Herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. After entering the body, the virus will hide in the nerve roots. When a person's immune system (the body's ability to fight infection) is weakened, the virus becomes inflamed. Herpes sores usually take 1-2 weeks to heal on their own. However, there are things you can do to speed up the healing process, for example by exposing your sore to fresh air, consulting your doctor for medication, and using creams. There are also things you can do to reduce and prevent herpes sores, such as reducing your skin's sun exposure, reducing friction during sex, and managing the amount of stress you experience.
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Method 1 of 2: Treating Herpes
Step 1. Expose your inflammation to the air
While it may seem like a herpes sore should be covered with a bandage, a bandage actually slows healing. The best way to speed up the healing of herpes sores is to expose them to air.
If you have genital herpes, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and underwear to increase airflow to the genital area
Step 2. Avoid touching your herpes sores
If you touch it often, herpes sores can develop into an infection, which will slow healing. Stop if you notice yourself touching herpes sores. Thus, you will speed up the healing time.
If your herpes sore is itchy or burning, use an ice pack or cold water to relieve the symptoms
Step 3. Consult your doctor
If you often experience herpes sores, you need to consult a doctor about what treatment options you can take. Until now, there is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that can make living with herpes easier. Some medications can reduce and weaken inflammation. There are also medications that can prevent and reduce the amount of inflammation you experience.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about antiviral medications
Antiviral drugs are designed to treat herpes after the first symptoms of inflammation appear. Ask your doctor for a prescription for this antiviral drug so that when the initial symptoms of inflammation appear you don't have to go back to consult a doctor for medication. The most commonly used antiviral drugs are acyclovir, famcyclovir, and valacyclovir.
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the use of the drug. Do not use more or less than the prescribed dose
Step 5. Ask your doctor for advice on topical medications (creams/oils) for herpes sores
There are several over-the-counter creams you can use to "relieve" herpes sores, but you should consult your doctor before starting to use them. If you have genital herpes, you will need over-the-counter creams (must be prescribed by a doctor).
Consider using propolis oil. A study shows that propolis oil is more effective than acyclovir cream. People who took propolis oil four times a day recovered faster than people who took acyclovir cream
Step 6. Keep in touch with your doctor for further treatment
After using antiviral drugs for several months, you will need further treatment to determine the outcome of your treatment. If the results are unsatisfactory, your doctor may suggest another route of treatment.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Future Inflammation
Step 1. Reduce your skin's exposure to the sun
If you have oral herpes, your sores are likely to appear after prolonged exposure to the sun. You can reduce your chances of getting oral herpes by reducing your daily sun exposure.
If you are going to be outside for a long time, wear a hat with a wide brim or stay out of the sun
Step 2. When having sex, use a water-based lubricant
Friction that occurs during sex can cause herpes inflammation. To reduce friction during sex, use a water-based lubricant. If you have genital herpes, always wear a condom. Otherwise, you run the risk of passing herpes to your partner.
- Do not use lubricants that are oil based or contain nonoxynol-9 spermicide (see packaging). Oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms and nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes.
- Avoid having sex when your herpes is inflamed. Herpes is more easily spread when you have inflammation. Better, avoid sex when inflammation arises.
Step 3. Find ways to manage your stress level
Stress is a common cause of herpes sores. You need to manage your stress level. You can take a yoga class, do breathing exercises, learn to meditate, or take a warm bath regularly. Look for ways to rest and reduce stress levels so your inflammation doesn't show up. Here are some ways to reduce stress:
- Exercise more often. Exercise can help you stay healthy and keep you from stress. Set a goal to exercise at least 30 minutes per day.
- Eat better. You can reduce stress and feel happier with a balanced diet. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and avoid fast food.
- Sleep more. Lack of sleep can also cause stress. Make sure you sleep, undisturbed, at least seven hours per night.
- Stay connected with other people. You can reduce stress levels by connecting with other people when you feel stressed. Call a friend, talk to him.
Step 4. Consider adding lysine to your diet
Lysine is an amino acid used to prevent and treat the inflammation of oral herpes. Lysine works by blocking the action of arginine (which accelerates the growth of the herpes virus). Lysine you can drink when herpes is inflamed or before.
- Consult your doctor first before considering adding lysine as a dietary supplement, especially if you have kidney disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you end up buying a lysine supplement, follow the directions on the package.
