Herpes Simplex

The disease known as herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and symptoms during the disease can include both cold sores and other symptoms related to a condition called genital herpes, further more the affected person may complain of itchy skin, and there are many burning blisters, which slowly fill up with a clear fluid. These blisters slowly heal turning into sores that open and develop forming yellow crusts on the skin. The condition known as genital herpes is known by an alternative terminology and is classed as the type II herpes. During this condition, the skin in the genital or anal regions of the body begins to develop a group of tiny blisters one week after the person is infected. Before the blisters break out, the skin of the individual will turn red and tingly. Vaginal herpes can occur in women, where the herpes causes symptomatic skin problems within the vagina of the affected individual. The blisters that arise during herpes do not generally leave scars after they are healed even though the symptoms may be very painful during the full manifestation of the symptoms.

When herpes simplex symptoms first arise during the initial infection, it may cause an immune system response seen in the appearance of a fever in the person and the development of tenderness and swelling in the glands. The act of urinating and even walking about will cause pain to the person. The first signs of infection result in symptoms which are apparent for about two to three weeks at a stretch, recurrence of the virus must be expected if the immune system becomes weak though the symptoms will abate for some time. A characteristic sensation in the body is linked to these recurring infections-these symptoms include a tingling sensation in the skin, itching in the skin and a heightened sensitivity on the surface of the skin, all these symptoms occur before the actual appearance of the eruption in the blisters. Recurrence and new outbreaks are rare once a person crosses fifty years of age, and in younger individuals it can occur at monthly or yearly intervals, the frequency and severity of all symptoms associated with the disease will gradually decline with time in all patients.

Excepting for cases where the virus infects newborn babies who were exposed to the rash during birth, the effects of herpes simplex as such are not considered serious, there are exceptions to this rule in some cases, such as when the virus infects the eyes and causes problems with vision. Problems with vision can occur where the infections causes painful inflammation in the eyes, in such cases the patient must be taken for professional diagnosis and medical treatment must be sought as soon as possible. Herpes that affects the cervix can increase the risk of cervical cancer in women, and pap smears must be regularly taken by women affected by herpes.

The incidence of genital herpes does not cause very severe disorders and is not considered a dangerous disease, this is not to say that problems cannot occur, for example it can affect sexual performance, particularly when the symptoms break out periodically-the virus can seriously hinder all sexual relationships for the affected person. The psychological effects such as a low self-esteem is much more evident in people infected with genital herpes, such psychological issues will greatly aggravate the condition and when occurring along with immense anxiety about possibly passing it on to a sexual partner-it can worsen things. This is a very important consequence psychologically as sexual discord and any cessation from sex can bring enormous pressure to a relationship-leading to a break up or separation of two people. The situation can be further compounded by lies, in that the majority of people suffering from genital herpes will use any excuse for abstaining from sex rather than admit the truth that they are affected by the condition. If people are in a relationship, the affected partner must inform the other of their condition if a thorough understanding of what herpes is made clear to them-counselors can greatly help in this situation with information and support for the herpes affected individual. Moreover the person affected with genital herpes will also find great relief in discussing the problem with someone close or with the counselor.

Individuals affected with the herpes simplex virus become contagious and remain in danger of spreading the virus from the moment the first signs of a tingling sensation develop up to the time that all the sores have healed in full. To stop the chance of infecting another person, all infected individuals must avoid direct skin contact with another person, and for similar reasons hands must be washed at once after any contact between an infected person and a healthy individual-these preventive measures are necessary to stop the virus from spreading to other people. Serious complications can also result if the eye is affected during herpes infections. The virus recurs in a sporadic manner, and after the eruption in the skin has healed in the period following the initial infection, the viral particles all migrate into the nerve cells within the body, remaining there in a dormant state for sudden out breaks.

Both physical and sexual contacts are responsible for the transmission of genital herpes. However, for any infection to occur and for it to recur again the person is usually affected by a certain susceptibility or internal vulnerability. These underlying vulnerability factors or triggers differ from one person to the other and may be evident in different people in a variety of ways. Some very common triggers are a weakened immune system, the presence of very strong emotions such as fear, persistent anxiety and emotional stress, in some cases an over exposure to sunlight or heat is also a common trigger depending on the individual. Menstruation in women can promote recurrences of infection in a cyclic fashion.

