Herpes simplex virus | HSV infection | Cold sores | herpetic gingivostomatitis |STDs

Herpes is a sexually-transmitted infection. It is almost considered an epidemic because of how common and widespread it is. The infection is caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and accompanied by symptoms such as blisters or cold sores’ breakouts in mouth, face, and genital areas.

Both types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2, can cause oral or genital infection. Most often, HSV-1 produces gingivostomatitis, cold sores, and herpetic keratitis. HSV-2 usually produces genital lesions.

HSV transmission occurs through close contact with an actively infected person. However, it can also be spread by patients without evidence of injury.

After the initial infection, HSV remains dormant in the nerve ganglia, from where it can periodically emerge and cause symptoms.

Outbreak can be precipitated by

• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Febrile illnesses
• Physical or emotional stress
• Immunosuppression
• Unknown stimuli
• Recurrent rashes are generally less severe and develop less frequently.

Diseases Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus

Diseases include:

• Mucocutaneous infection (more common) including genital herpes,
• Eye infection (herpetic keratitis)
• Central Nervous System CNS infection
• Neonatal herpes

HSV rarely causes fulminant hepatitis in the absence of skin lesions. In patients with HIV infection, herpetic infections can be quite severe.

Progressive and persistent esophagitis, colitis, perianal ulcers, pneumonia, encephalitis, and meningitis may also appear. After an HSV outbreak, erythema multiforme may occur, probably due to the development of an immune reaction against the virus.

Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

Cold sores usually represent a recurrence of HSV. The disease manifests with ulcers on the vermilion border of the lip or, much less frequently, ulcers are identified in the mucosa of the hard palate.

Genital herpes is the most common STD in developed countries. Genital HSV can be caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Herpes simplex keratitis
Keratitis herpetica (HSV infection of the corneal epithelium) causes pain, tearing, photophobia, and corneal ulcers that often have a branching pattern.

Herpetic whitlow
Herpetic whitlow is an edematous and painful erythematous lesion in the distal phalanx generated by inoculation of HSV through the skin and is more common among healthcare professionals.

Causes of Cold Sores

Herpes simplex virus is a contagious one that can be spread from person to person by kissing or other close contacts with the sores.

It can even spread from contact with apparently normal skin that is shedding the virus. Infected saliva is another means of spreading the virus, and the most contagious period is when a person has active blister-like sores.

Once the blisters have dried and crusted over, the risk of contagion is lessened. But a person infected with HSV can still pass it on to another person even when a cold sore is not present.  There is no cure to cold sores, but steps can be taken to reduce their frequency and duration.

After entering the body, the cold sore virus remains inactive most of the time. However, if a trigger activates the virus, a cold sore can develop. some people may have just one outbreak and no recurrence, while others may have two or three outbreaks annually.

Some people may even carry the virus and never have an outbreak because it lies dormant. Infection with HSV-2 may result from oral sex acts with a person who is suffering from genital herpes.

Some conditions that seem to be associated with recurrences of Cold Sores include:

• fever, colds, or the flu
• ultraviolet radiation or exposure to the sun
• stress
• changes in the immune system
• hormonal changes, such as experienced during menstruation
• trauma to the skin.

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Many people may only know they are infected if cold sores appear, and the first time that a cold sore appears may be severe.

After this first encounter, cold sores are considered a symptom of HSV-1 and 2, and they remain as the only recurring sign that the virus is present in the body.

In most cases, there are no other detectable signs or symptoms of a herpes infection, with severe symptoms most likely affecting young children, as they have not yet had time to build up antibodies as a defense.

Symptoms can include:

• lesions, blisters, or ulcers on the mouth
• mouth or tongue pain
• swelling of the lip
• possible difficulty in swallowing
• a sore throat and swollen glands
• high body temperature
• dehydration, nausea, and headaches
• There may also be an infection of the mouth and gums (gingivostomatitis).
• Pharyngotonsillitis which is an infection of the throat and tonsils may occur when the infection affects adults.

Diagnosis of Cold Sores

The diagnosis of cold sores is usually based on the appearance of lesions and no laboratory test is usually needed because most sores that look like cold sores are cold sores.

Occasionally, mouth sores known as canker sores may be mistaken for cold sores, however, canker sores occur inside the mouth while cold sores usually occur on the lips.

