Do I have herpes or a fungal infection? This is a question that most people ask their doctors when they get sores or blisters in the genital area. A fungal infection and herpes can look similar, but they can still have some differences. In this article, we’re going to talk in detail about these two conditions. And how to differentiate between them.

Herpes Overview

Herpes is a skin condition that affects the area around the mouth or the genitals. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus includes two main types of HSV. These are HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 can be responsible for oral herpes, while HSV-2 can be to blame for genital herpes. People usually refer oral herpes to as a cold sore or fever blister. It occurs in or around the mouth and the lips. Genital herpes, on the other hand, is most commonly found in or around the genital and anal area. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes. This happens during oral-genital sex and can make up 40% of all cases of genital herpes.

Herpes is a very contagious disease. If not treated, the virus can spread to other people, including your baby, or your partner. Here are a few common habits and behaviors that can be to blame for herpes transmission:

Sexual intercourse. Any kind of sexual contact (including oral, vaginal or anal) can lead to transmission.

Skin-to-skin contact. Kissing someone with herpes. Touching a herpes sore. Scratching the affected area. Rubbing an infected area of skin on your own body. These acts can put you at an increased risk of contracting herpes.

Object-to-human. Using personal items of an infected person makes you more susceptible to herpes.

Mother-to-child. A mother with genital herpes can pass the virus to her baby through delivery. 

Learn more: How Do I Know if My Child Has Herpes?

Fungal Infection Overview

Fungus is everywhere around us. It lives in moist, warm areas, such as the air, soil, plants, water and the human body.Most of the time, fungus is harmless and causes no health problems. But when it multiplies and grows out of control, an infection may occur.

Fungal infections can affect the skin or internal organs, such as the lungs. For skin infections, they are more common and tend to appear everywhere on the body. Here are a few fungal infections of the skin that you need to know.

Athlete’s foot. This is a fungal infection of the feet that most commonly occurs in athletes.

Jock itch.It usually appears in the groin, inner thighs, genitals and buttocks. Men and adolescent boys are most at risk of jock itch.

Ringworm.Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called tinea. It can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, groin, feet, beard, or other areas. A red, itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash is a common symptom of ringworm.

Yeast infection. This infection results from candida. It can affect the mouth, causing oral thrush. Yeast infection can also occur in the vagina, called vaginal yeast infection.

A person is more likely to develop a fungal skin infection if they:

• Are obese
• Have diabetes
• Sweat a lot
• Wear tight shoes or clothes
• Use public showers frequently
• Go barefoot everywhere
• Have close contact with a person or pet that has the disease

Learn more: Foods to Avoid When You Have Jock Itch

How to Know If You Have Herpes or a Fungal Infection

Herpes can be misdiagnosed as a fungal infection and vice versa. This is because both conditions cause a rash with sores or blisters. Besides, they are contagious and can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact. To know if you have herpes or a fungal infection, carefully examine your symptoms. If necessary, ask your doctor about diagnosis and testing. Here are a few simple ways to find out you have herpes.

Watch for herpes symptoms

After infection, it can take 2 weeks for herpes to show up symptoms. A fungal infection, on the other hand, only needs 4 to 10 days.

Notice if there is a red or itchy skin

If you see a rash with redness, itching, or burning on your skin, it means that you have herpes. These symptoms often occur before an outbreak. Fever, sunlight, stress, and trauma can contribute to the problem.

Look for blisters on or around your genitals

Herpes usually causes painful blisters that can break, ooze and form scabs. The whole process can take 7-10 days before healing. A fungal infection rarely causes sores or blisters. It only happens in severe cases or due to scratching.

Notice any pain while urinating or having sex

A fungal infection, like yeast infection can be mistaken for herpes. They can both cause:

• pain during sex and/or urination
• abnormal discharge

However, there are differences between the two conditions. A fungal infection usually causes a white, thick, cottage cheese discharge. And the discharge will be odorless. Herpes, on the other hand, causes a clear, white, or off-white pale discharge with an odor.

Examine your risk factors and behaviors

You’re more prone to get herpes if you have the following risks:

• Being female
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having unprotected sex (especially oral sex)
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having another STD, such as genital warts, HIV or syphilis

Common infections that can be mistaken for herpes

• Contact dermatitis
• Yeast infections
• Jock itch
• Scabies
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Learn more: Herpes and Eczema: What’s the Difference?

Fungal infections, such as jock itch and yeast infections can look like herpes. To confirm if you have herpes or a fungal infection, talk with your doctor. If you are tested positive for herpes, use ProsurX immediately. This is one of the best antiviral creams that can help get rid of herpes in a few days. Many people use this cream to get relief, reduce transmission and prevent new outbreaks. Doctors say that ProsurX can kill the HSV both on the surface and lower layers of the skin. Thus, it can help stop an outbreak before it develops. To get the best results, you should follow the instructions on the product. For severe cases, ask your doctor about oral medication.

Learn more: Herbal Teas Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

There’s an equal chance for anyone who is sexually active to contract genital herpes. Because of a highly contagious infection, herpes is very common. But many people with the virus don’t know they have had it. Until the virus is spread to others, they may realize the fact that they have contracted herpes. When you find out your partner has genital herpes, how your feeling is? Of course, you could be shocked and have a lot of questions. Here’re the frequently asked questions (FAQs) if your partner has genital herpes.

1. Could I Have Been Infected With Genital Herpes, Too?

When your partner has genital herpes, this FAQ may be the first one on your mind. The answer for it is depending on which types of intercourse you perform. It includes protected or unprotected sex. Also, it depends on how long you have been engaging with each other.

When you’ve had several times and use condoms each time, your risk will be lower than if you’ve had intercourse without protection for a long time. However, it still has an opportunity to get herpes during any sexual activity. Even though you haven’t seen any herpes symptoms, don’t always think that you’re clear. In fact, herpes usually doesn’t show up symptoms even if you’ve contracted it already. What’s more, herpes can be spread even if there’s no symptom.

2. How Can I Detect if I’ve Been Infected With Herpes?

If your partner has genital herpes, you’re more likely to have it. The simple way to find out whether you’ve been infected with herpes is to get tested. See your doctor and do some necessary tests to detect herpes.

A swab test is more accurate than blood tests, but it’s only done if you develop herpes blisters or sores in the genitals. Otherwise, your doctor may suggest IgG and IgM tests to look for antibodies for herpes that your immune system has made when you were infected. But positive blood test results don’t always mean you’re infected with genital herpes.

