The herpes simplex virus (HSV) results in an infection that can cause oral or genital herpes. HSV is often transmitted through sexual contact, but it can be transmitted in other ways, too.
To put it very simply:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus that typically causes oral herpes. In some cases, oral sex can spread oral herpes to your genitals.
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the virus that causes genital herpes, although it can cause herpes sores on your mouth and face.
Both types of herpes are common, with
For people with herpes lesion outbreaks, symptoms can be uncomfortable. Antiviral medication is sometimes prescribed to try to minimize outbreaks and shorten their duration when they occur. Some people opt to use home remedies as a way to supplement their recommended treatment plan.
Herpes simplex is a virus. That means that there isn’t a known “cure” that will prevent symptoms from returning. But there are things you can do to find relief during an HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak.
You may be able to reduce inflammation, irritation, and other symptoms through a mix of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and dietary supplements. However, these remedies aren’t a replacement for a clinical treatment plan.
You should always talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional before you try any alternative treatment. They can discuss possible dosages, side effects, and interactions.
These tried-and-true home remedies may help ease outbreak-related swelling, itching, and stinging. You probably already have what you need for these remedies in your kitchen cabinet or medicine chest.
Cool compress
It may be helpful to use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack or a clean, soft washcloth filled with ice to the affected area. Repeat as needed every 4 hours. Be sure to never place ice directly on the skin.
Baking soda paste
Applying a baking soda paste may help dry out lesions and relieve itching. To do this, dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of pure baking soda and dab it on the sore.
Cornstarch paste
Corn starch paste may also dry out lesions and relieve itching. Dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of cornstarch and apply it to the affected area.
Topical garlic
Topical apple cider vinegar (ACV)
ACV is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. To reap some of these benefits, mix one part ACV with three parts warm water and apply it to the affected area.
Eating certain foods and avoiding others may boost your immune system and, in turn, help your body respond to the herpes virus.
Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that changing your diet could help prevent outbreaks.
Although more research is needed, clinical evidence does support some of these claims.
Antioxidant-rich veggies
Eating vegetables rich in antioxidants
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega 3-chain fatty acids can be used to help your immune system manage chronic inflammatory conditions. Salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, and chia seeds are rich in these fatty acids.
Protein
Consuming a healthy level of protein is vital to the body’s immune response to the herpes virus and other pathogens. Eating a diet high in protein and low in saturated fat by eating lots of almonds, eggs, and oats.
Vitamin C
Researchers have demonstrated that vitamin C can efficiently speed the healing of herpes outbreaks. It may also help prolong the time between outbreaks.
Colorful fruits and veggies like bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C. Mango and papaya fruits also contain the vitamin, without adding a high amount of lysine to your diet.
Zinc
Zinc therapy
Taking zinc supplements may also help with a herpes outbreak.
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. These vitamins boost your energy, help your metabolism, and support healthy cell growth. These functions are essential when the virus is attacking the body during active outbreak.
B vitamins can boost your immune system to help your body respond to the herpes virus. You can get vitamin B from green beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, or from supplements.
Avoid acid
Acidic food may irritate cold sores before they’re healed. Fruit juice, beer, sodas, and processed foods all tend to be more acidic. Limit these foods and consider water or sparkling seltzer instead.
Avoid L-arginine
Some research says that you should avoid foods that contain high levels of arginine whenever you can. Chocolate is particularly rich in this amino acid, which some people claim can trigger herpes symptoms. You could try to satisfy your sweet tooth with a vitamin-dense option like dried mango or apricots, instead.
Avoid or limit processed or preservative-heavy foods
Processed food
Try limiting highly processed foods, like freezer meals, refined grain products, and candies, from your diet.
Try out these supplements
- Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg capsules
- Thorne supplements are made in a lab that meets regulations and standards of the National Science Foundation and the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Because of its high quality standards, purity of ingredients, and form of zinc that’s used, Thorne’s Zinc Picolinate capsules are one of the best available on the market.
- Nordic Naturals Vitamin B Complex capsules
- Nordic Naturals is another brand name known for their high quality products that have undergone specific testing to make sure their products meet the standards and specifications of labs. This capsule in particular contains all eight B vitamins.
Supplements may help by supporting your immune system and helping your body suppress outbreaks.
But important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements like drugs. You should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Lysine
Lysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. Research on lysine’s potential to prevent herpes simplex outbreaks is ongoing.
Some reports suggest that a dose of 500 milligrams (mg) two to three times a day may be beneficial. Some research suggests that taking 3,000 mg of lysine daily is effective and preventing herpes outbreaks or reduce the severity of the outbreaks.
Probiotics
Certain strains of probiotics
Probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus are known to improve immune function.
Try this supplement
- Culturelle Daily Digestive Probiotic (contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus)
- This probiotic is one of the best overall probiotics on the market due to it’s formulation and high CFU count. In addition to being audited regularly by the National Science Foundation International, Culturelle has strict and rigorous quality and safety standards and has been been included in some studies.
When used correctly, certain topicals can help speed up healing, relieve itching, and numb discomfort.
Many topical ingredients, such as essential oils, can burn through your skin barrier if they’re not diluted. Carrier oils, like jojoba and coconut oil, are important for using many topical ingredients safely.
Essential oils can also be used for aromatherapy. Be mindful of your surroundings if you’re using aromatherapy, though. Some essential oils are toxic to pets and can be dangerous for pregnant people.
Use a carrier oil for the following topicals:
- essential oils (tea tree, chamomile, ginger, thyme, eucalyptus)
- witch hazel
All essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Essential oils should never be ingested. Some topicals such as aloe vera or manuka honey are not essential oils and can be applied to the skin directly.
