What is Ocular Herpes?

Herpes simplex virus is a very contagious virus which causes blistering and sores of the skin.  These outbreaks can become quite serious, not to mention painful.  But, when the virus comes in contact with the eye, it can affect the cornea, retina and other inner parts of the eye. This can lead to permanent vision loss, or in the worst cases, even blindness.

Although most cases result in crusty sore eyes for a few days (similar to effects of other eye infections), in more serious cases, the vision can be impaired.  Blindness is one of the main side effects of ocular herpes that is left untreaterd.

When ocular herpes is present, the cornea is the most commonly affected. The blisters that form during an outbreak can cause some scarring on the cornea, which in time may heal on its own. When it doesn’t, the patient’s vision can become blurred and surgery may be required to remove the corneal scarring and restore clear sight.

When the herpes visors attacks the retina (this is called Herpes Retinitis), loss of vision and even blindness may occur. Other side affects of this type of ocular herpes include a sensitivity to light, pain and chronic redness of the affected eye. Thankfully, this is a much less common form of the disease.

What Causes Ocular Herpes?

Ocular herpes of the eye is much less common than genital or oral herpes (only about 500,000 cases are reported each year compared to nearly 25 million of the other varieties), but it still a fairly common disorder.

Like other forms of herpes, the virus is around all of the time. Most of us actually come in contact with the virus every day of our lives, but your bodies tend to fight off the disease.   However, when the strain is extra strong or your own immune system is weakened for some reasons, the virus is able to take hold.

Ocular herpes usually settles in the nerves along the face, making its way to the eye.   After the initial attack most patients report several recurrences within the first year or two after diagnosis. These recurrences tend to just “show up” for nor parent reason and can not really be prevented.

Treatments for Ocular Herpes

Herpes of the eye can be especially difficult to deal with, mostly because it tends to affect the eyesight during outbreaks.  Depending on the severity of the outbreak, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications and/or eye drops to keep the virus from causing permanent damage to the eye.  Some ophthalmologists also opt for trying to swab away infected cells in the office. The procedure is completely safe and does not hurt.

In the event that the herpes virus causes permanent scarring to the cornea, further surgery may be required to scrape away the scar tissue and offer better vision.

Unfortunately for many patients, these common therapies do not always offer the relief they seek, and some vision loss may occur from repeated outbreaks.  Research continues to find better and more effective treatments, but to date, therapy options are limited.

Preventing Ocular Herpes

There are several ways to prevent ocular herpes from infecting your eyes and damaging your sight.

• For those who have regular outbreaks of ocular or facial herpes, it is very important to avoid touching the eyes (or the areas) around the eyes during an outbreak. Since herpes simplex is easily transmitted right before and during an attack, the eyes are especially vulnerable during these times.
• In addition, avoid close knit or intimate contact with other herpes victims during outbreaks.
• Keeping your immune system strong and healthy can also help to keep herpes from spreading to the eyes.  Take a regular multi-vitamin; eat a well balanced diet full of plenty of antioxidants and get enough sleep. Avoid ongoing stress and wash your hands regularly.
• Seek help. If you suspect any type of eye infection (or ocular herpes) seek professional help right away. Getting a firm diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible can mean the difference between a complete recovery and permanent vision loss.

Ocular herpes is much more common than people realize. Thankfully, most doctors know what it is and can recognize its symptoms right away. This can be a big benefit for those who suffer with outbreaks of the virus and can go a long way to helping to preserve their eyesight now and in the future.

Herpes on the lips is caused by the herpes simplex I virus otherwise known as oral herpes.  It is most commonly known for its manifestation of cold sores and blisters on and around the lip area.  Painful, yes; contagious, yes; but this type of herpes is not considered an STD.

Acting much like its more insidious genital form, oral herpes begins with a sudden outbreak of cold sores and blisters in around the lips and mouth  2-3 weeks after being exposed to the virus. Outbreaks can last a few days or a few weeks, depending on your body’s immune system results.  Repeated outbreaks can be expected every few months.

The First Signs of Herpes

For most people, the very first sign that herpes may have been contracted is a tingling or burning sensation on the lips and mouth.  This can happen several hours or several days before the appearance of the first blisters.

Next, the area around the mouth being affected will likely begin to swell and become red and irritated looking.

Finally, blisters begin to appear along the top of the red irritated area.  Nastier than the common cold sore, these blisters tend to fill with fluid; cracked and then drain.  The entire process can take several painful days.