Related: What Does It Mean if You Have Positive Herpes IgG and IgM Test Results?

3. What Should I Do to Protect Myself from Genital Herpes?

It’s definitely one of the FAQs when your partner has genital herpes. The unhappy fact is there’s not 100% effective protection for herpes. That’s because the virus can be passed through the uncovered area. Even so, using condoms can lower your risk of getting the virus up to 90%. You should ask your partner to tell you if he/she notices early symptoms of a herpes outbreak. One more thing is to abstain from sex when your partner is developing a herpes infection. Let’s wait until the infection is healed to engage with sex and don’t forget to use protective methods.

4. Could My Partner Get Genital Herpes From a Toilet Seat?

It’s sometimes believed that genital herpes can be transmitted from public places, such as toilet seats or a hot tub. But in fact, this’s very rare. Many people who are in a monogamous relationship often doubt that their partners cheated them because of a herpes infection. Remember that, however, people can have had herpes for years or longer without realizing it. So, if your partner has genital herpes, both should have a conversation.

Even though your partner could have contracted this virus from a previous sexual partner, there’re other causes increase his/her risk for herpes. For example, he/she can get it from you while you even don’t know. This virus also spreads through sharing underwear with a person who has herpes. Along with that, using the same razors or clothes also the cause of genital herpes in your partner.

Related: Can You Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) From Toilet Seat?

5. Can Genital Herpes Be Treated?

The answer is “No”. There’s no cure for this virus, but it can be managed. If your partner has genital herpes, some treatments are available for the infection. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are the common prescribed antiviral medications for herpes. These can help to alleviate the herpes symptoms and prevent further recurrences. Along with that, your partner can try certain OTC or ointment, like Prosurx. This cream is effective in getting rid of herpes on the skin’s surface and in deep skin layers. Thanks to that, it rapidly clears active outbreaks and stops herpes recurrence before they start. Home remedies are also another cure option for this virus, but you should test them before applying to avoid irritation.

6. What Should I Do to Help My Partner?

Some people can’t accept their partner who has a genital herpes infection and leave them to seek someone else. However, if you left your partner, you would have nearly one-fifth chance of meeting another man with this infection, or about one-fourth chance of having another woman who is contracted herpes. Thus, instead of leaving your partner alone, you should support him/her to cope with the disease.

If your partner doesn’t know how to dealing well, you can suggest joining a support group or need a doctor’s advice. Or when the infection is harming your relationship, both can try couple’s therapy.

Related: Why Am I Having More Frequent Herpes Outbreaks?

Genital herpes is a common STD for sexually active people. Because of an STD, you may be shocked if your partner has genital herpes. Then, a lot doubting questions appear in your mind which make you stressed out and full of doubt. But don’t worry, the answers for the above FAQs can help to put your mind at ease.

Herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is an incurable STD. Once you are infected, you will have the virus for the rest of your life. Some people develop herpes outbreaks every week, others do not. This can vary from person to person and depend on many factors. Read on this article to know why you are getting herpes outbreaks so often and how you can manage them.

How Long Does A Herpes Outbreak Last?

Herpes can take in two forms: oral herpes and genital herpes. Oral herpes results from HSV-1 and can develop on the lips, around the mouth. Genital herpes, on the other hand, is caused by HSV-2. It can commonly be found in the genital and anal area.

After HSV exposure, herpes can take 2 to 12 days to develop symptoms. It usually starts as a small blister or a group of blisters on your skin. The blister can be red, itchy or painful. It can break and turn into a sore, causing other symptoms like:

• Itching, tingling, or a burning sensation
• Pain and swelling around the affected area
• Trouble peeing (genital herpes)
• Painful intercourse (genital herpes)
• Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue (the first outbreak)

After a few days, the sore begins to heal and new skin will form. Without treatment, an outbreak of herpes can go away on its own in 2-3 weeks. But several factors can slow the healing time of a herpes outbreak. These are:

The herpes type that you are suffering from. Research has shown that HSV-1 infections can heal faster than HSV-2 infections.

The number of herpes outbreaks that you have had in the past. The number and the severity of herpes outbreaks tend to decrease over time. So if you have had multiple outbreaks in the past, you are likely to heal faster.

The time you use treatment. Using antiviral drugs at the early signs of outbreak can shorten healing and suppress future outbreaks. Many people use ProsurX when they feel an outbreak is coming. It helps lessen the symptoms and prevent the blisters from appearing on the skin. With this treatment, it takes less than one week to being symptom free.

Read more: How to Identify if You Have Genital Herpes or Genital Pimples

Why Do You Get Herpes Outbreaks Every Week?

Herpes affects people differently. For some people, the first outbreak is the only outbreak. Others have 4 to 6 outbreaks a year. In some cases, people develop outbreaks every week, or every month before period. The number of herpes outbreaks may depend on the following factors:

How long you’ve been infected with the HSV. As mentioned earlier, over time, the severity, the duration and the number of herpes outbreaks will decrease. If you’ve had herpes for a long time, you will no longer have frequent outbreak.

What type of herpes you have, and where it is located. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes and HSV-2 can also cause oral herpes. This occurs when you have oral sex with a person who carries the virus. HSV-2 tends to cause more recurrent outbreaks than HSV-1. The outbreak rate will decrease as the following: genital HSV-2 > oral HSV-1 > genital HSV-1 > oral HSV-2.

Your immune system. An immune system is important to protect your body from viruses. If it is weakened, you are more likely to develop recurrent outbreaks.

Other factors that increase your risk of frequent herpes outbreaks include:

• Colds and sunlight (oral herpes)
• Hormone change (due to pregnancy or menstruation)
• Sexual intercourse (including oral, vaginal or anal sex)
• Trauma to the lips, mouth or face
• Physical and emotional stress
• Others infections (HIV or HPV)
• Surgery

Read more: How to Tell if a Herpes Outbreak Is Coming

How Do You Manage and Prevent Herpes Outbreaks?

If you have herpes outbreaks every week or so often, see your doctor. A few tips below can be effective to ease symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.

Managing Herpes Outbreaks

Use antiviral medication. Go to a drugstore or visit Amazon to buy an antiviral topical cream. ProsurX is one of the best and most common creams for herpes in the market right now. It is known to kill the HSV both on the surface and lower layers of your skin. Therefore, it can relieve symptoms, shorten healing and stop an outbreak before it occurs. Apply ProsurX 2- 3 times daily for 3 days to 1 week and you can get the best results. Other medications can be used to treat herpes: Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex.  