Be sure to do a patch test before performing a full application. This is the only way to ensure that you’re not applying an irritating substance to an already sensitive area.
You can do a simple patch test by following these steps:
- Apply the topical to your forearm.
- Wait 24 hours.
- If you experience any itching, inflammation, or other irritation, wash the area thoroughly and discontinue use.
- If you don’t experience any adverse symptoms within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.
For more information on these natural products, read on.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has proven wound-accelerating properties. These properties may soothe and heal herpes lesions. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to nearly every area of the body without being diluted.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent antiviral ingredient that’s
Witch hazel
Witch hazel has antiviral properties. Some people can use pure witch hazel without experiencing irritation, while others find that it stings. Use witch hazel diluted in water if you have sensitive skin.
Manuka honey
Research from 2017 shows that topical application of manuka honey may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1 and HSV-2. Manuka honey can be applied directly without dilution.
Goat milk
Goat milk contains
Chamomile
Chamomile is well known as a relaxing and soothing herb. It can be used in teas, but some
Ginger essential oil
Ginger essential oil has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil also has the potential to fight the herpes virus. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil may also fight the herpes virus. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil may be another antiviral agent against herpes. It can also help soothe and promote healing. It must be diluted with a carrier oil.
Mexican oregano essential oil
Mexican oregano oil contains carvacrol, an
Licorice root
Licorice root’s active ingredient has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make licorice extract a promising treatment for herpes outbreaks. You can apply licorice root directly without dilution.
Echinacea
Echinacea extract may be an effective antiviral against both strains of herpes simplex. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which may soothe existing outbreaks. You can apply echinacea extract directly on the skin.
Neem essential oil
Neem extract may also have anti-herpes properties. Pure neem essential oil is potent and may burn your skin. It must be diluted with a carrier oil.
Try these products
- FirstHoney Manuka Honey Ointment
- This ointment can be used directly on any herpes outbreaks. Keep in mind it is still a topical ointment and should only be applied directly on the skin.
- Majestic Pure Ginger Essential Oil
- Try out this essential oil to help with any herpes outbreaks. Keep in mind that this is still a topical treatment and should only be applied directly on the skin. Also note that this essential oil should be diluted as high concentrations of essential oils can be harmful and irritating to skin.
If you’re having an active herpes outbreak, you’re likely wanting to find ways to suppress or get rid of your symptoms by any means necessary. However, home remedies have limitations, and they’re not a solution for everyone.
Here are a few important things to consider before treating herpes symptoms with any of the remedies on this list.
New infection
Herpes management should be done in tandem with a healthcare professional. See a doctor before you try home remedies if any of the following apply to you:
- if you know you have recently been exposed to herpes, but don’t know for sure if you contracted the virus
- you believe you may have been exposed to herpes and you are experiencing sores or genital warts but have yet to take a herpes test
- you tested positive for herpes through an at-home test, but have yet to discuss your test results with a healthcare professional
Pregnancy
It’s possible to pass herpes to your baby during the birth process. Birth-acquired herpes, also known as neonatal herpes, is considered rare in the United States. However, it can lead to complications, such as developmental issues, damage to the baby’s nervous system, and more.
Pregnancy is not the time to try new home remedies for an active herpes outbreak. Speak with your OB-GYN if you are experiencing herpes symptoms or if there is a chance you may have developed a herpes infection during pregnancy.
Recurring outbreaks
A new herpes infection can lead to an outbreak that lasts several weeks. After that, sores tend to appear less frequently and outbreaks won’t typically last as long. If you’re experiencing frequent outbreaks, it could be a sign of an underlying immune issue.
Frequent herpes sore outbreaks aren’t a sign to double down on home remedies and lifestyle treatments. They’re a sign to speak with your doctor about what’s going on.
Here are some general tips for herpes outbreak management.
If you have a cold sore:
- Do ditch your toothbrush and use a new one.
- Do load up on rest, vitamin C, and zinc supplements when you’re experiencing high stress.
- Do use a hypoallergenic, clear lip balm to protect your skin from sun, wind, and cold exposure.
- Don’t share cups or drinks during the outbreak.
- Don’t try to pop, drain, or otherwise interfere with the cold sore while it’s healing.
If you have a genital herpes outbreak:
- Do wear cotton undergarments and loose clothing.
- Do take long warm showers and keep the area clean and dry at all other times.
- Don’t soak in hot tubs or baths.
- Don’t have sex. It’s possible to transmit the virus even if you use a condom.
What triggers herpes outbreaks?
Many factors, such as stress, illness, menstrual cycles, sunlight, and certain foods may trigger herpes outbreaks.
Can you permanently cure herpes on your own?
There is no cure for the herpes virus, however, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid an outbreak.
How long do herpes sores last?
Herpes outbreaks typically last for about a week. Initial outbreaks, however, may last longer, for about two weeks.
What happens if herpes is not managed?
Herpes won’t necessarily lead to complications if not treated or managed. Some people don’t know they have herpes and live without symptoms or treatment.
Unmanaged herpes can lead to outbreaks of painful lesions, and having any kind of sexual contact during an outbreak can spread the virus to other people.
A healthcare professional should be involved in the treatment of a genital herpes infection in people who are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system.
Although home remedies can be a helpful complementary therapy, they aren’t a substitute for clinical treatment.
If nothing seems to be working, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and work with you to find the right medication. They may also be able to recommend other complementary treatments.
If your symptoms worsen after trying a home remedy, discontinue use.