Itching can become a real problem for patients as the after the blisters erupt and begin to dry up.  Trying hard not to scratch or touch them is essential to aid the healing process as well as keep the virus from spreading to other areas of the body.  Remember, you are highly contagious at this point and should avid skin to skin contact with others during such an outbreak.

Other signs and symptoms of herpes simplex I include: fever, swollen glands, sores inside of the mouth, bleeding gums and general flu-like symptoms.

The Phases of Herpes Simplex I

There are two main phases of herpes simplex I:

1. The main outbreak – this is considered the first major outbreak after contamination
2. Subsequent outbreaks – these can happen 2-6 times per year, with blisters and cold sores appearing in and around the lips for no apparent reasons.  Then periods of remission take place, with no visible signs of the disease. For some people, these times of remission can last months or even years, but eventually the virus will appear once again in the form of a new outbreak.

What Causes a Herpes Outbreak

In the vast majority of cases, oral herpes is contracted as a child or teenager by sharing drinks, foods, kissing, etc. Later, as an adult, certain things can aggravate the condition, causing outbreaks.  Some of these causes include:

• stress – this can compromise the immune system, causing the virus to wake out of its dormant state
• illness  that also compromise the immune system
• poor diet

Herpes is Contagious!

While most people understand the importance of avoiding close or intimate contact with people during an outbreak, many do not understand how contagious this virus is.  The infection is not just spread from person to person, but can be spread from an inanimate object used by a herpes patient during an active outbreak. This means that you should avoid drinking from the same cup; sharing toothbrushes or washcloths, and more when visible sores are present. Of course, kissing and oral sex should also be off limits during this time.

For those suffering an outbreaks, be careful not transmit your own disease to your eyes through infected fingers. This can be extremely painful. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching open blisters.

How Herpes on Lips Differs From Genital Herpes

Herpes on lips is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, while genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2.  Even though the strain of virus is different in genital herpes, the symptoms are very similar, which makes many people confuse the two.  Showing almost identical symptoms (just in different areas of the body), both herpes strains are permanent conditions which result in regular outbreaks of open sores and blisters.  Oral herpes, however, does tend to go into longer dormant stages than genital herpes and does not require ongoing medications that herpes simplex 2 requires.

Generally speaking, oral herpes is more an annoyance than a serious health concern. Still, some people find it difficult to eat and drink during an outbreak, which could lead to dehydration in more serious cases.  If you find that your herpes outbreaks are becoming more severe, or causing other health issues, see your doctor immediately.

Herpes on the tongue can make eating and drinking very painful especially during a severe outbreak which causes multiple blisters on the tongue and mouth interior.

The Symptoms of Herpes on the Tongue

Herpes on the tongue is categorized by blisters, cold sores and other types of skin lesions on the tongue (and on the inside of the mouth), that fill with a yellowish liquid which leaks or burst open at the end of the outbreak.

Still, the well known blister or cold sore type sores on the tongue are not the only symptoms of this very contagious disease.  Herpes on the tongue often begin with a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth. The tongue may also sting for no apparent reasons when touched or irritated.

Oftentimes, herpes victims also report feeling like they are coming down with the flu before any tongue lesions appear. These types of flu like symptoms may include a headache (mild to severe); a fever; chills; and a general feeling of unwell.

Once the lesions and blisters appear on the tongue, the virus usually lasts about 10 days or so.  During this time, eating and drinking may be painful, especially if the outbreak is a severe one and the entire tongue is covered.  Those with a compromised immune system or who suffer with dietary issues should be especially careful about getting the right amount of fluids throughout the outbreak to avoid dehydration.

Treating Herpes on Tongue Symptoms

Anti-viral drugs are often prescribed by physicians when an oral herpes outbreak occurs. Medications such as Acyclovir can be taken to help dramatically reduce the severity of the outbreak; the number of lesions to appear in the mouth and on the tongue, as well as the length of the outbreak.

Still, some people would prefer more natural remedies for finding relief from their symptoms.  Some of the most common homeopathic remedies for oral herpes on the tongue include:

• smearing a thick mixture of baking soda and mixture over the tongue lesions
• rinsing several times a day with milk of magnesia
• applying tea tree oil to the blisters and sores
• use Vivus to help stop bleeding gums, coated tongue, heavy salivation and bad breath during an oral herpes attack
• drinking ice cold water (or rinsing several times an hour with ice cold water) to help deaden nerve responses and offer pain and inflammation relief

Avoiding Herpes on Tongue Outbreaks

Just like other herpes virus strains, herpes simplex I which affects the mouth and tongue tends to recur several times a year for most patients.  This can be hard for some people to deal with. Luckily, there are ways to boost your immune system and keep your oral herpes under control. Here are a few tips to try to ward off regular herpes outbreaks:

B-Complex Vitamins

Taking a regular supplement of B-Complex vitamins (50 mg twice every day) has shown to reduce the instances of herpes outbreaks in most patients.