Use warm water to ease the discomfort. Take warm baths and showers can give you some relief from herpes symptoms. So, do this 3 or 4 times a day.

Use different towels for your face and body. Herpes is very contagious, especially when the sore is visible. To reduce the spread of herpes, use one towel for your genitals and one for the rest of your body.

Dry yourself after a shower. After a shower or bath, blow dry your genitals thoroughly. It can keep your area dry and speed up healing.

Avoid touching the sore. Touching or scratching a herpes sore can worsen the symptoms and make the virus spread. So, be careful.

Wear comfortable underwear. This allows your skin to breathe, thus healing faster. Choose underwear made from cotton, not from synthetic.

Use supplements. Supplements can help boost the immune system, shorten healing time and suppress outbreaks. Consider bulletproof deep immune support. You can also take Zinc, Lysine, Probiotics or Vitamin B complex.

Use topical herbs or essential oils. Some herbs and oils can be useful to treat recurrent herpes outbreaks. These are aloe Vera, tea tree oil, Neem extract, Echinacea extract, or Licorice extract.

Read more: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Preventing Herpes Outbreaks Every Week

Some lifestyle behaviors can cause frequent herpes outbreaks. To prevent transmission and avoid future outbreaks, you should:

Talk to your partner about herpes. Telling your partner that you have herpes. Allow him/her to decide whether to stay in a relationship.

Practice safe sex. Sexual intercourse is the most common way to spread herpes infections. So, avoid all kinds of sexual contact when you are having a herpes outbreak. Do not give/receive oral sex to/on a person who has herpes.

Use protection between outbreaks. Condom is important to prevent STDs during sex. Though it does not offer 100% protection, it can reduce the risk of transmission.

Talk to your doctor. If medications do not help or your infection gets worse, talk to your doctor. They can help you make treatment choices to suit your condition.

Read more: What Should I Do When My Partner Has Genital Herpes

It seems to be awful after a genital herpes diagnosis. You may have numerous questions about the condition and how to live peacefully with it. In reality, herpes is a highly contagious STD and there’s no cure for it. However, certain treatments help to relieve and prevent it from coming back. Your healthy lifestyle and sex life also play a key role in dealing with this virus after diagnosing. Here’re some frequently asked questions (FAQs) after a genital diagnose you may concern.

 FAQs After a Genital Herpes Diagnosis

1. If I Continue to Engage With Sex, Is My Partner Infected With Genital Herpes?

Of course! Your partner will be put at high risk of contracting genital herpes if you engage with sex. To reduce your partner’s risk of getting herpes, you should wait until the genital herpes is healed. However, the virus still spreads without any noticeable symptoms. That’s why you should use protective methods every time you have sex, such as condoms or dental dams. Although a condom isn’t 100% effective in preventing herpes because of not covering all affected areas, it helps lower the risk of getting herpes.

2. Should I Tell My Partner that I’m Diagnosed With Genital Herpes?

It’s necessary to tell with your partner about your condition before starting to have sex. Because of a highly contagious infection, your partner can be infected. So, tell your partner that there’s always a chance of getting herpes from you. But there’re also many ways to reduce the risk. Then, both of you should work together to find the best ways to deal with the condition and protect your partner from contracting it. If you feel it’s hard to begin a conversation with your partner, here’s how to tell your partner about genital herpes.

3. How Dangerous Is Genital Herpes?

This is one of the FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis. Genital herpes is painful, uncomfortable, and distressed, but it’s not a life-threatening STD. Even so, it could increase your risk of getting HIV because the sores may be one of the main ways for HIV come into the body. Moreover, herpes virus and HIV can make both conditions worse.

The condition is also more serious during pregnancy. If you have genital herpes near the end of pregnancy, the risk will be highest. At least 30%-50% of newly infected pregnant women spread this virus to their babies. But don’t panic, your doctor may perform a cesarean section if you have a herpes outbreak at the delivery time.

Learn More: Can I Have Dating Someone With Herpes?

4. Is There Any Way to Completely Remove Genital herpes?

One of the FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis is always about herpes treatments.  As mentioned above, there’s no cure for herpes. It means that the virus lives forever in your body and can be reactivated under certain triggers. Fortunately, several treatments are available for dealing with herpes. If you’re diagnosed with herpes, your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir. These antiviral medications can make the symptoms appear less often and reduce the severity of your condition. It’s more effective when you combine with topical ointments and creams like Prosurx. The topical cream is great to ease the symptoms and prevent herpes from coming back.

5. How Many Genital Herpes Outbreaks Do I Get Throughout My Life?

In many FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis, the question is very interesting. In fact, the number of genital herpes outbreaks will depend on your immune system. While many people have no genital herpes recurrence during their lifetime, some people suffer from herpes outbreaks often. During the first year of herpes infection, you can averagely notice 4-6 recurrences. But others can only have one or two outbreaks and never gave it again. Therefore, a strong immune system is the main key to fight off herpes triggers, which helps lower herpes outbreaks. As long as you boost your immune system, the number of herpes outbreak will be reduced.

The interesting news is the frequency of herpes outbreaks can be reduced over time. As your body produces antibodies to fight off herpes later, the genital herpes recurrences are also reduced. Even so, it’s crucial to enhance your immune system and avoid herpes triggers. Listen to your body carefully to define what your triggers are and avoid them. Commonly, stress, multiple sexual partners, poor diet, and infections trigger a herpes outbreak.

6. Can I Get Herpes Sores on Other Parts of the Body?

In some cases, people with herpes will have lesions and outbreaks at any area of the body. These outbreaks can be a part of the typical genital herpes recurrence. So, it’s normal to have herpes sores on other parts of the body. This is especially common for people with a weakened immune system. Herpes sores can occur in the lips, arms, and legs. If you notice herpes lesions on any part of the body, it’s still better to talk with your doctor.

Learn More: Which Parts of the Body Can Be Infected With Herpes

7. Can I Have Oral Herpes From Genital Herpes?

It’s possible. Genital herpes can spread and lead to oral herpes through your hands. After touching herpes sores in the genitals without washing your hands, you’re more prone to oral herpes if touch the lips. Thus, masturbation during a herpes outbreak is also risky. It’s advised to avoid performing oral sex because this virus can spread to your partner’s mouth.  

