There are two types of herpes: genital and oral, commonly called cold sores. You can treat but not cure both types of herpes, which are viral and generally contracted through contact with an infected person. Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, will not likely cause, prevent or treat any type of this disease. Because taking niacin poses the risk of serious side effects, consult your doctor before taking it for any reason.
Herpes Symptoms
Symptoms of genital herpes include fever, headache, pain during urination, swollen lymph glands in your groin and small red blisters or open sores on your inner thighs, genitals or rectum. You may experience pain or a tingling sensation in your buttocks, thighs or genitals. Symptoms specific to women include vaginal discharge and vaginal sores.
If you're infected by the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, your symptoms may include fluid-filled and painful blisters around the edge of your mouth, fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck and a sore throat. You may also experience tingling or burning near your mouth and nose, sometimes before blisters appear.
Niacin Benefits
Niacin, one form of vitamin B-3 is not recommended as a treatment for herpes. It is sometimes prescribed for high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. It occurs naturally in foods such as beans, nuts, cereal grains, milk, eggs and green vegetables. There are two other types of vitamin B-3: niacinamide, which is possibly helpful in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and delaying the progression of type 1 diabetes; and inositol hexanicotinate, which remains under study as an alternative to niacin and niacinamide. You can purchase niacin and inositol hexanicotinate without a prescription, but discuss potential benefits and risks with your doctor.
Herpes Treatment
Traditional treatment for genital herpes includes antiviral medications, taken daily or only during outbreaks. Cold sores usually clear up without treatment, but topical antiviral creams may hasten healing. Alternative approaches in the treatment and prevention of flareups include taking supplements such as lysine, zinc and propolis, an anti-oxidant-resin produced by bees. Herbal remedies such as peppermint oil, rhubarb cream and peppermint oil may relieve symptoms. Siberian ginseng may reduce the frequency, duration and severity of genital herpes flareups, but pregnant and breastfeeding women and those who have obstructive sleep apnea or high-blood pressure should not take Siberian ginseng.
Precautions
The recommended daily allowance for niacin ranges from 14 mg to 16 mg a day. Over-the-counter supplements may have up to 500 mg, and doctors may prescribe niacin in doses of 500 mg to 3,000 mg a day. But if you take more than 100 mg of niacin daily, potential side effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting and flushing. If you take higher doses for extended periods, you put yourself at risk of developing stomach ulcers, gout and liver damage. Complications from herpes can cause liver disease.