Probiotics

Add a probiotic to your regular health care regime to build your immune system and keep the herpes virus under control. Most homeopathic experts recommend taking a product containing at least 4 billion active organisms twice per day (a half an hour after meals), for the best results.

A Well-Balanced Diet

Eating foods rich in amino acids, L-Lysine can help inhibit herpes virus replication.  Some foods high in these important nutrients include: legumes, turkey chicken, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables.  Eating foods containing high levels of essential fatty acids (like salmon, nuts, flaxseeds and seeds) also help in repairing damaged tissues caused form herpes blisters.

Echinacea

This antiviral herb is a great asset to building the immune system and keeping the virus from invading the body.

 Thymus Extract

Adding a thymus extract to your daily supplement can help boost the thymus gland and keep your immune system strong.

Stress

Herpes is especially vulnerable to stress. When under chronic stress, most victims report an increase in their symptoms, so it makes sense to live a more well-balanced lifestyle in order to reduce stress and keep your outbreaks under better control.

Living with Oral Herpes

Herpes on the tongue can be very painful, as well as embarrassing. The good news is with the right diet and prevention, you can work towards lessoning the amount of episodes experienced, and shorten the duration of those outbreaks that are experienced.

For more information on living with herpes contact the Herpes Resource Centerat the American Social health Association at www.ashasdt.org.

Herpes simplex is a virus that is found on the skin and when activated, can cause painful blistering.  With two main types of the disease (herpes simplex I and herpes simplex II),  most people do not understand that herpes simplex I is a rather common disorder and is not considered an STD (only herpes simplex II is transmitted sexually). It affects millions of people every year.

Herpes on the face can be extremely painful and very embarrassing for those who suffer with it.  Causing debilitating blisters that itch, burn and scab over, herpes on the face usually affects the lips, mouth, tongue and sometimes even the eyes.

Those who have ever had a painful cold sore on the lip before probably suffers with some form of oral herpes.  This is the exact strain that can cause blisters and sores on the rest of the face.

The Symptoms of Herpes on Face

Cold sores are just one sign of herpes on the face.  In most cases, an outbreak begins with a red rash that appears on the face, and quickly spreads. The rash itself may look rather raw and feel hot or burning.  Flu-like symptoms like a fever, chills, aches and pains and a sore neck and/or headache may also be experienced during this pre-outbreak stage. This can last several days before nay blisters appear in and around the affected area.

After a few days of these symptoms, small red bumps may appear at the outer edges of the red rash. Soon, these smaller bumps will begin to fill with a yellowish liquid and get bigger, causing actual sores and blisters.  These blisters may begin to ooze liquid, ultimately breaking completely open, and then scabbing over as the skin dries up.  This is when the sores become itchy.

It can take anywhere from a week to a month for the entire outbreak to clear up, depending on how the body reacts.  During this time, the blisters may spread across the entire face and mouth, or just appear in a few spots. The severity of the outbreak often depends on a person’s immune response rather than the severity of the virus.  Those with a healthy immune system can usually fight off the outbreak much quicker and experience a much less severe outbreak; wile those battling other health ailments may suffer with a much more serious outbreak that can last 20-40% longer.

What Herpes on the Face Affects

Herpes on the face can affect the entire head, face and mouth region including the:

• cheeks
• mouth
• chin
• tongue
• neck
• ears
• eyes
• scalp

Preventing the Spread the Herpes on the Face

All strains of herpes are very contagious and can be spread through skin to skin contact and saliva.  While sufferers may be careful about transmission to others, it is just as important to watch out for transmitting it to the parts of your own body.  For instance, scratching or picking at a blister on your mouth and then rubbing your eyes a few minutes later could result in the herpes virus getting into your eye.  The same is true for other parts of your face, head and neck.  Oral herpes can even be transmitted to the genital area if you are not careful.

The best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to wash your hands after touching a herpes inflamed area (even when no blisters are present yet).  Actually, most people do not realize that herpes is most contagious during the red rash phase of the outbreak and not after the blisters have appeared.

