Health & Beauty Tips

Although herpes is generally not a dangerous condition, you probably know by now that it can be very uncomfortable! The first thing you need to remember is that you need to avoid any sexual contact when you're experiencing a blistering herpes outbreak.

You should wait until all blisters have gone, even the very sign of them. That means the scabs have healed, fallen away, and have now been replaced by new skin. But even though you have to wait, there are things you can do now to help ease the pain. To start off with, use an ice pack to ease your pains and the swelling that's associated with genital herpes.

The next thing you can try is a nice warm bath with baking soda. The baking soda will also help with pain, and it should go a long way to relieve the itching as well. After you're finished, take your time to dry yourself very thoroughly and very carefully. You want the affected area to be dry and clean, which will ease your suffering.

To help retard the viral growth during a herpes outbreak, try taking some natural supplements. Zinc and other antioxidants could help you as well. Also, try an amino acid such as L-lysine.

In the meantime, try to avoid those foods that could suppress L-lysine. That includes dairy products, nuts, meat, oats, seeds, and corn. That doesn't leave you with a lot of choices, true, but it sure beats a protracted, itchy outbreak!

You can also help speed up your healing with immune supplements. These include vitamin C, Echinacea, and goldenseal. Careful, though! Don't take Echinacea if you're allergic to ragweed. Remember to get plenty of sleep and lower your stress levels. This is nature's best immune strengtheners.

Treat any blisters you develop topically. A natural topical antiseptic is tea tree oil, which may be used at half or full strength, several times daily.

If none of these natural approaches helps to get your herpes outbreak under control, get in touch with your doctor. He or she might prescribe one of several medications that are on the market to relieve symptoms.

Just remember that while any and all of these treatments can help ease your discomfort, not a single one will cure herpes. They won't stop the spread of herpes either. Not even the medication prescribed by your doctor. You can spread the disease even through oral sexual contact. So wait a while and take care of yourself and your partner first!