It’s terrible at the moment you’re diagnosed with genital herpes. However, the above FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis are helpful to put your mind at ease. No matter why you’re infected with the virus, it’s best to learn how to live with it. There’re many treatments as well as tips to deal with herpes. Keep in mind that boosting the immune system is very important in killing off this virus.

 

 

 

Herpes is a viral condition that affects more than half the world’s population. It not only causes you pain and embarrassment but also affects your sex life. Although herpes is so common, people don’t actually know about it very well. To help get the answers you need, here are questions you can ask your doctor about herpes.

1. What type of herpes do I have?

Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It includes two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is more common than HSV-2. It causes oral herpes, characterized by the appearance of sores on the lips or around the mouth. HSV-2, on the other hand, causes genital herpes, characterized by sores on or around the vagina or penis.

Both forms of herpes are very painful. If untreated, they may return frequently. More seriously, they may lead to further infections.

2. Is herpes contagious? How can it be transmitted?

Herpes is highly contagious. Any kind of contact with the secretions of an infected person can lead to transmission. Kissing and skin-to-skin contact are two most common ways to spread HSV-1. You may also get HSV-1 from sharing a cup or eating utensils with an infected person. For HSV-2, sexual contact can make the virus spread to others. Using condoms during sex is the only way to reduce your risk of getting HSV-2. However, condom does not cover the entire genital area. So, you still can contract this virus while using a condom.

3. Can I get herpes from oral or anal sex?

Herpes can be transmitted even when the sores are not visible on your skin. Sexual contact is the most common way of spreading the infection. In fact, any kind of sexual contact with someone who has herpes can put you at risk. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex are common ways. Most commonly, HSV-1 appears around the mouth. But, it can be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex.  HSV-2, on the other hand, commonly occurs in the genital area. But it can be spread to the mouth through oral sex. Also, you may get anal herpes if you have anal sex with someone who has genital herpes.

Here are Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Oral Sex with Herpes

4. Can I get genital herpes without having sex?

You don’t have to have sex to get genital herpes. The virus can be spread easily in non-sexual ways, for example during pregnancy and delivery. A mother with genital herpes may pass the virus on to her baby through delivery.

5. How do I know if I have herpes?

The most common signs of herpes are blisters or sores on your mouth or genitals. Other symptoms include:

• Itching, tingling, or burning sensations
• Pain or swelling around the affected area
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, or fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches

To confirm the diagnosis, check out with your doctor.

Here are 6 Diseases That Can Be Mistaken for Herpes

6. Can I have herpes and never show symptoms?

Herpes symptoms often show up around two weeks after infection. But most of the time, the virus does not cause any symptoms. That’s why many people don’t know they have herpes until they experience visible sores. Usually, the virus that causes herpes lies dormant in the body. When the immune system is weak, it reactivates and causes outbreaks.

7. Herpes and cold sores: Are They the Same?

Cold sores and herpes are basically the same thing. Cold sores are often referred to as oral herpes. They are caused by HSV-1, characterized by sores around the mouth. Cold sores may develop on the nose and fingers as well. Some people also call cold sores “fever blisters”. It is because these painful blisters often appear when we are sick or have an illness.

8. Can herpes be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for the virus that causes herpes. But, you can treat and prevent herpes outbreaks by using antiviral drugs. You can find them in topical forms, tablets or capsules. Prosurx is one of the most common creams for herpes. It has been shown to be effective at relieving symptoms and preventing future outbreaks. You should apply Prosurx to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Repeat this treatment for a few days to get the best results.

Other drugs that can help treat herpes are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. You can ask your doctor if these meds have potential side effects for you.

Here’s How Can I Use Olive Leaf Extract to Treat Herpes?

9. What are my risks of contracting herpes?

There are a number of factors that can make you more likely to get herpes. These risk factors are:

• Kissing
• Having unprotected sex
• Sharing personal items, such as lip balm, lipstick, cups, toothbrushes and towels
• Having prolonged, skin-to-skin contact
• Having a weakened immune system
• Suffering from viral infections, such as HIV
• Having dental trauma (which may trigger oral herpes)

Here are 8 Factors That Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks

10. Will antibiotics help herpes?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. So, you can’t use it to treat herpes, a viral infection. To this case, using antibiotics can cause unpleasant side effects. In the long-term, they can reduce the effectiveness for you in the future. So, don’t overuse antibiotics and talk to a doctor if you are considering taking any medicine.

11. How can I prevent herpes?

It is possible to prevent herpes if you don’t have it yet. The few tips below can be helpful for you.

• Don’t have sex at a very young age
• Don’t have sex with multiple partners
• Avoid having sex with a person who has multiple partners
• Practice safe sex and avoid oral sex
• Use protection like condoms and dental dams during sex
• Don’t touch another person’s herpes sores
• Avoid sharing items with a person who has herpes

If you’ve already had herpes, you can stop others from getting the virus by:

• Use medication to lower your risk of spreading herpes
• Be honest with your partner about your disease
• Avoid kissing others when you are having a herpes sore
• Abstain from sex during a herpes outbreak
• Know when an outbreak is coming to stop it timely

Here are 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are painful infections that usually occur on the lips or around your mouth. They’re different from canker sores, which is only present inside your mouth. When you get cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), this virus lives forever in your body. Then, it will be reactivated under certain triggers. While many people with the HSV never notice any cold sore outbreaks, others often get them. So, how to never get cold sores again is a concerned question. The good news is you can kick cold sores out by the following tips.

20 Tips to Never Get Cold Sores Again

There’re many triggers of a cold sore outbreak, such as stress, hormonal changes, or arginine-rich foods. These triggers can also vary from each individual. Although the frequency of cold sore outbreaks can be reduced over time, it’s very crucial to avoid triggers. Here’re 20 tips to never get cold sores again.

1. Boost Your Immune System

A cold sore outbreak can happen as a result of a weakened immune system. This especially occurs when you have an infection or a disease. At that time, your body’s barriers can’t fight off the HSV. Thus, keeping your immune system strong is essential to keep cold sore outbreaks in check. It’s actually a smart tip to never get cold sores again. Remember to boost your immunity by

• Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Consume lean proteins
• Increase immune-boosting herb
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle

2. Increase L-lysine Intake

We know that Lysine is important for the body because it’s a building block of proteins for the body. Not only does lysine reduce anxiety and boost healing wound, but it also helps prevent the HSV from coming back. Increasing L-lysine food means you have an opportunity to never get cold sores again.