Supplements and herbs

All the herbs and supplements suggested for use can help in either strengthening the functioning of the immune system and in the promotion of general health or they can prove to be effective in the fight against the herpes virus through their ability act specifically on the virus. These supplements are for use as a preventive measure to bring about a reduction in the number of recurrences; in addition these supplements will also assist in speeding up the healing process during an outbreak and help in recovery. Proper immune system function requires abundant quantities of the vitamins A, C and E and supplements of these vitamins must be taken by all individuals affected with the disorder. Damaged skin and disorders on the surface of the skin can also be effectively healed by the supplements of vitamins A and E taken on a regular basis by the patient. Topical applications of the vitamin E directly on the affected skin can alleviate painful sensations almost immediately and will greatly speed up the healing process. The absorption of the vitamin C within the body is increased by supplementing the plant based natural compounds known as bioflavonoids. The use of these natural compounds is also supported by some preliminary studies conducted on patients, which suggest that they may also make the symptoms during a herpes infection seem much milder in its effects.

To maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system, sufficient supplies of the B vitamins must exist within the body-therefore nervous system health requires supplements of these B complex vitamins on a regular basis. The nervous system become more susceptible to illness, the moment the body starts to develop any deficiency in the any of the B complex vitamins. At times intestinal flora imbalances may be responsible for the loss of B vitamins within the body; in such a case supplementing the diet with plenty of friendly Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria will improve the absorption rate of the B complex vitamins. During acute infection, supplements of the essential mineral zinc are also highly recommended for immune system support and to maintain the body’s resistance to further infection.

Additionally those patients who cannot tolerate the acyclovir drug or other antiviral medications can gain benefit from supplements of the mineral lithium. This mineral does not disturb the body’s cells; however, lithium can interfere with the replication of the virus within the body and prevents the viral particle's multiplication. Topical applications of the mineral can be use in the form of an ointment-about 8% lithium succinate or in a combined form with the mineral zinc-in the form of zinc sulphate solution at 0.025% concentration.

Recurrences of virus can be beaten back by applications of the zinc sulphate ointment. The ointment has also been successfully used to treat herpes eruptions if it is applied repeatedly over a long period of time, this treatment if continued on a daily basis will enable the body to defeat all infections of herpes.

Topical applications or internal medications of another potent, natural antiviral agent called colloidal silver can also be used to successfully treat infections of the herpes virus; this compound produces no significant side-effects for the person but affects only the disorder. The amino acid lysine can also be used to inhibit the multiplication of the herpes virus within the body. Supplements of this essential amino acid can be taken regularly by patients afflicted with the herpes.

Blisters formed as symptoms can be beaten back by the use of the given herbal remedies, which have a strong antiseptic effect while boosting the functioning of the immune system at the same time. These herbs and herbal extracts will prevent, reduce and even eliminate all blisters arising during infections of the herpes simplex virus.

Lesions formed as a result of the herpes simplex infection can be brought back to a complete remission through careful application of the essential herbal oil of rose and herbal melissa oil. Inhaling the essential oils of herbs like the lemon, the geranium, the bergamot or the eucalyptus can prevent a flare-up of symptoms in individuals already afflicted by herpes. The affected regions of the skin can be disinfected, by using a solution containing a tsp. of the tea tree oil mixed in a qt. of water-this solution must be used as a direct topical treatment. The soothing antiseptic action of the gel of aloe vera and the cream of the calendula herb are effective against all ailments of the skin during an incidence of herpes. To soothe the skin while reducing pain and lowering inflammation at the same time, salves made from herbs like the lavender, the licorice root or the goldenseal can be applied directly on to the affected area. An herbal infusion can be made by using a cup of boiling water in which one and a half tsp. of equal parts of the root of Echinacea, the Siberian ginseng, the nettle and goldenseal root has been steeped. This infusion can be taken thrice every day to boost the functioning of the immune system of the affected patient. The resistance of the body's to infectious conditions of all kinds from different pathogens can be carried out through the regulated use of the Echinacea herb. To treat the acute stage of a herpes infection, take 10 drops of a herbal Echinacea decoction once every one to two hours daily, or alternately about 2-5 drops of herbal Echinacea tincture mixed in some liquid can be taken every two to three hours, the third option is to take three 200 mg capsules up to thrice every day, for a treatment period lasting two to five days at a time. The antiseptic properties of the saw palmetto berries can also be used to treat urinary problems related to herpes infection. Prepare this herb by mixing a tbsp. of the berries to a cup of water for an herbal decoction; alternately take two drops of herbal tincture thrice every day as a regular treatment to beat back herpes.

Homeopathy

All of the given homeopathic remedies below can be used at 6, 12 or 30th potency and the dosage can be repeated three or four times every day, during acute outbreaks of herpes. This initial dosage strength and frequency can be gradually brought down to a single dose once or twice daily as the condition of the patient begins to improve. Use another remedy if there is no significant change in the condition of the patient after two days of use. The more potent remedy can be chosen where a remedy works initially, but then suddenly ceases to have any significant effect on the condition of the patient.

