Nearly 19 percent of U.S. adults ages 20 to 49 have been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus, or HSV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HSV typically spreads through sexual contact. Vitamin E is purported to prevent and treat numerous health conditions. The Office of Dietary Supplements does not report any claims or evidence that vitamin E plays a role in the herpes simplex virus. Consult with your doctor before taking dietary supplements for medical conditions.
Effects
The antioxidant properties contained in vitamin E may have helped bring it to the forefront as a topic of research for health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. However, vitamin E has no definitive medicinal value beyond the recommended daily allowance or RDA. The RDA for males and females older than 14 years old is 15 mg.
Vitamin E supplementation is accepted as an effective treatment for vitamin E deficiency which is rare (See Reference 3.) Malnutrition, extremely low -fat diets and certain medical conditions like cystic fibrosis can cause vitamin E deficiency.
Types
Herpes simplex virus is extremely common and very contagious. HSV-1 causes cold sores or fever blisters in the mouth or lips. HSV-2 causes genital herpes, which can cause itchy and painful sores in the genital area. You can catch genital herpes even if your partner has no signs of the infection. Oral herpes can spread to the genital area during sex.
Considerations
While no cure exists for herpes simplex virus, certain treatments and lifestyle adjustments can relieve symptoms. Acyclovir, brand name Zovirax, and valacyclovir, sold as Valtrex, are anti-viral pills used to treat genital herpes and cold sores associated with oral herpes. These medications can stop the virus from spreading to other cells.
Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, brand names Panadol and Tylenol, or ibuprofen, sold as Advil and Motrin, can be help reduce local tenderness and fever. Drinking plenty of water, applying ice packs to the affected area and taking lukewarm baths may also provide relief (See Reference 6.)
Outlook
Herpes symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after sexual exposure to the virus. A tingling sensation in the affected area and clusters of tiny red bumps that turn into blisters are early signs of HSV. Nausea, fever, swollen glands, headache and muscle aches are also possible. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have herpes or any sexually transmitted disease. Tissue samples can determine whether herpes is present.
Member Comments