In addition to medicines made by pharmaceutical companies to treat the herpes simplex virus, a variety of home remedies can be used to address the symptoms of a herpes outbreak, as well as to prevent the frequency and severity of occurrences. Although no cure exists for the herpes virus, you can deal with some aspects of the problem yourself to help you reduce the emotional and physical pain that go along with having herpes.
Nutrition
Foods low in arginine and high in lysine can help people with viral infections by decreasing the number of occurrences of herpes outbreaks, as well as their severity and duration. Foods with a higher lysine to arginine ratio include proteins such as chicken, fish, lamb, and beef; dairy products like cheese, margarine, yogurt, whey, ice cream, butter and milk; legumes like beans, mung bean sprouts and brewer's yeast; most vegetables (except for peas) and fruits (especially beets). Foods to avoid include chocolate, coconut, soybeans, carob, whole wheat and white flour, oats and peanuts.
Foods high in vitamins C and E, zinc, calcium, selenium and magnesium can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. They include fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, blueberries, olives and spinach; high-protein foods like beef, chicken, liver, lamb, tuna, salmon, pork, turkey and lobster; and nuts like almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts and cashews.
Topical Solutions
A number of natural remedies can be used to treat herpes symptoms. Propolis (a resin from bee's wax which can be applied topically or taken orally) helps reduce the duration and severity of occurrences. Baking soda and corn starch are helpful drying agents. Aloe vera has long been used to treat dry, itchy skin, and can help ease these herpes symptoms. Black tea leaves have tannins, which provides anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Applying a cool, moist tea bag on the affected area can help alleviate symptoms. Applying cold packs to numb an affected area is another method of relief.
Keeping skin dry helps alleviate the pain and discomfort of an outbreak; however, ointments are best absorbed by the skin when it is wet. After a bath or shower, towel off until skin is damp, not completely dry, then apply ointments. Afterwards, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear to absorb excess water and to allow the skin to breathe.
Hydration
Most treatments for dry skin can help alleviate similar problems caused by herpes outbreaks. Hot showers and baths can decrease lipids in the skin, so decrease water temperature and shorten bathing times. If you are not properly hydrated, drink more water to help avoid red, flaky itching skin. Drinking excess water, however, will not necessarily help improve skin, according to Dr. Kenneth Neldner, chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Humidifying the air in your house helps reduce dry air, which exacerbates dry skin problems.
Exercise, Stress and Diet
The stronger the body's immune system, the better it responds to a viral infection. Exercising and proper overall nutrition help strengthen the immune system. Stress releases hormones that suppress the immune system, increasing the likelihood of an occurrence, and making them more severe. Try to avoid stressful situations to decrease occurrences and their severity.