• Arsenicum album
  Arsenicum album can be used in the homeopathic treatment of herpes that affects the lips, the facial region, the eyes or the cornea, and the infection that affects the bended area in the knees of the patient. This remedy is to be used in the treatment of shingles and in alleviating the painful shooting sensation typically felt during incidences of neuralgia. The physical symptoms can include the presence of reddened areas on the skin, and persistent burning and itching sensations, along with the development of blisters. The patient may be affected by extreme restlessness at all times of the day and night. Physical weakness is another typical symptoms that commonly afflicts all patients. The patient may also complain of chills. The patient is affected by extreme thirst that can be satisfied by repeated small sips of water. Psychological symptoms in the patient can include anxiety about the effects of the disease and fear of the future. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen during the nighttime, and around 1-2 a.m. in the mornings, the condition of the patient is also affected by cold weather. It can also be worsened by scratching the affected area repeatedly. On the other hand the condition of the patient can significantly improve with the application of heat such as through the use of warm compresses on the affected areas of the body. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate utilization of Arsenicum album as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.
• Graphites
  Graphites is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of herpes that causes symptoms anywhere on the surface of the body. This remedy is particularly effective in treating symptoms that develop in the genitals, in the anal region, on the face and the chin, in the cornea, the thighs and in the skin along the bends of joints. The remedy is useful in treating all the burning and ulcerating type symptoms that come along with the condition. This remedy is also useful in the treatment of herpes that occurs with a delay in the menstrual cycle, and those that occur during menopause in women. The affected part of the body produces a oozing and sticky, honey-like fluid that come out of crusty eruptions on the surface of the skin. Symptoms also include the presence of cracked skin all over the body. The patient may be overweight. The other physical symptoms include a lack of sweat and the patient does not perspire much. Physical symptoms can also include extreme lethargy and physical weakness, along with sudden chill that come and go. Psychological symptoms of the condition include feelings of indecisiveness and fear of things. The patients also tend to have chronic constipation as a symptom. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen on being exposed to the cold and to drafts, the patient also tends to worsen in damp weather and at night, the left side of the body is more affected than the right, and symptoms typically worsen during menstruation. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Graphites as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the herpes.
• Hepar sulph.
  Hepar sulph. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of herpes zoster and in the treatment of all cases of genital herpes in individuals unfortunate enough to contract them; this remedy is also helpful in treating cold sores. The affected areas of the body tend to be extremely tender to the touch. Symptoms include the presence of stinging pains along the affected parts of the body. The skin of the patient may have groups of white vesicles on a red base of skin. Physical symptoms include the presence of inflammation along the infected area of the skin; these areas are filled with pustules of all types due to the infection. Symptoms also include the presence of itching sensations, and bleeding through the skin, there are also incidences of weeping sores developing in some patients, these tend to collect together in an area on the affected part of the body. Psychological symptoms include the presence of a persistent irritability; the person may always be edgy at all times of the day or the night. The condition can be greatly worsen during the night, the patient hates being touched even slightly, the condition of the patient is also aggravated by cold air and exposure to draft, washing with cold water also tends to aggravate the condition. The condition of the patient can greatly improve in warm conditions or if the patient is kept warm under a blanket. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Hepar sulph. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.
• Nat. mur.
  Nat. mur. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of herpes in which symptoms include the development of vesicles on lips and the mouth, and around the joints, or even in the anal region. The remedy can also be used to treat shingles. Physical symptoms include the development of circular eruptions on the surface of the skin. The mouth and the lips of the affected person dry up completely, and a crack may develop in the middle of the lip. The patient may also be affected by the formation of weeping blisters along the skin. The patient may develop a very greasy skin and complexion. This form of the herpes infection sets in because of an emotional shock, due to grief, and from too much exposure to the sunlight. This form of the herpes can also occur because of the cold, flu and the fever-these conditions may make the patient vulnerable to infection from herpes. Psychological symptoms felt by the patient can include feelings of vulnerability, and internal grief along with emotional turmoil. The patient may dislike consolation of all types even from friends, in addition he or she hates company and wants to be left alone at most times of the day and night. The person also suffers from excessive and emotional feelings of guilt for unknown reasons. The patient may have a very bad craving for items like salt and bread. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen if too much heat is applied to the affected area of the skin, the condition can also worsen if he or she is exposed to the seashore. It is also aggravated around 10 a.m. in the mornings. The condition of the patient can greatly improve if the patient stays out in the open air our of doors on a regular basis. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Nat. mur. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.
• Rhus. tox.
  Rhus. tox. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of herpes patients suffering from burning and itching blisters that form around the mouth. The remedy is also for use with herpes infection in the genitals or in the treatment of shingles. Physical symptoms evident in the affected individual include the reddening and swelling of the affected area. Complaints of the patient can include the presence of inflamed lesions on the affected parts of the body, and the crusting over of blisters on the skin of the person. The patient may feel better if the blisters are treated with some scalding hot water. Further physical manifestations of the condition include the development of thickened skin along the affected part of the body. The affected area of the body is afflicted with many crusty eruptions due to the drying out of oozing pus. The patient typically has cracks that from at corners of the mouth-this is a very visible symptom of the disease. The tongue of the patient is also often coated with a white substance. This form of the herpes typically affects people just at the start of damp weather conditions, and if the persons have overexerted themselves, or when the person is chilled in some way due to cool weather. Psychological symptoms of the condition include extreme and persistent restlessness, accompanied by physical symptoms like persistent joint pains in all the jointed areas of the body. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen if he or she is exposed to the cold air, if he or she gets wet, and around nighttime, in women the condition is aggravated by the menstrual cycle, and the condition is also aggravated in all patients in the moments immediately after getting up from rest. The condition of the patient can significantly improve when the person limbers up. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Rhus. tox. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.
• Sepia
  Sepia is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of patients afflicted with herpes where the symptoms include the formation of a circle of blisters in the regions of around the mouth and the lips, along the nose, and along the anal and the genital regions. Symptoms include the production of a oozy watery fluid from the affected areas of skin, which form thick crusts and cause a lot of tissue scaling. Physical symptoms may also include the presence of reddish skin in the affected part, and a persistent itching and burning sensation on the skin, the symptoms may leave pigment spots wherever they occur on the skin. This form of the herpes can become evident in young girls, in all women during the menstruation process, and in other women undergoing menopause, or those presently pregnant. Psychological symptoms can include the presence of sudden feelings of sadness and physical exhaustion, along with weakness and fatigue. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen early in the mornings and in the evening; the condition of the patient is also aggravated by exposure to cold and damp weather. The condition of the patient can greatly improve if the patient is provided a warm place to stay in, if the patients moves violently, and if the patients sleeps for sufficient amounts of time on a daily basis. The presence of one or more of these conditions requires the immediate utilization of Sepia as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the condition.

