What is herpes simplex virus?
Herpes simplex is a recurrent viral infection of the skin and mucous membranes.
There are two types of herpes virus:
- Type I ( HSV-1) produces infections on the mouth, lips, gums, skin on the face.
- Type II herpes simplex virus (HSV – 2) is the cause of genital herpes, a condition that can resistant to treatment.
How Many People Have The Virus?
Serum studies show that 30 to 70, some claim even 100%, of people have been infected with one or both types of the virus at some point in their lives. The virus can lay dormant in the nerves for long time until the immune system lowers its fences or something like stress triggers it. Or you can get it by coming in direct contact with contaminated tissues and fluids – saliva, skin discharge and sexual fluids etc.
What Are The Common Types Of The Herpes Virus?
There are more than 70 viruses in the herpes family. It typically occurs:
- Around the mouth (gingivostomatitis),
- Lips (herpes labialis),
- Genitals (herpes genitalis)
- Eye (herpes keratoconjunctivitis).
As mentioned before, after the initial infection, the virus lays dormant until the body you have a minor infection, trauma, stress which can be emotional, dietary or environmental.
What Are Symptoms Genital Herpes Virus?
The following are the signs and symptoms of herpes simplex:
- Multiple, small fluid-filled blisters on an inflamed base
- Local burning or stinging sensation
- Fatigue and mild fever
- Regional lymph nodes may be tender and swollen
How To Prevent Another Outbreak
It is necessary that you stay away from things that bring on outbreaks, such as exposure to sunshine. Immunization to protect against flu can also help those who have persistent herpes simplex virus. Other preventions are:
- Keeping away from allergic foodstuffs,
- Avoiding stressful situation
- Eating a balanced diet.
Natural remedies for genital herpes
Listed here are some of the natural treatments for herpes simplex virus. It is advisable that you first have a medical professional confirm you’ve genital herpes virus before seeking natural herbal remedies. You should make sure that your immune system is in tip-top condition because the person’s immunological status is key to the control of herpes infection.
Natural therapies includes taking:
Carotenes
Beta-carotene helps the immune system and inhibits viruses. Beta-carotene supplementation stimulates white cell antiviral activity and increase the number of circulating T-helper cells.
Zinc, Vitamin C
These two are effective in both reducing the symptoms and inhibiting recurrences.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is effective in decreasing the pain and shortening the healing time of herpes lesions.
Thymus Extract
Thymus extracts increase the white cell response to herpes simplex virus, natural killer cell activity and interferon production. So it prevents viral activation by triggering cell-mediated responses. The extract is effective in preventing both the number and severity of recurrent infection in those with a compromised immune system.
Glycyrrhizic acid
A component of the liquorice root, inhibits both the growth and the cell damaging effects of herpes complex.