Learn More: Top 8 Lysine Rich Foods to Treat Herpes

3. Reduce L-Arginine Intake

Both arginine and lysine are amino acids. However, lysine plays a key in reducing herpes outbreaks, while arginine contributes to the replication of this virus. If you want to reduce L-arginine intake, the best way is to reduce L-Arginine-rich foods. Some types of foods that are high in arginine include

• Beer
• Chocolate
• Coke
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Grains
• Chicken

4. Lay Off The Sugar

Have you known that sugar is associated with cold sore recurrences? In fact, sugar lowers your immune system and increases your risk of HSV outbreaks. Thus, laying off the sugar is a priority thing to avoid fever blister flare-ups.

5. Always Avoid Stress

To deal with cold sores, your immune system must be strong to suppress this virus. But being stressed out only does the opposite. Especially, chronic stress can easily trigger a cold sore outbreak. So, as long as you manage stress well, you’ll lower the number of recurring cold sores. Try yoga, jogging, Tai Chi or other types of sports you like to reduce this trigger.

6. Block Viral Shedding

Of course, there’s no cure for herpes. Fortunately, some treatments are available for relieving the symptoms of this virus. These cure options also prevent cold sores from coming back. It’s because the treatments help to block viral shedding that make this virus is hard to become reactive. Antiviral medications like Acyclovir, Valacyclovir are often used to treat herpes. Also, topical cream with FDA-approved ingredients like Prosurx is highly suggested.

7. Heal Your Gut

Preventing the HSV at the root is always better than stopping it on the surface. Why should you heal your gut while dealing with the HSV? Because stress leads to viral infections and these vulnerabilities often begin in your gut. Healing your gut by eating healthy foods and reducing harmful diets. This may be the best way to prevent this virus before it starts.

8. Think About Supplements

Another tip to never get cold sores again is taking supplements. In fact, supplements for the HSV are effective in keeping this virus at bay. Not only do these supplements prevent cold sore recurrences, but they also boost your immune system. Think about Lysine 500mg or 100mg, and Bulletproof+ supplements.

Learn More: Types of Herpes Supplements to Manage HSV Outbreaks

9. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep increases your inflammation levels and upsets your immune system. As a result, it triggers another cold sore outbreak. Thus, putting down your smartphone and other electronic devices, and sleeping. Actually, getting enough is a wise tip to never get cold sores again.

10. Protect Your Lips

Sun exposure may cause a cold sore to recur. If you want to never get cold sores again, it’s very essential to protect your lips. Always shield your lips when going out. Using nontoxic SPF lip balm is helpful to prevent HSV outbreaks from sun-damage.

11. Moisturize Your Lips

Your cold sores may develop in cold weather. It’s because cold weather or winter conditions dry your lips out and easily trigger your cold sores. This not only occurs in winter but also happens when you do not moisturize your lips. Applying moisturizing lip balm each night can help reduce the chance of cold sores.

Learn More: How Many Herpes Outbreaks Do You Get During Your Lifetime?

12. Try Tea Tree Oil

Preventive tips can vary from each individual who is contracted herpes. While tea tree oil is effective in preventing the HSV in some people, this home remedy causes irritation or reaction in others. But overall, tea tree oil is rich in antioxidant and anti-viral properties that could help you to never get cold sores again. To be sure, you should check it before applying to the entire affected area.

13. Use Peppermint Oil

Have you ever used peppermint oil to avoid cold sores? If yes, what your results are. In fact, peppermint oil was shown to inhibit the activity of the herpes virus. This oil is useful in treating recurrent cold sores and preventing further outbreaks. Dilute some drops of peppermint oil with water or other milder oil to reduce irritation.

14. Choose Coconut Oil

There’s no doubt about the effectiveness of coconut oil in dealing with herpes. This home remedy contains powerful antiviral properties that can fight off the HSV well. Along with that, the MCFAs in coconut oil have abilities to stop the growth of the herpes virus. Thus, it can be used to prevent future cold sore recurrences.

Learn More: 8 Useful Ways to Treat Herpes With Coconut Oil

15. Raise Vitamin C

Vitamin C sounds like simple but never overlooks this wonderful antioxidant and immune booster. It aims to support your immune system and prevent cold sore recurrences. You should eat more vitamin C rich foods like kiwi, broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits.

16. Give Some Sprouts a Priority

Sprouts, especially broccoli are super-foods that promote your immunity by optimizing methylation pathways. As a result, they’re helpful to never get cold sores again. You can add sprouts to your salads or smoothies.

17. Never Miss Zinc

A zinc-oxide-based cream is effective for cold sores. Applying to the affected area can help to gain the best result fast. Also, you should increase zinc-rich foods to prevent the HSV recurrences. These foods include wild-caught fish, grass-beef feed, organ meats and mushrooms.

18. Try Echinacea

Echinacea is a powerful herb used to fight off viral infections, including herpes infections. It’s high in antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties. This herb can be used to boost your immune system and prevent outbreaks well. Drinking Echinacea tea daily is helpful. Here’s How to Treat Herpes With Echinacea

19. Focus on Berry Family Fruits

Berry family fruits are super-foods to promote the immunity and keep the HSV at bay. Some berry fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain high-powered antiviral properties. For that reasons, these should be added to your diets to control this virus.

20. Identify Your Triggers

Apart from many tips to never get cold sores again, it’s very vital to identify what your triggers are. Only when knowing your triggers, you know how to avoid cold sores in the future. As each individual has different triggers, you should listen to your body to identify them. Then, avoid your triggers if possible.

Cold sores are common infections caused by the HSV.  They also spread through physical contacts, such as kissing, touching blisters, and oral sex. Once contracted, this virus stays dormant and can be reactivated. So, it’s crucial to avoid triggers of this virus and reduce the number of HSV outbreaks. The above tips to never get cold sores again are useful for you.

 

 

Herpes simplex virus can cause genital herpes. Once you’ve contracted the disease, you will have many outbreaks a year. There is no known cure to prevent genital herpes from returning. But, several home remedies can help ease outbreak-related pain, itching and stinging. Here are 10 common ways to cure genital herpes naturally and forever.

1. Wear breathable clothing

Genital herpes are described as painful sores or blisters on the genitals. These can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort while walking and urinating. The friction between clothing materials and skin can make sores break open. This is known to cause the virus to spread to other areas of the body and to others. So to cure genital herpes naturally and forever, it is important to wear breathable clothing. It not only helps shorten the symptoms but also allows air to circulate, speeding up the healing. Cotton fabrics are the best option for you. Avoid silk or synthetic fabrics. And, do not wear tight-fitting pants until the infection is healed.