Those with previous experience of a cold sore outbreak will easily recognize a recurrence, and people who suspect that they or their children may be having a primary infection should see their doctor.

The signs and symptoms of cold sores are visible enough for a doctor to make a diagnosis. However,  doctors may also order a blood test.

Treatment of Herpes

Most herpes outbreaks clear up within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment, but some ointments and antiviral medications may help shorten the outbreak’s duration and alleviate discomfort and pain.

Acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir can be used to treat the infection, especially when it is primary. Acyclovir-resistant HSV infection is rare and appears almost exclusively in immunodeficient patients.

Foscarnet may be effective for acyclovir-resistant infections. Secondary bacterial infections are treated with topical antibiotics (eg, mupirocin or neomycin-bacitracin) or, if severe, with systemic antibiotics (eg, penicillinase-resistant beta-lactams). Systemic pain relievers can also help.

Acyclovir (Brand name is Zovirax)

Zovirax or acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles.

This medication, acyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to help reduce the rate of future outbreaks. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, however, it is not a cure for herpes infection.

The HSV continues to live in the body even between outbreaks, but acyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks, and also helps the sores heal faster; keeps new sores from forming, and decreases itching of the affected area.

Important Information

Take a full dosage of acyclovir for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated, and that does not mean you should stop with the medication.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as you observe the first appearance of symptoms such as tingling, itching, blisters.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people and also avoid touching an infected area. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Read More on the Use of Acyclovir Here

Luminance RED – Clinically Proven Cold Sore and Canker Sore Treatment 

This is an FDA Cleared Light Therapy Laser Device to Remedy & Prevent Mouth Sores, Herpes, and Fever Blisters. The Luminance RED is a cold sore (oral herpes or HSV-1) removal device. This eliminates the issue of messy lip creams, gels, ointments, patches, medicines, etc..

Studies show this treatment is effective for over 93% of people, but if you happen to be one of the few that it doesn’t work for, the makers have a money-back policy, so you can return it back for a FULL REFUND (NOTE: Amazon’s system only allows up to 30 days).

The Luminance RED is FAST ACTING and can clear cold sores in less than two days with a safe, highly effective treatment that can shorten healing time and immediately reduce itching.

It is clinically proven to be safe with laser level power and verified to produce an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2. It is SAFE and EFFECTIVE and FDA cleared (approved) and fully FDA compliant. Luminance RED is also manufactured in an FDA-registered facility so you can rest assured that your device will provide you with the highest level of precision and safety.

Precautions Against Cold Sores

• Avoid kissing or skin contact with other people mostly during an outbreak
• Avoid sharing towels, lipstick, lip balm, cutlery, etc…
• Follow good hand hygiene, and avoid touching other parts of the body, especially susceptible areas, such as the genitals and eyes.
•  Immediately wash the hands with soap and warm water if you touch the sores.

Foods To Avoid Or Eat To Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

What not to eat if you are experiencing herpes outbreak is crucial in comparison to what to eat. In order to maximally and naturally treat your Herpes condition, knowing both what to eat and what not to eat is significantly useful.

Acidic foods weaken your immune system while arginine boosts the reproduction and replication of herpes viruses. This makes them both, the worst combination you need to avoid in order to prevent future herpes outbreaks.

High-arginine foods you need to avoid in order to prevent future herpes outbreaks include:

• Protein Shakes
• Seeds and nuts
• Coconut (coconut oil is okay)
• Chocolate
• Lentils
• Oats

Similarly, stay away from acidic foods and drinks such as:

• Sweeteners (artificial)
• Junk food
• Caffeine
• Red meat
• Alcohol

Avoid Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates can lead to a herpes outbreak since they overwhelm the body’s immunity. Your body cells need vitamin C to resist infection, and sugar competes with vitamin C during the cell absorption process, reducing Vitamin C absorption.

This also results in a reduction in your body’s immunity response. Among the top foods to avoid as well, include:

• Alcohol,
• sodas,
• processed baked goods,
• pasta, and
• bread

Stay away from the above-mentioned foods for around 2 months, if you are experiencing symptoms. Once the herpes symptoms are gone, you can slowly re-introduce these foods to your body’s response. Try and avoid processed carbohydrates. There are other healthier alternatives.

Recommendation

A study has shown that a daily intake of at least 1250 mg of lysine supplements can help to control herpes outbreaks. Thus, if you feel that your diet doesn’t provide enough lysine to your system, you can include the recommended lysine supplements.