Avoid touching any herpes rash, cold sore or blister and when you do, wash your hands thoroughly before touching another part of your body.  Use washcloths only once before sterilizing them in the washing machine, and replace your toothbrush several times during an attack and as soon as the outbreak is over.

Kissing should also be avoided during an attack to keep the virus from spreading to others.

While herpes on the face is not a major health risk, it can be a painful condition; not to mention embarrassing.  During an attack, the blisters are difficult to cover up and can look rather nasty to others.  The best way to avoid recurrences is to keep your immune system healthy and avoid stress whenever possible. In most cases, patients experience 2-5 outbreaks per year; although subsequent outbreaks tend to be less severe as time goes by.

If, however, the itchiness being experienced is accompanied by small bumps that turn into blisters and open sores, herpes may indeed be the cause of the discomfort.

What Is Herpes?

Before we discuss the symptoms of herpes (including extreme itchiness), it is important to understand what this disease is.  Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that features two distinct varieties: the herpes simplex virus type one which is abbreviated as HSV-1 (which causes sores and blisters in and around the mouth) and herpes simplex virus type two which is abbreviated as HSV-2 and causes sores and blisters in the genital area of the body.

When Does Herpes Itch the Most?

A burning sensation and itching are two of the main symptoms of herpes, in conjunction with the tell-tale blister outbreak in the affected area.  Luckily, this annoying symptom does not necessarily last throughout the viral flare. The herpes virus can cause itching several times during a flare up of the disease:

• Right at the beginning of the infection – before he blisters of herpes become evident, a burning and severe itching sensation may occur
• At the end of the flare-up – once the herpes blisters and open sores appear, the symptom of itching usually subsides. However, it often returns once those blisters begin to dry up, signifying the end of the flare.
• When herpes simplex 2 is evident – itching is rarely experienced during flares of herpes type 1(which affects the mouth and face) ; that is not the case in the instance of herpes type 2 (which affects the genital area).

How Long Does Herpes Itchiness Last?

In most cases, patients can expect to feel some itchiness for about 3-4 weeks during a herpes incident.  That said, the most intense and ongoing itchy sensation is usually at the beginning and end of the flare, with some respite in between.  For those with strong immune symptoms or who use healing medications, herpes itching may subside within a few days or a week.  Still, most people report at least mild itching throughout the duration of the active herpes episode.

What Can Be Used to Relieve Herpes Inching?

There are several homeopathic as well as traditional therapies to help relieve herpes symptoms including itchiness. Here are just some of the treatment options available to ease your discomfort during an active herpes episode:

• Prescription medications and creams designed to ease itchiness and burning sensations associated with the herpes virus.
• Salt baths – by adding some Epsom salts to a warm bath, you can often relieve the intense itchiness experienced during a herpes flare. In addition to offering some much needed relief, an Epsom salts bath can also help to sterilize the area and quicken the entire healing process
• Tea Tree Oil – a common homeopathic antiseptic, tea tree oil is known for its ability to calm itchy skin.
• Ice – applying an ice pack to the affected area can help to relieve burning and itching in the genital area.  Be sure to only use a covered ice pack on this sensitive area (do not apply ice or ice pack directly to the akin), and remove after about 10 minutes.

When to Seek Medical Help for Your Genital Itchies

Living through a bout of genital herpes can be embarrassing as well as a painful.  Wondering whether your genital itchiness may be caused by herpes or some other type of infection can be a real concern for most people.  Like most other medical disorders, herpes left untreated can cause other problems and should be looked at by your doctor.  So, if you experience any type of burning or itching in your genital area that lasts more than a  day or two, be sure to contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation.

You may not want to face the fact that your discomfort may be due to a herpes outbreak, but it is essential to get the correct treatment right away to keep your symptoms from worsening and causing even more serious health problems.

Herpes is a common virus striking millions of people worldwide every year.  With many different types of herpes virus’ circulating the population (including the STD known as genital herpes), it is no wonder that so many misconceptions are circulating about the disease.

What is Herpes?

Genital herpes is an STD that causes severe blistering and sores in the genital area for weeks at a time. Caused by the herpes Simplex II strain of the virus, it is highly contagious and is only transmitted by intimate skin to skin contact, bodily fluids nad saliva.

Herpes Simplex I, other wise known as oral herpes, is a similar condition, but usually only affects the mouth, face and tongue.  It is most known for its characteristic cold sores around the lips.  It too is highly contagious, but is not considered an STD like the genital variety.

Other types of herpes can affect the eyes and skin and can be caused by the Epstein Barr virus, chicken pox and shingles.