Here’s How Long Does Genital Herpes Last?

2. Manage tress effectively

Stress and negative moods have been directly linked to the recurrence of genital herpes. In most women, stress suppresses their immune systems, triggering an outbreak. So if you have genital herpes, manage stress to keep the virus dormant and in check. Successful stress management can shorten the length and the frequency of herpes outbreaks. To do this, you should take it easy, avoid alcohol, drugs and get enough sleep.

Here are 8 Factors That Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks

3. Get plenty of rest  

Like stress, lack of sleep can suppress your immune system, causing an outbreak. Doctors recommend you get plenty of rest to cure genital herpes naturally and forever. In addition, limit activities that put a strain on your body, like over-exercising or physical exertion.  

4. Use aloe Vera

For thousands of years, aloe vera has been known and used for its medicinal properties. Aloe vera helps heal the skin and treat lots of skin conditions, including genital herpes. Unlike prescription drugs, aloe vera is safe and causes no side effects. It helps soothe the pain, itch or irritation, and stop genital herpes outbreaks. Especially, with the cooling effects, aloe vera can help with painful sores and promote the healing of the skin.

5. Apply a cold compress

You can use ice or a cold compress to cure genital herpes naturally and forever. It is known to remove crusty areas and relieve pain, redness and inflammation. But, do not apply the ice for too long. This act can potentially cause tissue damage, making your genital area more sensitive.

6. Use tea bags  

Black tea has antiviral properties, which is known suppress a genital herpes outbreak. Besides, the tea can help soothe the skin and promote the healing. To treat genital herpes naturally, you can steep black tea in hot water for an hour. Allow it to cool and then apply directly to the affected area. Leave it on for several minutes and then pat dry. Follow this remedy many times per day for a few days and you will get best results.

Here are 5 Herbal Teas for Herpes Infections

7. Add Lysine

Lysine is a natural medicine that helps cure genital herpes effectively. Study showed that this amino acid can slow down the replication process of herpes virus. Thus, it is best known for preventing outbreaks than treating symptoms. If you have genital herpes, you should consume more Lysine products. This nutrient can be found in supplements and foods, such as meat or legumes. Researchers found that 1 mg of lysine, 3 times a day can reduce the frequency and severity of herpes.

Here’s Why Lysine Is Important for Your Body?

8. Wash with soap and warm water    

Another way to cure genital herpes naturally and forever is to keep the affected area clean. Doctors say that washing your area with soap and warm water is the best way. This helps prevent further infections caused by bacteria and fungi. But, remember to thoroughly dry off after washing or showering.

9. Apply baking soda

Keeping the affected area dry is the best way to treat and prevent genital herpes. If you have this disease, consider using two powders: baking soda or cornstarch. With drying properties, these powders can help dry out the sores and reduce itching. Besides, they can help with healing, speeding up your recovery.

Here are 7 Fantastic Uses of Baking Soda

10. Use Prosurx cream

Prosurx is one of the best over-the-counter creams for genital herpes on the market right now. Unlike traditional creams, Prosurx uses the power of nanomedicine. Also, it contains natural antiviral ingredients, like aloe vera, tea tree and lemon balm. These are known to kill herpes virus both on the surface and lower layers of the skin. Thanks to this, Prosurx can treat symptoms and prevent infection from returning. To cure genital herpes naturally and forever, experts recommend applying Prosurx 2 to 3 times daily. Keep using this for several days to a week offers many benefits, such as:

• Relieving pain, itching, stinging and discomfort
• Stopping an outbreak before it starts
• Preventing its spread to other areas and to other people
• Limiting the chance of recurrent outbreaks

Here are 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Lysine is an important amino acid that is a building block for protein. Because your body can’t make it, you need to take it from foods. This amino acid plays an important role in human health that supports calcium absorption and collagen formation. While a lot of people consume enough lysine in their daily diets, others like vegans or athletes need to eat more. If you don’t get enough lysine, you may experience fatigue, anemia, nausea and appetite loss. Keep reading this useful writing to understand why lysine is important for the body.

Why Lysine Is Important for the Body

Lysine has amazing health benefits for the body. Besides treating infections, it helps boost the healing process and reduce anxiety. Here’re top 4 reasons why lysine is important for the body.

1. Lysine Is Important for Cold Sores

Cold sores are a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They often appear as fluid- filled blisters on the corners of your mouth or on the lips. When contracted this virus, you may experience tingling, itching, pain and burning sensations. These symptoms cause discomfort and can stress you out. Along with that, they make you feel self- conscious about your appearance.

Moreover, the herpes virus stays dormant in your body and can be reactivated by certain triggers. When your immune system becomes weak, this virus will become active, causing other outbreaks. Fortunately, lysine supplements can help reduce the number cold sore or herpes outbreaks. It’s believed that lysine blocks arginine- another amino acid that triggers HSV. Studies showed that a daily supplement of 1,000mg of lysine gave fewer cold sores in 26 people who were susceptible to recurrent oral herpes. Another study in 30 other people found that using herbs or creams with lysine also resulted in good results. Although lysine is effective in reducing cold sore outbreaks, not all studies show its good effects.

Besides taking lysine supplements, you can apply other treatments at the same time. ProsurX is one of the best topical creams for herpes. The natural ingredients approved by the FDA in this cream are effective in killing the herpes virus. It also helps prevent cold sore outbreaks effectively.

Related: Prevent Cold Sores From Coming Back

2. Lysine Is Important for Reducing Anxiety

You may not know that lysine can help to reduce anxiety by blocked stress response receptors. One study showed that this amino acid blocked receptors involved in stress response. This is also proven by another one- week study in 50 healthy people. Specifically, anxiety caused by stress was reduced by supplementing with 2.64grams of lysine and arginine.

Plus, this reduced the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Lysine can be helpful for people with mental disorder or schizophrenia. It lowers the negative impacts of these conditions on the patients. Though research is still in the early stages, lysine may improve them in combination with prescribed medications.

Related: How to Get Rid of Anxiety with Natural Remedies

3. Lysine Is Important for Boosting Wound Healing

Lysine is essential for the formation of collagen that supports and builds a structure to skin and bones. Also, lysine itself works as a binding agent that can increase the new cells as a wound. It even boosts the formation of new blood vessels. According to studies in animal tissue, lysine becomes more active at the site of the wound. This helps speed up the healing wound in the animal.

