| Ailments and Self Help Department |
Cold Sores (Herpes)
About Herpes
Herpes is a common infection generally transmitted through skin to skin contact. There are several strains of the herpes virus, two of these strains commonly cause genital herpes. You can have oral herpes (on the lips, most often 'cold sores'), genital herpes (on the genitals) or non-genital herpes (herpes on other parts of the body; most often 'shingles'). Shingles is not sexually transmitted.
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Can I catch Herpes?
The herpes simplex 2 virus can be spread during an outbreak of symptoms as the virus is contained in the blisters and sores on the skin. However, even when there are no symptoms, the herpes simplex 2 virus can still be present on the skin and be transmitted to other people who come into close contact. Sometimes those who know they are infected spread the virus between outbreaks, when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission."
Research also shows that herpes simplex infections are often spread by people who don't know they are infected. These people may have symptoms so mild they don't notice them at all or else don't recognize them as herpes. For those who recognize their symptoms, asymptomatic transmission appears to be far less likely than spreading the virus when lesions are present.
What Can I Do About Herpes?
There is no cure for herpes to date. Supporting your immune system should be your first goal. A weakened immune system is more prone to outbreaks. During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.
Additional information
Tissue culture studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of arginine to lysine favors arginine. The opposite, preponderance of lysine to arginine, suppresses viral replication and inhibits cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus." L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection. Foods that are high in lysine and low in arginine include, fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer's yeast, mung bean sprouts and most fruits and vegetables have more lysine than arginine, except for peas. Gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and, white flour, peanuts, soybeans and wheatgerm have more arginine than lysine.
To be most effective, nutritional supplements work better in combination. It may be more beneficial to take a variety of Herbs or Nutrients for more rapid and complete healing...
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The following Combinations are those recommended for the treatment of Herpes.
Supplements:
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Vitamins :-
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B Complex, C, E
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Minerals :-
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Calcium, Zinc, Potassium Sulphate
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Amino Acids :-
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L-Lysine
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Food Supplements :-
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Acidophilus, Rutin + Bioflavonoids
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Herbs :-
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Black Walnut, Golden Seal, Garlic.
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Notes :-
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(Many of these products are available combined in a specific formula for Herpes. See related items.)
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Related Items:
(You can click on the product images for additional information)
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Caution: Always seek professional help for any serious disease. The products listed may be helpful in addition to Medical Treatment, however they are not intended to replace it. When in doubt seek Medical Advice.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus may assist in the relief of bloating, constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramping and irregular stools. It may improve allergies and atopic dermatitis. It may also be beneficial when you've taken antibiotics. As a bonus Lactobacillus acidophilus may help support your Urinary system.
Click on the images for more info.
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