In short, herpes is a type of virus containing multiple strains that causes blistering and cold sore outbreaks in all areas of the body.  The area of the body affected is determined by the type or strain of herpes which is contracted.

Very contagious , especially right before blisters appear on the skin and during an actual outbreak, the herpes virus is extremely contagious and can be passed from one person to another through skin to skin and/or intimate contact like kissing, sexual intercourse and oral sex.

The Causes of Herpes

While sexual contact may be one way that the herpes virus is spread from one person to another, sex itself does not cause the disease. Like other virus’, the immune system response by the body actually is a major culprit.  Whne unable to protect the body sufficiently from attack, a weakened immune system will allow the herpes virus to invade the body’s skin cells, causing the outbreak of cold sores and blisters.

Found on the surface of the skin, herpes simplex virus tends to harbor around moist areas in and around the lips and genitals.  It is most easily spread through personal contact and saliva, but in some rare cases can be passed to another though contact with an infected toothbrush or even washcloth – although this is quite rare and should not be a concern among most people.

Genital herpes is caused when the virus is introduced to the skin via viral shedding (the time in which the virus itself begins to multiply), or liquid from an oozing or bleeding blister.  Although it is possible to contract herpes even when there are no visible signs in its victim, most cases are reported after contact with an active outbreak.

The Immune System Response to Herpes

Like most other viruses found in nature, coming in contact with herpes does not guarantee that you will contract the disease. As a matter of fact, most people come in some contact with the virus on a regular basis and still remain herpes free. Most of the time, the body is able to fight off or even kill the virus before it has a chance to multiply and infect the skin and other tissues.  A strong immune system is imperative to fighting off herpes.  Those with a weakened immune system from other illnesses or diseases are much more likely to contract the disease than those with a strong healthy immune response.

Eating a well balanced diet (including plenty of antioxidant rich foods); avoiding ongoing stress and staying fit and active can all go a long way to ensuring that you do not contract herpes simples I or II if you come in contact with the virus.  Still, proper precautions should be taken to remain herpes free.  Some common things you can do to avoid contracting herpes is to:

• avoid physical contact (even kissing) with anyone with active cold sores anywhere on their body
• always using condoms during intercourse
• avoiding oral sex with a herpes patient
• avoiding sharing sex toys

To find out more about the causes of each of the different strains of herpes simplex virus, be sure to contact  the Center for Disease Control at  their government website www.cdc.org for detailed information about the disease and any current research underway or new treatment options being offered to the general public.

Typically the initial outbreak after infection is the worst. Once your body has been exposed to genital herpes and you go through the first flare up, your immune system will create anti-bodies to fight the disease and the next outbreaks will be milder.

If you are infected with genital herpes you need to know that there is no cure for this viral infection. HSV-2, as genital herpes is called, goes through resting periods or becomes dormant. After the initial outbreak the organism settles into your nerves and waits until the next outbreak to replicate itself. There is no set time between outbreaks; the amount of time depends largely on the strength of your immune system, and the level of stress in your life. The period between outbreaks could be weeks, months, or even years.

Initial Symptoms of Genital Herpes

While the primary outbreak may be the most severe, the symptoms are generally the same through all outbreaks. The difference will be that for some the signs and symptoms of genital herpes are so mild they are mistaken for a razor burn, insect bites, ingrown hairs, jock itch, yeast infections, and maybe a mild case of the flu.

In the beginning of an outbreak you may have a little tingling sensation or numbness in an area on or around your genitals. There can be itching and slight to intense localized pain. This pain and itching in an area may then turn into small, swollen and red bumps or tiny white or clear blister may show up.

There can be just a few of these little sores, or there could be a lot of them and in several places on your body. After a period of time these sores or blisters will typically rupture, oozing clear liquid or maybe a little blood. Crusty scabs will then forma and these ulcers will heal in about ten days. You are definitely contagious when there are sores and blisters on your skin.

Genital herpes will typically appear on a woman’s vaginal area, cervix, buttocks, anus, and external genitals. They can appear on the thighs and in some cases around the mouth. Men will generally have eruptions on the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, urethra, or thighs. In some cases they can also have HSV-2 ulcers around the mouth.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of genital herpes will help you choose to see your doctor as soon as possible. When you have an outbreak is the best time for the visit, although if you think you have herpes you should see the doctor anytime. The physician can swab a blister or sore to do a herpes culture, or a blood test can be done to confirm the diagnosis through detection of the herpes antibodies. There are genital herpes treatments available that can help shorten the outbreaks duration.

Once the blisters or sores have crusted over they will generally heal within ten to fifteen days.

The sores can be painful, and it might hurt to urinate. The lymph nodes in your groin area may become sore and swollen. During the primary or first outbreak you might also feel as if you were coming down with the flu, experiencing symptoms that include:

• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• General feeling of being unwell

Facts about Genital Herpes

Herpes in the genital area is almost always caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 or HSV-2. In a few cases, HSV-1 or herpes simplex type 1, which is commonly called oral herpes, may cause herpes in the genital area.

The latent or dormant period of herpes occurs when the virus shifts into the nerves near the spine. Outbreaks occur when the virus emerges to replicate itself and shed cells. This is when you are contagious.

If you have genital herpes your body can shed the virus without obvious outbreak symptoms. This is called asymptomatic shedding. During this time the virus is active and you are contagious.

Often recurring outbreaks can occur in the same area as the primary outbreak. Having signs and symptoms in the same area on a recurrent basis is a strong signal that this problem could be genital herpes.

The onset of a outbreak is often signaled by a tingling feeling that those infected with herpes can recognize. This early warning signal is called a prodrome. It can indicate that the virus has activated and is moving through the nerves to the site of infection. Sufferers who can recognize this sign can start antiviral treatment immediately and possibly shorten this next outbreak.

Using a condom for protection during an active outbreak may not protect your partner from getting the disease. The virus can shed in an area that is not protected by the condom. Any damaged skin, like a small cut or scrape, on an unaffected partner will allow genital herpes to spread more easily.

For information on how to prepare to see your doctor if you think you have genital herpes, see here.

There are three main kinds of the herpes virus:

• Herpes simplex virus type one which is abbreviated as HSV-1.  It is the most common type, infecting millions of people every year and causing cold sores and blisters in and around the mouth.
• Herpes simplex virus type two which is abbreviated as HSV-2.  This form of the herpes virus is less common and affects the genital area of the body.
• Shingles – the last type of herpes virus is better known as shingles. It usually invades the body after chicken pox have been introduced to the body, leaving the virus dormant in the body’s cells; although shingles generally do not usually appear until adulthood.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes can be caused by either  HSV-1 and HSV-2; but, it usually comes from Type 2.   Unfortunately for its victim, any strain of the herpes virus stays in the body for the life of its victim, causing periodic outbreaks of open sores and painful blisters.  This can be especially distressing for those suffering from the types that causes genital outbreaks.

How Long After Infection Does Herpes Appear?

In most cases, a victim of  the herpes virus has no idea they have contracted the disease for weeks, or until an outbreak of blisters occurs.  Generally speaking, however, most people experience their first set of symptoms within 2-3 weeks of exposure.

Sometimes the initial outbreak is very mild, which may lead the patient to suspect another type of infection for the symptoms.  It is not until later – more serious – outbreaks occur that they suspect herpes as the cause of their discomfort. But, that is not always the case. In the vast majority of cases, the first herpes outbreak is indeed the worst, with severe pain and multiple symptoms. Later outbreaks may become less and less severe, making them much more manageable.

What a Herpes Outbreak Looks Like

During a herpes outbreak, small red bumps begin to appear throughout the genital area, accompanied by a burning sensation and intense itching.  With a few days, the blisters begin to break open (ulcerate), leaving painfully exposed open sores throughout the genitals and into the rectum. Flu like symptoms such as fever, swollen glands and aches and pains may also be present.  Most flares last about 2-3 weeks.  In an initial outbreak, it is not uncommon for the blisters to heal, only to experience a second bout of them again within a day or two.

Newly infected victims can expect to have 3-5 more outbreaks within the first year of diagnosis. The good news is that subsequent flares are generally less severe and the frequency of these outbreaks tends to lengthen over time.

Diagnosing Genital Herpes

There are two ways that a herpes diagnosis can be made.  First, your doctor will want to see the open sores and blisters during the attack.  Then he/she may order a blood test to  confirm their suspicions. If antibodies to herpes simplex virus type one or herpes simplex virus type 2 are found, a form diagnosis can be made.

Treating Herpes

Herpes is a lifelong condition that must be watched carefully.  Daily suppressive medications are usually prescribed to help keep flare-ups at bay.  Still, the virus remains active in the body and can be transmitted to a partner during intimate contact, even when there are no visible symptoms.