Besides, the combination of arginine and lysine can promote the healing process of wound fast. While wound healing is a complex process that needs vitamins, minerals, and others, lysine is very crucial. Without enough lysine, wound healing is slower. Thus, you should eat more lysine rich foods to boost the healing process and reduce recovery time.

4. Lysine Is Important for Improving Calcium Absorption

Lysine can raise calcium absorption and help your kidneys to maintain the minerals. A study was conducted in 30 women, including 15 healthy and 15 with osteoporosis. It found that increasing lysine and calcium lowered the loss of calcium in the urine. In fact, lysine is important in controlling the calcium in your body and considered to protect your bones. It has been proven to stop the formation of calcium in the blood vessel in rats. This plays an important part in preventing heart disease.

Related: 10 Common Causes of Muscle Pain and Solutions

Other Important Benefits of Lysine

Lysine is a building block for protein in the body. These proteins can help release hormones, enzymes and immune cells. Besides the above benefits of lysine, this amino acid has other benefits:

• Reducing the growth of cancer cells
• Preventing the development of cataract
• Lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes
• Reducing blood pressure

Consuming enough lysine is necessary for maintaining overall health. It also has benefits for people with some conditions.  

Where Is Lysine Found?

As mentioned above, your body can’t make lysine, you must take it from foods. Lysine is typically rich in foods. Here’s a list of some great sources of lysine:

• Seafood: shrimps, mussels, and oysters
• Fish: salmon, tuna, and cod
• Meat: lamb, chicken, and beef
• Vegetables: potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers
• Fruits: avocados, pears, and mangoes
• Dairy products: yogurt and cheese
• Nuts and seeds: pumpkin seeds, cashew, and macadamia nuts
• Legumes: soybeans, chickpeas, and kidney beans

Lysine is important for the body as it’s a building block of proteins for the body. This amino acid is helpful to prevent cold sores, reduce anxiety, boost healing wound, and improve calcium absorption. Without enough lysine, you may suffer from abnormal signs in the body. Thus, you should consume more lysine rich foods.

 

Herpes and eczema are common skin conditions among humans. They can cause blistering rash and inflammation of the skin. Knowing the differences between the two can help you treat them better. Here’s what you need to know.

Herpes and eczema: What are they?

Herpes is a contagious, long-term condition. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can appear in various parts of the body. But, the condition mainly occurs on the mouth and genitals. There is no cure for herpes. Once you have contracted the virus, you will have herpes for life. Treatment can help get rid of sores and reduce the number of outbreaks.

Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition. It causes the skin to become dry, itchy, red and inflamed. The exact cause of eczema is still unknown. But some kinds of allergic reactions can contribute to the condition.  

Herpes sometimes can be mistaken for eczema. Both conditions can have similar symptoms. These are tiny blisters, or sore, red and itchy skin around the affected area. So if you are experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor to get diagnosis.

What’s the difference between herpes and eczema?

Despite having some similarities, herpes and eczema still have some differences. These are:

Prevalence

Eczema affects 3% of adults and 20% of children worldwide. In the US, about 31.6 million people are diagnosed with the condition. Among these, 17.8 million people are having severe cases of eczema. Eczema prevalence can range from 10% to 21% of the U.S. population. The certain number depends on the state.

The virus that causes herpes is super common among humans. It has two main strains, including HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is more common than HSV-2. Globally, it affects two-thirds of the population under age 50. In the US, 1 in 2 people are having HSV-1 while 1 in 8 people are having HSV-2. HSV-2 is more dangerous and can lead to genital herpes. This is considered one of the most common STIs in the US.

Read more: 6 Diseases That Can Be Mistaken for Herpes

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of eczema include:

• Intense itching
• Skin redness
• Inflammation
• Dry and sensitive skin
• Scaly patches
• Rashes that bubble up and ooze fluid

Eczema most often appears on the face, cheeks, neck, scalp, arms and legs.

Herpes does not always present symptoms. For some people, the virus may lay dormant for months or years without causing any symptoms. For other people, symptoms may occur 2 to 20 days after HSV infection.

Common symptoms of herpes include:

• Blistering sores
• Itching, tingling or burning sensation
• Pain during urination
• Flu-like symptoms, like fever, headache, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes

Herpes usually appears on the genitals and mouth. When the virus affects the eyes, it causes a gritty feeling, pain and discharge in the eyes.

Read more: Eczema and Skin Conditions: Facts to Know

Causes

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of eczema. But, they think that a combination of the following factors can trigger the condition. These include:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors (pollen and mold)
• Weakened immune systems
• Stress and anger
• Bad habits (tobacco smoke and long showers)
• Allergic reactions to chemicals, perfumes or foods

As mentioned before, HSV can be responsible for herpes infections. You may get the virus by some ways, such as:

• Having close skin contact with someone who has the virus. For example: kissing, sharing lip balm, or eating from the same utensils.
• Having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Common triggers for herpes include:

• Colds and sunlight
• Weak immune systems
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Sexual intercourse

Read more: 8 Factors That Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks

Transmission: Are herpes and eczema contagious?

Herpes is highly contagious, especially during an outbreak. But even if you don’t have visible sores, the virus can be spread to others. This occurs when you have genital, oral, or skin-to-skin contact with HSV. Common ways in which herpes is contagious:

• Kissing
• Genital touching
• Vaginal, oral, or anal sex
• Breastfeeding with an open sore
• Childbirth from a mother to her baby

Eczema, on the other hand, is not contagious. So, it cannot transfer from a person to another. However, eczema can spread to other parts of the body and make the symptoms worse. Scratching the skin can be the main culprit.

Read more: Is Breastfeeding Safe if You Have Herpes?

Long-term health problems

When eczema is left untreated, several complications can occur. For example:

• Chronic skin infections
• Sleep problems
• Behavioral problems
• Eye problems
• Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis and eye complications can lead to permanent damage to the body.

Although herpes can heal on its own, not treating it can lead to several complications, such as:

• Further skin infections
• Neurological problems
• Blindness ( when herpes spread to the eyes)
• Brain damage and death (in the newborn baby)

Read more: 11 Things People with Eczema Want Others to Know

Diagnosis and treatment

It’s quite easy to recognize eczema and treat it. By looking at the symptoms and reviewing a patient’s medical history, a doctor can identify it. To confirm the diagnosis, they can perform some testing.

