Finding out you have herpes can be tough. You might feel mad, embarrassed, ashamed or upset. However herpes isn’t deadly and it usually doesn’t cause any serious health problems. Here are causes and treatments of Herpes. You see that having herpes doesn’t have to be a big deal.
Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. The herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be passed from person to person through direct contact. It can be categorized based on the part of the body infected. Oral herpes involves the face or mouth. It may result in small blisters in groups often called cold sores or fever blisters or may just cause a sore throat. Genital herpes, often simply known as herpes, may have minimal symptoms or form blisters that break open and result in small ulcers.
Causes of Herpes
There are two types of herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 more commonly causes infections around the mouth while HSV-2 more commonly causes genital infections.
Infection with HSV-1 can be transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing, eating from the same utensils or sharing toothbrushes,lip balm etc. The virus spreads more quickly when an infected person is experiencing an outbreak. It can enter your body through a break in your skin.
HSV-2 is contracted through forms of sexual contact with a person who has HSV-2. It causes genital herpes that is usually spread from one person to another during vaginal or anal sex. It can also enter through the skin of your penis, vagina, urinary tract opening, or anus.
It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present. Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor, as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth.
Treatments of Herpes
There is currently no cure for this virus. Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks. Normally there are two treatment options: Medication and Non Medication.
Medications:
Nucleoside analogues and antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir and fight the herpes virus. They also help to lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks. These medications may come in oral pill form, or may be applied as a cream. For severe outbreaks, these medications may also be administered by injection. They can speed up healing and lessen the pain of herpes for many people.
Non Medications:
1)If you’re going to keep the herpes virus from frequently causing outbreaks, the first step in how to get rid of herpes is to improve immune function by boosting nutrient intake. Take these following foods to keep the virus dormant as much as possible: Foods Rich in L-lysine such as legumes, fish, turkey, chicken and vegetables. This amino acid may prevent replication of the herpes virus. Orange and Red Vegetables include antioxidants and vitamin C to help with wound healing. Omega-3 foods such as fish which help with inflammation and tissue repair. High-zinc foods help rebuild skin and protect the body from viruses or infections.
2)Essential oils used on the skin for its natural antiviral, antibacterial properties that can help treat herpes include clove oil, tea tree oil and myrrh oil. Simply apply these essential oils to areas where cold sores are present.
3)Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people. Don’t share any items that can pass the virus around, such as cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm. Don’t participate in oral sex, kissing, or any other type of sexual activity during an outbreak. Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores.