Diet – an excess intake of the amino acid arginine can trigger an outbreak. Avoid foods high in arginine, such as almonds or chocolate. Also, a diet rich in the amino acid lysine has been shown to help stop the herpes virus from multiplying and prevent outbreaks.
A variety of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (such as silver, copper, titanium, gold, and zinc) have been introduced as antiviral agents [12].
Typically, herpes outbreak are resolved in 2 to 3 weeks, though sores may take up to 4 weeks to heal. In severe cases, such as for those who are immunocompromised, herpes may take months to completely disappear.
In a recent study from 2013, researchers found that topical application of zinc sulfate reduced the recurrence of herpes in a small test group.
Self-care for genital herpesIf an area feels painful, place a cold compress on it. To cleanse and sooth painful sores, reduce itchiness, or decrease tenderness, take an Epsom salts bath. You want to soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
While there isn't a cure for herpes, there are steps you can take to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of an outbreak:
- Talk to Your Doctor About Antiviral Medications.
- Know Your Triggers.
- Recognize the Early Symptoms.
- Practice Daily Stress Management.
- Take Care of Your Body.
- Use Lubricants During Intercourse.
Another possible treatment option that can help someone deal with cold sores is called zinc oxide. This is sold over the counter in a variety of forms including Triple Paste, Desitin, and Dr. Smith's Zinc Oxide. This treatment is used to decrease the duration of cold sores.
No interactions were found between lysine and Zinc. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Zinc is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in doses greater than 40 mg daily, especially when these doses are taken only for a short period of time. There is some concern that taking doses higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how much copper the body absorbs. Decreased copper absorption may cause anemia.
Herpes Outbreak Triggers: What Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks
- Sexual intercourse. This practice is mostly responsible for the spread of genital herpes.
- The Sun.
- Stress.
- Fever.
- Hormones.
- Surgery.
- Weak immune system.
- Food.
It may take more time to heal as the virus usually hides in the nerve ganglion, are killed when virus comes on the surface of skin to replicate. So until the zinc drug has come in the market, Neosporin is the only effective medicine for herpes, though the treatment may take 3 - 5 years.
Topical zinc oxide cream (Desitin, Dr. Smith's, Triple Paste) may shorten the duration of cold sores. In a 2001 study , cold sores treated with zinc oxide went away, on average, one-and-a-half days sooner than those treated with placebo. Zinc oxide also reduced blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.
Lidocaine (lignocaine) ointment or gel – a local anaesthetic – can be applied to the sores to relieve pain and discomfort.
The herpes virus can also be spread to the baby if a mother has a blister caused by herpes on her breast and she feeds the baby with the affected breast or expressed breast milk from the affected breast. A baby is most at risk of getting a herpes infection in the first 4 weeks after birth.
Keep the skin clean and dry, avoiding the use of soaps, shower gels or bubble-baths which may cause irritation. Avoid applying creams such as Sudocrem, germoline, etc. A cup or jug of warm water containing a small teaspoon of salt can be soothing to bathe the skin if the ulcers are very painful.
Applying vitamin E oil directly to a cold sore appears to accelerate healing. In a preliminary trial, a piece of cotton saturated with vitamin E oil was applied to newly erupted cold sores and held in place for 15 minutes.
“[Without a diagnosis], you can make matters worse by putting things on the herpes sores that you shouldn't put on the sores,” she says. People often try using Vaseline, bacitracin, or Aquaphor to soothe the itchy or painful eruptions. “Honestly, not putting anything on the sores is best,” says Gade.
Infants can also become infected with HSV through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active lesion. For instance: Kissing a child when you have an active lesion. Changing a diaper if there is a lesion on your hand.
Unfortunately, you can't get rid of a cold sore in 24 hours, but you can shorten cold sore healing time and cut down the duration of painful cold sore symptoms. Just because there isn't a cure for cold sores, doesn't mean you have to suffer patiently until it clears up on its own.
