Home remedies are generally used for pain relief from genital herpes as unfortunately there is no cure for herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are two types of HSV - Type I (HSV-1) and Type II (HSV-2). Type 2 HSV is the one mainly responsible for genital herpes. Incidences of direct genital herpes caused by HSV 1 are very few. However, Type I virus that generally causes cold sores on the mouth, face and lips, can also indirectly cause sores on genitals.
If hygiene precautions are not taken, then herpes can spread to the genitals from a cold sore. It can also be spread through oral or genital sexual contact.
In order for the contagious herpes to pass on from one person to another or from face to genital area, the sores need not be present. Sometimes the genital herpes infected person is unaware of the infection as the sores have not been formed and any other symptoms have also not been seen or felt, even then this inactive herpes in one person can sexually be transmitted to another.
Following home remedies will help you to reduce pain and delay outbursts:
1. Wear Clothes That Allow Sufficient Air
Moisture worsens the genital herpes. You need to keep the area dry. You should not use synthetic and tight clothing. Your clothing must be breathable and air circulation to genital area must not be restricted.
- Wear cotton undergarments and cloths.
- Change cloths frequently
- Wear cotton gowns without undergarments whenever possible
2. Improve your Immunity
If you have genital herpes then you should keep yourself healthy by eating better diet, exercise and relaxation.
Eat Better Diet
- Eat more vegetables, fruits and nuts.
- Eat complex carbohydrates
- Avoid Red Meat
- Avoid Junk and fatty food
- Avoid sugar and salt
Exercise Well
Exercise is important to keep healthy. Develop a new habit of regular exercise
- Walk for 30-45 minutes daily.
- Take stairs instead of elevators to climb up. Continue to use elevators to go down.
- Lift weight
Relax
Learn to relax. Genital herpes will have a significant impact on your social and psychological life. Stress can aggravate genital herpes pain.
- Do Yoga and Meditation
- Avoid unnecessary stress in interpersonal relationships
- Stop thinking negative
- Sleep on time and sleep well.
If you take care of your diet, exercise and relaxation, you can get significant relief from genital herpes pain.
3. Propolis for Genital Herpes
Propolis helps herpes sores heal. It is a waxy substance that honeybees make. Many studies have shown better results of genital herpes sore healing in comparison to placebo.
- Wash and dry the affected area
- Apply propolis ointment on the herpes sores
- Do it 4-5 times a day
4. Echinacea Plant Extract
Extract of the echinacea plant helps boost the immune system's ability to fight infection. Though there is no scientific evidence, this extract is widely used as alternative treatment for herpes pain relief. Some people have found that it decreases the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks.
5. Prunella vulgaris and Rozites caperata
Researchers have also found that the herb Prunella vulgaris, and an edible gypsy mushroom, Rozites caperata have shown good results in soothing and healing genital herpes sores. Both these herbs contain chemicals that fight both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
- Use Prunella vulgaris in a hot water treatment to soothe and heal sores
- Eat Rozites caperata for treatment of genital herpes.
Your genital herpes may remain dormant for years and for ever if you are lucky. But, if you see the outbreaks then reduce your pain and heal it fast by taking precautions as well as the above remedies.