Additional things you may do

An outbreak of herpes can easily be triggered by the presence of excessive levels of stress and this is so especially if the stress felt is prolonged over a period of time-for this reason all causes of stress must be removed. Sunlight induced lesions because of herpes can be prevented from affecting the skin by regularly applying sun screen on the skin before going out of doors in sunlight. If the outbreak has already occurred on the skin, topical applications of ice on the affected area of the skin very early during the outbreak will greatly help in alleviating the condition. Topical cool compresses of baking soda are very soothing applied regularly on the affected area will be of great benefit. Always wear your underwear when sleeping in bed-avoid sleeping in the nude. If you need to touch any part of the body, wash your hand before and after the act especially if you are touching an area of the body affected by the herpes. Make sure that you do not share personal items of daily use with anyone else; these include such items as eating utensils, any clothing or toothbrushes and toiletry. Condoms do not necessarily confer safety from the herpes and the best thing to do is to avoid all sexual contact if the lesions form on the genitalia. Blisters on the mouth must be left alone and avoid kissing at all times to inhibit the spread of infection. To take all necessary medical steps in the alleviation of the disease, make sure you inform you doctor, the nurse or your dentist about your condition. This condition can be treated using alternative techniques such as magnetic field therapy over a long period of time. The immune system is depressed by alcohol, as soon as an hour following the consumption of a drink-avoid all alcoholic drinks if possible.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin A, 25,000 IU or 100,000 IU beta-carotene (Should be avoided during pregnancy).
• Vitamin B complex, 100 mg.
• Vitamin E, 400 IU.
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg 3 - 5 to times a day.
• Zinc, 35 mg with 3 mg copper a day.
• Colloidal silver, one tsp.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, one tsp. or three capsules.
• L-lysine, 1,000 mg thrice a day.

Other beneficial herbs

• Acerola
• Andrographis
• Arnica
• Astragalus
• Cat's Claw
• Copaiba
• Lignum Vitae
• Oregon Grape
• Pau d'Arco
• Thuja
• Turmeric
• Walnut

Comments

From Laura

I have found that using patchouli oil in organic natural soap at a 10% rate along with a diet high in protein keeps symptoms from showing up at all.