Do not pick at sores. Click here for an email preview. Constant stress can weaken your immune system. Herpes infections are more likely to recur if a person has low vitamin D levels. 2. It also reduces pain and speeds up the healing process in those who have chickenpox and shingles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This product is suitable for vegans who want to supplement their food with more vitamin D3. The company recommends that people take one tablet up to three times daily with food. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. In combination, alcohol and acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Some people have regular outbreaks that occur every 1 to 4 weeks. Below are various things to do and avoid when managing a herpes episode. You can get HSV-1 in your genital area during oral sex, while HSV-2 is typically transferred via genital-to-genital contact with an infected partner. Lemon balm is also a common ingredients in antiviral ointments that you can apply directly to your herpes sores to decrease the pain and help the sores heal. You could also transmit herpes if you, for example, were to chew on a pen, handed the pen to a friend, and they then put the pen in their mouth. However, do not apply the ice pack directly to the skin. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A person should speak with a doctor before using essential oils for this purpose. Condoms can help prevent the spread of a genital herpes infection. People should not consume essential oils, as some are toxic and can cause harm. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Alternatively, they may prescribe a topical ointment, which can be applied directly to the sores. It can be used in food or as a face mask. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, Heart - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Center for Asian Equity and Professional Development, Preparing for Surgery and Major Procedures. Eating better. Try staying in the shade or wearing a wide brimmed hat when you will be outside for long periods of time. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. If your outbreak doesn't clear or comes back soon after, your doctor can help you find the right treatment for you. Although rare, the herpes virus may pass to the fetus before, during, or immediately after delivery. A cold compress is easy to make at home. Painful urination. Keep in mind that some unavoidable conditions may trigger an outbreak, such as surgery, severe illness, and even menstruation. How often recurrent outbreaks happen varies widely. HSV1 and HSV 2 can be triggered by the same immune factors, so these tips apply whether you have genital or oral herpes. During the first outbreak (called primary herpes), you may experience flu-like symptoms. Various companies sell garlic capsules and tablets online. Use a condom or dental dam during sexual activity. Keep stress low. Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. While condoms are good at blocking the herpes virus, they arent 100% effective. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Yolandayw mentioned taking a simple painkiller such as paracetamol during an outbreak. A person can put them in the freezer to provide cold compression or heat them in the microwave for a warm compress. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Accessed Sept. 28, 2022. Once the virus enters ones body, it will always remain there by hiding in the nerve roots. If you sense that a herpes outbreak is coming, avoid having sex with your partner. The best way to speed up healing time for your herpes sores is to allow them to be exposed to air and run their course. There are also some things that you can do to reduce and prevent outbreaks, such as reducing prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing friction during sex, and managing stress. Price: $11.29Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes. One or more tests of these samples are used to see if you have herpes simplex virus (HSV), infection and show . One way is to take it for about 7 to 10 days only when symptoms occur. The company recommends that people take two gummies a day with food. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Heal-a-Herpes-Outbreak-Quickly-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Heal-a-Herpes-Outbreak-Quickly-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Heal-a-Herpes-Outbreak-Quickly-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4224172-v4-728px-Heal-a-Herpes-Outbreak-Quickly-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"