Herpes Treatment Options: Strategies for Managing Symptoms
The superficial herpes blisters on the lips are uncomfortable but harmless so that you can treat the herpes yourself. The situation is different. If the infestation is very pronounced, the eyes or genitals are involved, or a strong feeling of illness accompanies the blisters, a doctor’s visit is advisable. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible if you have babies or children with blisters in their mouths. How can you get rid of herpes quickly? Tips for therapy with medication and home remedies can be found below.
Therapy of herpes: antiviral
Aciclovir and penciclovir are available as active ingredients for the treatment of herpes and can be purchased in pharmacies as an ointment or cream without a prescription. The drugs smuggle the wrong building block into the herpes virus and thus inhibit its proliferation.
The earlier you start treatment, the better. You should, therefore, begin applying cream to the affected area several times a day as soon as the first symptoms of herpes appear. An antiseptic can help if the herpes turns yellowish, as this can indicate that bacteria have settled on the herpes blisters.
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Home remedies for herpes
A wide range of home remedies are supposed to help against cold sores: a wide variety of substances are said to relieve the itching and pain, dry out and disinfect the blisters, and thus shorten the time it takes to heal. However, most remedies have yet to be scientifically researched, and what works for one person does not affect another.
The following home remedies are often recommended and can be applied at the first feeling of tension:
- toothpaste
- Honey, especially manuka honey
- Tea tree oil (caution: never apply undiluted to the skin or the blisters!)
- Propolis
- Aloe vera
- baking soda
- Onion
- lemon juice, whipped cream
- An ice cube thrown into a clean handkerchief, with which the affected area is dabbed briefly several times a day
What helps against herpes?
In tests in the laboratory, blackcurrants and sage, in combination with rhubarb and peppermint, were found to be effective. Melissa and lemon balm also passed the practical test: they have proven effective in several studies. It inhibits the penetration of the herpes virus into the cell and thus hinders the spread of the infection; as a preventive measure, it should also prevent a new “blossoming”.
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Lemon balm tincture against herpes
You can buy a lemon balm tincture as a ready-made ointment in the pharmacy, but you can also prepare a lemon balm tincture yourself: Pour half a litre of boiling water over 50 grams of leaves, strain after ten minutes, and calm.
If blisters are already present, zinc paste, healing earth or black tea will help dry them out; fatty ointments improve the healing of the scabs. The intake of zinc is sometimes recommended.
Soft laser treatment against herpes
Good experiences have been gained in a study using the soft laser treatment. This is painless, performed by an expert (e.g., an acupuncturist), and valuable for patients with recurring cold sore attacks. The therapy stimulates the immune cells.
What else can you do?
In addition to early treatment, it is also essential to prevent infecting others and spreading, as well as strengthening the immune system:
- Avoid kissing or sharing dishes, towels, lipstick, or napkins for a while.
- Be careful not to spread the infection to healthy areas with your fingers by smearing the ointment or by licking your lips.
- Strengthen your immune system with sufficient sleep and a healthy diet.
- Use a lip balm with SPF to protect the skin from sun exposure.
