Herpes is a common viral infection among humans. Because it sometimes show no symptoms, many people don’t even know they are infected with the infection. Herpes includes two main types. These are: oral herpes and genitals herpes. As their names, oral herpes mainly attacks the mouth, whereas genital herpes affects the genitals. Both infections are highly contagious and can transfer via skin-to-skin contact. If you experience some of the following symptoms, it means that you have herpes.

• Pain, itching, tingling or burning in the affected area.
• Small, painful blisters that break open and ooze fluid.
• Pain during urination.
• Headaches, backaches.
• Flu-like symptoms (mainly occur in the first herpes outbreak)

To confirm the diagnosis, you can go to the doctor and ask for available tests. Herpes is a chronic condition. Once you’ve contracted herpes, you will have the virus forever. That’s why many people with herpes develop outbreaks many times a year. But fortunately, there are still ways to manage and prevent symptoms. Here are several tips that can help to treat herpes and prevent it from spreading.

How to Treat and Avoid Spreading Herpes

1. Use topical, antiviral medication

There are a wide range of antiviral medications for herpes treatment. They include: Famciclovir, Valacyclovir and Acyclovir. Acyclovir can be used as topical treatment. Usually, it cannot treat or prevent herpes, but can relieve symptoms of the infection. Acyclovir cream is used for treating oral herpes. And, Acyclovir ointment is used for treating genital herpes. These medications can have some small side effects. So if you’re considering using them, consult a doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

Also, Prosurx has been known as the best medication for the treatment of oral and genital herpes. Clinical trials show that the medication can cure herpes within days of treatment. In particular, Prosurx helps lessen symptoms and stop herpes outbreaks before they start. If you use this at the first signs of herpes, you won’t suffer from painful symptoms. If symptoms have occurred already, the medication can give you immediate relief. Especially, Prosurx can inactivate the virus that causes herpes. Thanks to this, it lowers the risk of developing outbreaks. Prosurx is made with natural ingredients approved by FDA. So, it’s completely safe to apply directly even on the sensitive skin. To get the best results, you should follow the instructions carefully.

2. Apply raw, organic honey

Raw honey has been considered as an amazing medicine for herpes treatment. Although the ingredient cannot cure the infection, it can treat the symptoms. Honey can offer some significant results, such as:

Reduce pain and crusting caused by herpes. In this field, honey can work better than any antiviral drugs.

Soothe itchiness and heal lesions from herpes. The effectiveness has been proven by many researchers in Dubai and New Zealand.

Honey has healing properties, so it can heal the skin faster than any treatment. So, to treat and avoid spreading herpes, apply raw, organic honey directly to the sores. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Repeat this remedy 3 to 4 times a day, and the outbreak will heal in 3 days.

3. Use lemon balm

Lemon balm (or Melissa officinalis) is an amazing remedy for the treatment of herpes. Because the herb has antiviral properties, it can reduce symptoms of herpes outbreaks. For example: soothe the lesions, reduce itching/ burning/ tingling and promote the healing.

To get desired results, you can use lemon balm oil, ointments or creams. Or, you can consume a cup of lemon balm tea several times a day. This remedy can help fight against viruses from inside.

Read more: Lemon Balm: 10 Amazing Benefits to Know about

4. Apply Vitamin E

You can treat and avoid spreading herpes by applying vitamin E. The ingredient has many different forms. But, natural form can be more effective than synthetic one. Vitamin E can be found in several kinds of foods. You can consume it to kill the virus that causes herpes, from inside. These foods include green vegetables, seeds, nuts, eggs, and whole grains. Moreover, you can apply vitamin E oil to get relief from herpes symptoms. Studies show that this vitamin can only reduce discomfort, not help with healing. If you’re looking for a remedy that helps in healing, try using topical zinc.  

Read more: 5 Effective Vitamins for Herpes

5. Use essential oils

There are a lot of essential oils that can help get rid of herpes naturally. These include peppermint oil, clove oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil. These oils have antimicrobial properties, so they can soothe itchiness and give relief. People with sensitive skin should dilute these oils with a carrier oil to avoid side effects.

Other oils that can help treat and avoid spreading herpes are:

• Thyme oil
• Lemon balm oil
• Chamomile oil
• Hyssop oil
• Eucalyptus oil

Read more: 5 Herbal Teas Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

6. Eat Lysine-rich foods

Lysine-rich foods are extremely important for the treatment of herpes. It can help reduce the severity and duration of herpes outbreaks. Besides, these amino acids can boost the immune system and produce new hormones. Thanks to this, the body can naturally fight against the virus that causes herpes. Foods that are loaded with lysine include:

• Nuts, seeds, and grains. They are: cashews, pistachios and pumpkin seeds.
• For example: beans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh and lentils.
• Vegetables and fruit, such as: potatoes, tomatoes and avocados.

And, avoid foods with arginine to prevent outbreaks of herpes.

Read more: 8 Factors That Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks

7. Avoid contact with someone who has herpes

As mentioned above, herpes is highly contagious. Sexual intercourse is the most common way to spread the infection. But, several non-sexual behaviors can have risks too. For example: kissing someone with the sores or touching herpes during an outbreak. Sharing lipsticks or utensils can also cause herpes to spread. To treat and avoid spreading herpes to others, you should take the few tips below.

Receive immediate treatment

Avoid touching or kissing during an outbreak

Do not have sex if you’re having genital herpes

Practice safe sex and avoid oral sex

Use condoms and dental dams every time you have sex

Limit your number of sexual partners

Be honest and open to your partner if you’re infected with herpes

Get tested regularly together

Read more: Can I Have Dating Someone with Herpes?