Lysine supplement is safe and is one of the best remedies for herpes. Those supplements that have vitamins and minerals, such as bioflavonoids and zinc, can also work effectively to stop and control herpes outbreaks.

Other foods that you might want to consider for its role against herpes outbreak and other nutritional properties are:

• Green beans 
• Soybean sprouts 
• Potato 
• Cauliflower 

Foods To Help Prevent Herpes Outbreak

It is statistically estimated that there is one in every five American adults and teenagers who suffer from Herpes. Even though no cure yet, there are many effective treatments to keep the virus at bay.

Not only medications are important, but the right combination of diet is also a significant factor in fighting against the virus. With a proper diet, the immune system is stronger, and outbreaks can be naturally and efficiently prevented.

Some Simple Tips On Foods To Prevent Herpes

• Include fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to your diets or as a go-in-between.
• Make foods that have as many raw vegetables as you can find, including fresh greens and sprouts.
• Also make foods with oil such as coconut, olive, grape seed, flaxseed, etc
• Drink a freshly made fruit or vegetable juice each day within minutes of making it. You can blend the following:
  – Apples, carrots, and celery
  – Apples, pineapples, mint, and lime
  – Tomatoes, beets, carrots, salt, and pepper
  – Berries, apples, and watermelon

A few fundamental things about food to help prevent herpes outbreaks include:

A High Lysine Diet

L-Lysine is an amino acid. It is used by the body as a protein building block. It is an essential amino acid, because, it cannot be produced from the human body naturally like other types of amino acids.

Its impact on herpes treatment is to naturally reduce the outbreak’s recurrence as well as the severity of outbreaks. Thus, it is important to have more lysine in your diet. The reproduction and replication of the herpes virus can also be greatly reduced and minimized by L-Lysine presence, in addition to strengthening the immune system to fight against the virus as well.

Some Lysine-rich foods you can consider in preventing Herpes outbreaks are:

• Fruits:
• Apples
• Fig,
• Pears,
• Mango and
• Apricots

They are all vital in your Lysine-focused diet.

• Vegetables
• Broccoli,
• Brussels sprouts and
• Cauliflowers are also good.

You can also add the following to your diet because they also contain a good quantity of L-Lysine:

• Beans,
• Beets, and
• Potatoes.

Meats

There are many types of animal products that are rich in lysine.

• Chicken,
• Beef,
• Lamb and
• Especially fish.

The Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the consumables that have the highest amount of lysine. Including yogurt regularly, in your diet will greatly help with outbreaks and healing process.

However, gelatin or corn syrup can be found in some yogurt, and they have arginine, which causes outbreaks. So be careful to choose the right type of yogurt.

The important thing to remember is that the high arginine level and low lysine levels in your diet will worsen your herpes condition. Herpes virus needs arginine to replicate itself, while Lysine, on the other hand, has properties that can resist it.

Alkaline Diet to Help Prevent Herpes Outbreak

By reducing the number of acidic foods you consume, the herpes virus can be significantly suppressed. Thus, introducing alkaline diets into your body will help to detoxify your system, and help to prevent future outbreaks.

Consider the following recommendations:

• Watermelon: watermelon is the easiest method to adopt because they are easy to eat with great taste, and can help improve the effectiveness of your alkaline diet, as well as fruits and vegetables.
• Lemon: Adding lemon to your drinking water is another fast method to enhance the alkaline balance in your system. Add some lemon in your drinks and stay away from soda or caffeinated drinks because they increase your arginine amount which can promote herpes outbreaks.

Stress-Relieving Foods

Stress is a common trigger for herpes outbreaks, and fortunately, some foods can decrease stress levels, especially foods that are rich in B vitamins.

Such foods include: 

• brown rice,
• bananas,
• barley,
• mushrooms,
• turkey, and
• salmon

Finally, the regular consumption of foods rich in antioxidants can help in stress relief. Such foods include:

• berries,
• lemon,
• carrots,
• ginger,
• green tea,
• whole grains,
• barley grass,
• goji berries, and 
• spirulina.

Finally, there are a lot of herbs that can help in strengthening your immune system. Some of these herbs are even considered by people as popular Herpes treatments. Such herbs include:

• Licorice,
• Garlic,
• Tea tree,
• Olive leaf,
• Echinacea and Propolis.

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