In addition, antiviral medications can be given during an acute attack, to help shorten its duration and make it more bearable.  Homeopathic remedies are also sued during attacks to keep the patient more comfortable. They include:

•  Tea Tree Oil applied to the affected area

• Epsom Salts Baths to keep the area clean and reduce itching

Herpes is Contagious!

While genital herpes can be transmitted at any time to a partner during intercourse and oral sex acts, it is most contagious when active sores are present.  It is especially important to practice safe sex during this crucial time to keep from passing it on to someone you care about.  But hr only fool proof method from not transmitting genital herpes to another is to abstain from all sexual activity.  The use of condoms can decrease the risk of transmitting genital herpes, but they are not 100% effective and can still allow this contagious disease to be spread from partner to partner.

You want to know how you might control herpes outbreaks or flare ups, keep the disease from spreading to other parts of your body, keep your family members and partner from catching the virus, and find some level of peace with the condition.

Stress is Your Enemy

Stress is a definite trigger for herpes flare ups. Whether you are stressed about the disease, you job, a relationship, or anything…stress can cause outbreaks of herpes. This is true whether you have oral or genital herpes. Typically with herpes, the less stress you have in your life, the fewer outbreaks you will have and they will decrease in severity.

For this age can be a definite benefit. Generally as we grow older our lives settle or calm down. Relationships are usually solid, kids grow up, debt is reduced, and we generally get happier with where we are in life. This natural progression and lowering of stress has a definite effect on reducing the number and severity of herpes outbreaks. The virus stays dormant longer as the stressful triggers in our life melt away.

For those of you who don’t want to wait for years or decades for this to happen, take a proactive role in handling stress. A yoga class may be a great idea for some, but if the thought of taking a yoga class makes you hyperventilate it probably isn’t the answer for you. Stress reduction is a very individual thing. The trick to living with herpes is finding what works for you, minimizing the things that cause you stress, and ensuring you get enough sleep so you are better equipped to deal with all the daily issues.

Avoiding Herpes Triggers

Living with herpes means learning to avoid the triggers that can cause a recurrence or outbreak of your symptoms. While we know that stress and fatigue are pretty universal triggers, there are some additional things that can trigger herpes in many of those who have it, and there will be triggers that are specific to you.

It is important that in learning to live with herpes you pay attention to your body and think about the foods you eat, the things you do, and the effects that these elements have on prompting an outbreak.

Another universal trigger seems to be overexposure to the sun. If you have oral herpes getting sunburned on your face or lips can trigger an episode. If you have genital herpes getting sunburned over much of your body can lower your immune system and cause a flare up. In order to avoid this trigger you need to be very conscious of using sun screens and staying out of the sun when you can.

Any stress to the weakened area (the area of primary herpes infection) can trigger a recurrence. The chapping and wind burn of lips for oral herpes, the rubbing of clothes on genitals or chaffing from enthusiastic sex for genital herpes, may cause a flare up.

Diet Triggers

While some diet triggers may be individual, in other words they are specific to you, there are some universal diet triggers. Foods high in Arginine will actually feed the herpes simplex virus. You need some Arginine, an amino acid, to be healthy, but you can limit the amount that you get. It is also important to know that Lysine, another amino acid, will interfere with your body’s absorption of Arginine. This means that if you do eat something high in Arginine, you can balance it out by eating a food high in Lysine.

The foods with high levels of Arginine include:

• Chocolate
• Nuts – including coconut, and nut butters like peanut butter
• Oats and oatmeal
• Brown rice

Foods high in Lysine include meats, milk, cheese, yogurt, and most fruits and vegetables.

Clean and Dry

Managing herpes and learning to live with it means staying clean and dry. Shower daily, and probably more often when you have an outbreak. Pat the area dry, don’t rub. Or use a blow dryer to keep the outbreak area dry. Wash your hands throughout the day and especially after any contact with the outbreak area to keep the viral infection from spreading to other parts of your body or to other individuals.

If you have an outbreak with blisters you should shower, take a clean wash rag with lots of soapy warm water and scrub the outbreak to break the blisters. Don’t use the wash rag on the rest of your body as the fluid from the blisters is highly contagious and it can be spread to other parts of your body. Wash the rag in the washing machine on a hot cycle, add a small amount of bleach to the water.

If the broken blisters are external you should clean them with alcohol. This should be done once a day for the first two days. It will probably sting, but the alcohol will sterilize the wound, kill the fresh virus, and keep you from getting a secondary bacterial infection. Once you’ve cleaned the lesions you should cover genital herpes with a sanitary pad, or a small amount of toilet paper or gauze. The intent is to absorb any fluid from the wound to keep it from spreading anywhere else. Change this dressing a couple times a day.