Treatment for eczema include:

• Bathing
• Moisturizing
• Prescription topical medications (Corticosteroid creams)
• Over-the-counter products (OTC hydrocortisone)
• Phototherapy (PUVA therapy and UV light therapy)

If you have eczema, you also need to:

• Reduce stress
• Know your triggers
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Avoid skin irritants like wool or perfumes
• Bathe in warm water and keep your skin moist

Herpes can be recognized by a physical exam. Your doctor can look at the sores and review your medical history to diagnose the condition. To make sure, they can prescribe a blood test or other tests.

Treatment for herpes include:

• Prescription antiviral medications. These include famciclovir, valacyclovir, or acyclovir.
• Over-the-counter antiviral medications. Prosurx is one of the best natural, antiviral creams for herpes. It helps ease herpes symptoms and prevents future outbreaks. Many people use this cream at the first sign of herpes and stop their outbreak before it starts. Also, Prosurx can speed up the healing, so you can get rid of herpes within a few days of use. Normally, other treatments take one to two weeks.
• Home remedies (honey, aloe vera and petroleum jelly)

To prevent herpes, it’s important that you take the few tips below:

• Manage stress effectively
• Know your triggers
• Avoid kissing someone with an open sore
• Do not have many sexual partners
• Practice safer sex
• Use condoms during sex

Read more: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Herpes is a contagious infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) that can affect people of all ages. Genital herpes and oral herpes are common herpes infections affecting people. Through kissing and sexual contacts, this virus is easily spread. When it enters your body, it stays dormant in the central nervous system and can be reactivated under certain triggers. While many people never experience any outbreaks during their lives, others suffer from many herpes recurrences. How to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks is the common asked question of people with herpes. Luckily, many treatments are available for reducing the frequency of herpes recurrence. Keep reading the article to know how to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks.

Understanding Triggers of Herpes Outbreaks

The first herpes outbreak is always the most severe infection, this often lasts from 7 to 20 days. But the severity and frequency will be reduced over years. To reduce the number of herpes outbreaks, it’s very important to avoid triggers. Take a look at the following potential herpes triggers.

• Stress
• Fever or flu like symptoms
• Cold and sunlight
• Kissing infected people with herpes
• Poor nutrients
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menstrual cycle
• Unprotected sex
• Many sexual partners

These triggers may not be the same for everyone. Thus, you should listen to your body and identify your triggers to avoid them.

Related: How Many Herpes Outbreaks Do You Get During Your Lifetime?

Top 7 Tips to Reduce the Number of Herpes Outbreaks

Although you try to avoid triggers, herpes outbreaks sometimes recur. What you would do to avoid them and reduce the number of herpes outbreaks in future. Here’re 7 tips to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks you need to know.

1. Treat A Herpes Infection

It’s necessary to treat a current herpes infection if you want to reduce the frequency of herpes recurrences in future. Though there’s no cure for herpes, treatment is helpful to relieve herpes symptoms and prevent this virus from returning. Acyclovir, Valacylcovir are the most often prescribed medicines for herpes infections. Besides, Prosurx is one of the best topical creams for herpes. This cream contains powerful natural ingredients approved by the FDA. So, it has no side effects and works very well. Not only does Prosurx kill herpes on the skin’s surface, but it also damages this virus in lower skin layers. These treatments are most effective when they’re begun within one day of the outbreak onset.

For those who experience six or more outbreaks a year should take suppressive therapy to reduce the number of herpes outbreak up to 80%. Taking herpes medication daily also helps limit the risk of spreading herpes to your sexual partner.

2. Keep Stress at Bay

Stress weakens your immune system and triggers recurrences of herpes infections. Keeping stress at bay is one of the best ways to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks. Take a deep breath and try to relax when you feel overwhelmed. Some other ways that help reduce stress, including:

• Stay connected. Talk to your friends and relatives if you need helps. For example, you can ask someone to support you with a task at work. Sharing troubles with trusted people is also an effective method to reduce stress.
• Sleep more. Getting enough sleep to limit stress. Make sure that you sleep at least seven hours of each night.
• Eat better. A well- balanced diet can help reduce stress.
• Get more exercise. Exercising helps you stay healthy and manage stress. Spend at least 30 minutes each day on exercise.

3. Use Water Base Lubricant During Sex

The friction during intercourse may lead to an outbreak. To limit friction during sex, let’s use a water base lubricant. It’s very important to wear condoms every time you’ve sex to avoid the spread of herpes. You shouldn’t use oil based lubricants because these can weaken condoms and irritate mucous membranes. If you’re suffering an outbreak, need to abstain from sex. That’s because this virus is very contagious during an outbreak.

4. Wash Your Hands After Touching the Affected Area

Your hands with fluid filled blisters may spread herpes infection or trigger an outbreak. After applying OTC creams, should wash your hands immediately. Plus, never try to pop sores. Try to practice healthy hand hygiene because this virus is easy to spread to other parts of the body during an outbreak.

5. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Nutritious diet plays an important role in keeping herpes outbreaks at bay. Therefore, if you want to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks, pay close attention to your daily meals. While lysine rich foods help limit herpes recurrences, foods high in arginine trigger herpes outbreaks. For that reasons, you should limit arginine and increase lysine rich foods intake. Types of food you should eat including:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Root veggies
• Legumes
• Fruits
• Grains
• Lean meat
• Fish

In addition, you should avoid processed, packaged and trans- fat foods. Alcohol or caffeinated drinks need to be reduced.

Related: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

6. Look Into Taking Supplements

Taking supplements not only boosts your immune system, but this also helps reduce the number of herpes outbreaks. Besides lysine rich foods, taking lysine supplements is effective in preventing recurrences of this virus. In addition, you can take extra vitamin C or Bulletproof+ supplement. This supplement effectively keeps herpes at bay by boosting the immune system.

7. Wear Sunscreen

Oral herpes can be reactivated by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Reducing sun exposure means you can the number of herpes outbreaks. Whenever you go out, wear sunscreen around your mouth. Keeping your skin moisture is also reduce irritation and the risk of further recurrences. When you’re outside for long time, try to wear a large brimmed hat.

Herpes is very common infections. For those who contract with this virus have many chance of suffering herpes outbreaks during their lives. Although there’re no cure for herpes, a lot of treatments are helpful to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks.