Cold Sores or Herpes

Do You Have These Symptoms?

• Inflamed skin in area of infection – commonly mouth, genitals, lips or eye

• Itching skin to begin with in area of infection

• Small group of pus filled blisters

• Pain in area of infection

• Flu-like symptoms

• Fever

• Swollen glands

 

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms you may have herpes simplex, otherwise known as HSV-1, or HSV-2. Not everyone experiences all of the symptoms above, the first four listed are the most common.

What Is It Exactly?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). As well as the genitals, the virus can infect the anus, buttocks, top of the thighs, mouth, lips or face. Infection on the lips or face is generally referred to as Cold Sores. Lesions from type 1 and 2 look identical on the surface of the skin.

Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender sores that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the fist outbreak. The infection can stay in the body indefinitely.

 

What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

• Immune deficient individuals are much more susceptible to infection

• Skin to skin contact (where active lesions are present) is required for infection

• Individuals who carry the HSV virus, may have outbreaks following minor infections, trauma, stress and sun exposure

• Individuals with long term health conditions

• Studies suggest that stress can trigger an outbreak in an individual who carries the HSV virus

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About one in five people in the United States over age 12 (approximately 45 million individuals) are infected with HSV-2, the virus that causes genital herpes"

^{Fleming DT, et al. Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 in the United States, 1976 to 1994. NEJM 1997;337:1105-11.}

How It Starts and Develops

Herpes infection is most easily spread when blisters or sores are able to be seen. It can however, be spread at any time.

 

Primary stage

Symptoms typically begin two to fourteen days after infection. The infection usually begins with itching, tingling, burning or pain around the sight of infection. Groups of small painful red spots follow, which, within a day or two, evolve into clear fluid filled blisters. The blisters rapidly become whitish-yellow. The blisters burst, leaving painful ulcers that dry, scab over and heal in approximately 10 days. Sometimes the development of new blisters at the early ulcer stage can prolong the episode. Blisters may be accompanied with sore, swollen glands, fever and flu-like symptoms. Women may also experience pain while urinating. This initial infection is usually the most severe. Sores usually heal completely and rarely leave a scar.

During this initial infection, most people have symptoms, although there are some people who do not display symptoms, and are not aware they have contracted the infection.

 

 

Latent stage

This is when there are no blisters, sores or other symptoms. The virus has not left your body, but is lying dormant within your nervous system.

 

Shedding stage

The virus can begin to multiply within your nerves. This will allow it to get into your body fluids, such as saliva, semen or vaginal fluids. There are no symptoms during this sage, but the virus can be spread during this time.

 

 

Recurrences

Most people have recurrences after the initial herpes attack. Usually the symptoms are not as severe as the initial attack. There are usually initial symptoms of itching, tingling, burning or pain prior to the blisters appearing.

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How Can You Get Over It?

Start treatment at the first sign of tingling or pain. The earlier you begin treating with natural remedies the faster you will get the results. If treatment is started early enough, it is possible for lesions not to develop. A treatment with natural therapies early enough, will certainly shorten the duration of attacks. With immune system support, it is possible for Herpes to be put into remission. This often involves lifestyle changes, but it is possible for those who are willing to make the changes.

 

Dietary Considerations

Avoid sugar

White blood cells are the immune system’s army against invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Sugar competes with vitamin C to get inside a white blood cell. Vitamin C needs to be inside the white blood cell to kill viruses and bacteria. If there is sugar inside the cell there is less room for the Vitamin C, hence sugar depresses the immune system.

 

Avoid chocolate, peanuts and almonds

These foods have a high arginine content, which has been shown to facilitate herpes infections.

 

Eat a nutrient rich diet of fresh fruits & vegetables.

 

Supplements

Vitamin C

Helps white blood cells combat infection, essential for wound healing

 

Zinc

An essential nutrient for the immune system. Zinc boosts immune system function, especially in the production of T-lymphocytes, which are important body defenses against viral infections. Zinc can reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms

 

L-Lysine

Low levels of lysine in blood have been shown to facilitate herpes infections. Research has found that lysine interferes with the reproduction of the herpes virus and may also help to reduce the number of recurrences

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Herbs

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St John’s Wort has antiviral activity, which can help speed healing of blisters. This herb also has analgesic properties which can help ease the pain associated with herpes. St John’s Wort has proven itself to be an exceptional antidepressant, having the ability to improve the body’s emotional response to living with the herpes virus.

 

Withania (Withania somnifera)

Withania or Aswagandha supports nervous system health. It works as a tonic to benefit the entire body, helping the body to adapt to stress. It promotes healthy adrenal function and supports the immune system.

 

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm possesses antiviral activity which can help to reduce the intensity of outbreaks, and shorter the duration of an outbreak. The sedative and anti-anxiety effects of Lemon balm are also beneficial in dealing with stress, which can be a trigger to recurrent outbreaks.

 

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or Echinacea purpurea)

Can enhance immune function, it is also an anti-inflammatory and an excellent wound healer.

 

Note:  All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

 

Lifestyle Factors

Rest

The immune system functions much better when we are resting. During the deepest levels of sleep potent immune-enhancing compounds are released, and many immune functions are greatly increased. The value of sleep and rest during an active infection cannot be overemphasized.

 

Limit stress

Most people who suffer with either cold sores or genital herpes, notice an increase in incidence, in times of stress.

 

Get the Help You Need to Get Well

The best way to get results fast is to find professional help. Learning how to manage your health and the virus, is the key to reducing recurrences.  Whether you have cold sores or genital herpes, I can help you.

 

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.

To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.

 

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