Herpes is an STD?
It is most commonly listed under popular STDs; however, a dedicated herpes website calls it only a contagious viral infectious disease. The disease is known to spread only through humans. There is no animal carrier studied or researched for this infection till date.
What is the name of herpes virus?
It’s called as herpes simplex which has 2 types viz., herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes while HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes.
Could genital herpes be mistaken with other infections?
Yes. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with a professional health care provider before making your own conclusions on the infection. HSV is usually mistaken for bladder infection or vaginal yeast and other genital infections.
Is there a cure for herpes?
No. However, the signs and symptoms could very well be reduced to a greater extent or even stopped completely through timely and proper medication. Along with home remedies, doctors definitely prescribe antiviral medicines.
How to treat herpes at home?
If you want to get free from the primary signs of herpes, the following home remedies should do the job for you:
I. Place cut lemons on the sores:
Lemon has been traditionally used as an effective home remedy at the outbreak or start of any infection. All you need to do is cut a lemon into 2 halves and place each of them on the sores directly, replacing them after a period of time.
II. Apply baking soda:
This is another customary home cure specifically used to treat blisters and cold sores. If you have strong itching, baking soda could be directly applied on the sores using a cotton ball so that the infected area dries out quickly and you get relief from itching.
III. Use ice for cold compress:
Cold compress is quite effective in curbing pain, redness, and swelling of herpes. You will need to place ice cubes nakedly or wrapped up in a cloth or plastic bag on the infected area every 3-4 hours.
IV. Soak a tea bag:
This could be a bit surprising, but tea bags, especially black tea bags, have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help to treat the infected area. Instead of a tea bag, you could also soak soft cotton in black tea and apply it on the infection.
V. Take help from natural oils:
Vitamin E, olive, rosemary, jojoba, and tea tree oil have been supplying aid in the treatment of many skin diseases. Skin infected by bacteria could easily be treated using these oils. Just leave your infected skin for ½ an hour after applying any of the oils. You could also leave the oil on your skin overnight for more effective results.
VI. Take a warm bath with Epsom salt:
Epsom salt is also used as an operative measure to treat the infection. You need to soak the infected area for about 15-20 minutes in half a bucket of warm water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt. Later, you could also soak yourself in a hot tub of bathing water mixed with Epsom salt for ½ an hour to relax the sore muscles and make your genital herpes recovery faster.
VII. Reduce redness and itching with aloe vera:
Aloe vera juice or extract is very useful in soothing the infected areas. Apply it twice a day repeatedly for 2 weeks to get promising results. Consuming aloe vera once a day could also help.
VIII. Drink herbal tea:
Black tea with lemon, ginger, and cinnamon as ingredients could work wonders for you. You could also prepare a cup of herbal or special tea with these ingredients used individually as per your preference. Generally, it is advised to consume such teas twice a day for quick outcomes.
IX. …Or black coffee:
Mouth herpes could be reduced to greater extent using cold back coffee. Once you prepare your black coffee, allow it to cool down. Now take one sip, keeping some of it in your mouth and some moving over your lips. Do this for a few days, preferably twice a day.
X. Heal the sores using raw milk:
The monocarpin fat present in raw milk has power to kill viruses. If you want your sores to get healed, apply cold raw milk on them and let it be for 15 minutes. Later, wash it off and dry using a soft towel.
XI. Get rid of herpes faster with honey:
Apply honey 2-3 times a day on the infected area, leaving it for about ½ an hour. Wash it off and dry by patting with a soft cloth.
XII. Prefer breathable clothing:
When suffering from herpes, it is highly recommended to use loose fitting clothes. This will allow the air to flow freely and keep away sweat and infection from further worsening the case for you. Preferably, use cotton underwear. Avoid using silk or synthetic underpants if you have genital herpes.
XIII. Boost your immune system by resting:
You should avoid performing stressful jobs and take enough rest to help your immune system fight effectively against herpes.
XIV. Don’t stress yourself:
Managing your stress is a frontline measure to subdue the dormant herpes virus. Relaxing yourself helps to empower your immune system to recover from the infection faster.
XV. Avoid sex or use condoms:
Preferably, it is better to avoid indulging into sexual activities to protect your partner from getting infected. However, if you still want to take the risk, you should at least have the decency to take the preventive measure of using vinyl or latex condoms.
