Introduction
Herpes is a viral infection that usually affects the region of the mouth and genitals. In America, 50 to 80 percent of the adults carry oral herpes and twenty percent, which is over fifty million people, has genital herpes.
The even more surprising fact is that a majority of these people remain ignorant to the fact that they have herpes, and usually do not seek out treatment, because it is often embarrassing for people to have such a condition, as is the case with many similar sexually transmitted diseases.
Both kinds of herpes will manifest as sores or blisters, and they are caused by viruses. The herpes virus weakens the immune system, so it is important to keep the herpes in check so that a further deterioration of one’s immune system does not result.
Contracting herpes
Herpes does not spread like a cold through the air, but it does spread through skin contact. Especially if the skin has sores or open cuts, a small touch is enough to spread herpes.
Therefore, it is important to be protected during oral sex or sexual intercourse, especially if one is not very familiar with the partner and their medical past.
About 75 percent of uninfected people have a chance of catching the virus upon intimate contact. Even if no sores appear, itching and irritation in the genital area could mean that the person has herpes.
Once a person is infected, it is important that when the outbreaks occur, the person takes care of he affected skin area and keeps it clean. This will make the sores heal faster.
People should avoid physical contact with the affected area once the skin starts to tingle, itch or burn, and continue to refrain from touching the area until the sores have scabbed over.
It is also important to wash the hands with soap and water if a sore has been touched.
Using condoms is vital in trying to stop the spread of the virus to future partners.
Natural remedies
Even though herpes cannot be cured medically yet, there are home remedies that can control the outbreaks successfully.
People with herpes need to avoid products that contain synthetic sweeteners, because they can trigger outbreaks.
Foods that need to be eaten more include fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer’s yeast and fruits and vegetables.
Foods that need to be avoided are chocolate, coconut, oats, while wheat, white flour, peanuts, soybeans and wheat germ.
A good herbal remedy for the sores is Prunella vulgaris. Tea Tree Oil is also good in controlling the outbreaks.
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