Virus cures herpes

Some home remedies for herpes include:. The three main treatments for herpes — acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir — are all FDA approved, though there are side effects and interactions to be aware of. Common side effects of these antiviral medications include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness or sleepiness, and confusion is predominantly seen in elderly patients.

Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications may interact with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen , which may weaken kidney function.

Without treatment, sores and outbreaks usually heal on their own. Oral herpes is usually considered a mild infection, but complications may appear in people with weakened immune systems. The risk of complications with genital herpes is also low, though these include inflammation, swelling, and pain. Passing HSV-2 to a newborn can be dangerous, however. Doctors may recommend a Cesarean delivery to pregnant people with genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, antibiotics may be helpful if you have both an infection caused by bacteria as well an infection with the herpes virus. In this case, an antibiotic will treat the bacterial infection and may make those symptoms go away, but the herpes virus will remain in your body. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. LetsGetChecked is a health and diagnostic company that offers home laboratory testing services. Read more about at-home herpes tests here.

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent future herpes outbreaks. Eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can all help outbreaks from occurring. If you have frequent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend that you take medicine daily, which is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future breakouts, and lower your chances of sharing herpes with your partner s.

Oral herpes outbreaks can be caused by sunburn, other infections, or injuries to your lips. Herpes is a virus that, while not yet curable, is considered mild to manage.

The symptoms, mainly cold sores on your mouth and blisters on your genitals, are usually temporary and can go away with treatment. If you think you might have herpes, talk with your doctor about testing and treatment options right away.

Lacey Bourassa is a health, wellness, and beauty writer based in Southern California. She holds a BA in English. You can keep up with her by visiting her website or her blog. Herpes simplex virus is common in the United States. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Avoid foods that contain high levels of arginine whenever you can. Chocolate is particularly rich in this amino acid, which some people claim can trigger herpes symptoms. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a vitamin-dense option like dried mango or apricots, instead.

Your body converts added sugars to acid. Avoid foods high in added sugar and consider naturally sweet treats , like bananas and oranges, for your desserts. Processed food contains synthetic preservatives that may contribute to oxidative stress. Keeping oxidative stress levels low may help promote healing during outbreaks. Try cutting highly processed foods like freezer meals, refined grain products, and candies from your diet. Alcohol breaks down in your body to the equivalent of a sugar.

High sugar consumption is linked to white blood cell suppression — which can make outbreaks more likely. But important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements like drugs. You should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Taking zinc may reduce how many herpes outbreaks you experience each year. Taking 30 milligrams mg per day could be enough to help with a herpes outbreak.

Vitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. These vitamins boost your energy, help your metabolism, and support healthy cell growth. These functions are essential when the virus is attacking the body in during active outbreak. Different supplements on the market will vary in how much of each B vitamin a B-complex product contains.

Lysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. Some reports suggest that a daily dose of mg to 3, mg of lysine may be beneficial.

Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to help the body generate an immune response against herpes infections. Taking probiotics may also strengthen your immune system through other ways. Eating yogurt is the first place to start. Probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus are known to improve immune function.

When used correctly, certain topicals can help speed up healing, relieve itching, and numb discomfort. Carrier oils , like jojoba and coconut oil, are important for using topical ingredients safely. All of the topicals listed below should be used with a carrier oil unless otherwise noted.

You should also do a patch test before performing a full application. Purchase a carrier oil for the following topicals:. Aloe vera has proven wound-accelerating properties.

These properties may soothe and heal herpes lesions. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to nearly every area of the body without being diluted. Tea tree oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before using it on a cold sore or genital herpes.

Witch hazel has significant antiviral properties. Some people can use pure witch hazel without experiencing irritation, while others find that it stings. You should use a diluted solution if you have sensitive skin. Older research suggests that topical application of manuka honey may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1 and HSV Manuka honey can be applied directly without dilution.

Goat milk contains an antiviral agent that may work against herpes simplex. You can apply goat milk directly without dilution. Some research suggests that chamomile essential oil has soothing and virus-fighting properties that may help treat HSV It must be diluted with a carrier oil. Ginger essential oil has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. Thyme essential oil also has potential to fight the herpes virus. Greek sage oil may also fight the herpes virus.

Eucalyptus oil may be a potent antiviral against herpes. It also soothes and promotes healing. Mexican oregano oil contains carvacrol, a powerful antiviral ingredient. Lemon balm extract essential oil may suppress outbreaks and reduce your risk for transmission. Barron explains. Additional experiments are now underway to confirm the mouse findings. In addition, the peptoids could be effective against HSV-1 drug-resistant strains. The antimicrobial molecules could have a host of applications.

Work is ongoing at Stanford to explore their impact on ear and lung infections. There have been promising results in lab dish studies against influenza, the cold virus, and hepatitis B and C. Barron says. Other labs are testing the peptoids as anti-fungals for airways, the gut, and as anti-infective coatings for contact lenses, catheters, and implanted hip and knee joints. The researchers are studying how these broad-spectrum compounds work.

That multipronged mechanism has the advantage of inactivating the virus. Standard antivirals slow replication but still allow viruses to infect cells.