For more tips and information on living with herpes, see here.

Understanding what foods to avoid and what foods will actually help you manage flare ups is a first step in the right direction. This is something that will allow you to be proactive with this illness and take some positive steps toward health. Eating the right foods and eliminating those foods known to activate your herpes simplex can directly affect the number and severity of outbreaks that you will experience.

Remember, illness and stress can directly influence outbreaks. If you are taking care of your body and learning about how to deal proactively with this viral infection, then the stress will melt away and eating the right things will make you healthy. Add in a little exercise each day and you will be well on your way to doing all that you can to naturally care for yourself and minimize herpes outbreaks along the way.

Start out by eating healthy. You know the drill, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and minimal sugar or sweets. While there are foods that feed the disease, in this case the herpes, and you want to avoid those foods, there are also foods that will make your immune system stronger, so you want to add those into your diet.

There isn’t one miracle food or supplement, its learning to combine the foods that are right for you, and exercising to maintain a healthy body.

The Battle of Amino Acids

There are twenty amino acids that our bodies need to be healthy. We can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids and the rest have to be taken from our food. If we don’t get enough amino acids, shorting ourselves on even one of the 10 that we can’t make on our own, then our body will take the amino acids from the protein in our muscles and other sources to get what it needs. The body can’t store amino acids for later use, you have to eat enough in food or take supplements every day.

Even though our body’s need all the amino acids there is actually one amino acid that helps reduce herpes outbreaks, and one that can make them worse.

Lysine and Arginine

The herpes simplex virus uses large amounts of arginine so that it can replicate itself. This would be the amino acid that can increase the number and severity of your outbreaks.

Lysine is another amino acid that intervenes with the absorption of arginine by your body. If you eat foods high in lysine and low in arginine then you can help control the herpes virus. While this might not always be possible, you can be aware of the foods that contain high amounts of arginine, and counteract their effect by eating foods that have high levels of lysine.

An example of this would be beans and rice. Brown rice has about 190mg of arginine per serving; cooked dried beans have 270mg of lysine. Combining the two in a beans and rice dish provides a healthy balance.

Lysine Rich Foods Recommended In a Herpes Diet

There are foods that are high in Lysine that you can include in your herpes diet to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and help you heal faster. They include:

• Meats – fresh fish (especially sardines and cod), chicken, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, eggs
• Dairy – cow and goat milk, cheese, yogurt
• Most Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – especially avocados, mangos, beets, tomatoes, apples, pears, apricots, figs, and papaya
• Dried beans
• Cooked soybeans
• Sprouts
• Whole grains
• Brewer’s Yeast

Arginine Rich Foods To Avoid in a Herpes Diet

Now comes the hard part. Arginine is an amino acid that your body naturally produces, so you can’t avoid it completely. Eliminating this amino acid should not be the focus of this list. What you do need to know is what foods are high in arginine so that you can limit your intake and hopefully get some control over your outbreaks.

It is also important to avoid supplements that contain arginine. This often includes protein shakes and drinks as well as multivitamins and muscle building formulas.

The foods that are rich in Arginine include:

• Chocolate
• Nuts – including coconut, and nut butters like peanut butter
• Oats and oatmeal
• Brown rice

Other Beneficial Nutrients for Herpes Diet

There are other things that you can add to your diet, such as nutrients that provide nourishment for your skin. These foods can help you resist an infection as well as help your body to heal if you do have a flare up. You want to make sure your diet or supplement list includes vitamin C, Zinc, and plenty of bioflavonoids.

The list of additional nutritional foods for your herpes diet includes:

• Fruits and Vegetables high in Vitamin C – Lettuce, bok choy, spinach, citrus fruits, strawberries broccoli, Brussel sprouts, bell peppers, cauliflower, parsley, papaya
• Foods high in Zinc – Pumpkin seeds, seafood, beans and lentils, dairy products, whole grain cereals, legumes
• Foods high in Bioflavonoids – wine and juice made from grapes or berries, black tea (Earl Gray, etc), bright fruits and veggies like cherries, peppers, apricots, limes, mandarins, and more. Also eggplant, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, rosehips

Summary

A herpes diet is basically about balance. Understand the foods that feed the disease, and balance your diet with nutritional foods that will diminish the amount of food the herpes virus needs to thrive. The best thing you can do is to get healthy, exercise, eat right, and eliminate as much stress from your life as possible.

For more diet and nutrition tips for herpes, see here.