bleach and other cleaning products, disinfects a variety of germs, including the virus that causes herpes.
Definition
In the Nov. 14, 2008 edition of "Cell," University of Michigan molecular biologist Jeannette Winter explains that sodium hypochlorite is a salt formed by a negatively charged hypochlorite ion (OCl-) and a positively charged sodium ion (Na+). In water, sodium hypochlorite forms hypochlorous acid. It is the latter than confers sodium hypochlorite's disinfectant and bleaching properties. Winter and her colleagues were the first to report that hypochlorous acid works by unraveling the proteins that compose bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses such as herpes. The unraveled proteins are no longer capable of causing infections and the object or surface is sanitized.
Effectiveness
A February 1988 study published in the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology" found that a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, equivalent to 1/2 tsp. of bleach in a liter of water, inactivated both herpes simplex-1 and 2 within 10 minutes. Of the two viruses, the researchers reported that herpes simplex-1 was slightly more resistant than herpes simplex-2. The disinfectant properties of sodium hypochlorite depend on contact between the solution and the surface to be disinfected. Porous or damaged surfaces such as heavily scratched glasses or utensils may require additional time to become sanitized.
Safety
Sodium hypochlorite also unravels proteins on body surfaces, including skin. The Mayo Clinic website cautions that bleach can cause irritant contact dermatitis sometimes with just one exposure. Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis such as dryness, redness, itching, bumps or blisters usually resolve on their own when the irritant is withdrawn, but people who experience severe or persistent symptoms should see a doctor. As with all cleaning products, sodium hypochlorite should be kept out of reach of children. Drinking dilute solutions of sodium hypochlorite generally causes only mild stomach irritation, but stronger solutions lead to more severe symptoms, including poisoning.
Use
The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says that home users can make their own sodium hypochlorite sanitizing solution by mixing one tbsp. of unscented liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. This solution can sanitize objects or surfaces that have come into contact with herpes sores. However, you should beware. Sodium hypochlorite also attacks pigments, producing a bleaching effect, and repeated exposure to metals, rubber or non-PVC plastics produces corrosion. Users should protect their hands by wearing disposable or reusable gloves and replace them as needed.
Alternatives
Sodium hypochlorite is not the only household cleaner that disinfects herpes and, depending on the surface you wish to clean, other cleaners may be a better option. Other substances that were evaluated in the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology" study included Lysol--a commercial product based on benzalkonium chloride; Listerine---a commercial product based on menthol, thymol, methyl salicylate, and eucalyptol; rubbing alcohol, and heat. Undiluted rubbing alcohol worked the fastest, immediately inactivating both types of herpes viruses. Pure Listerine and 0.5 percent Lysol---approximately ¾ cup per gallon of water--worked within five minutes. Heat at 130 degrees F worked within 30 minutes.
Considerations
The sanitizing properties of sodium hypochlorite may offer therapeutic benefits for people with other skin problems, such as eczema. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawerence E. Gibson says that bathing in a dilute solution of bleach may relieve itching and other symptoms for people with eczema. However, there is no evidence that this works for people with herpes. Patients who want to try this for herpes should discuss this decision with their physicians.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 23rd Edition;" Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. et al.; 2008
- "Cell;" Bleach Activates a Redox-Regulated Chaperone by Oxidative Protein Unfolding; Jeannette Winter, Ph.D. et al.; Nov. 14, 2008
- "Journal of Clinical Microbiology;" Comparative Study of Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus by Commonly Used Antiseptic Agents; Wendy S. Croughan, Ph.D. et al.; February 1988
- MedlinePlus: Sodium Hypochlorite Poisoning
- Mayo Clinic: Contact Dermatitis: Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Eczema Bleach Bath: Can It Improve My Symptoms
