About genital herpes
The main problem with genital herpes is that, no matter how advanced the medical science is today, it still has not found a permanent cure for this sexually transmitted disease. This is because herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV. The two main types of HSV are HSV-1, which usually causes cold sores, and HSV-2, causing genital herpes.
Genital herpes is transmitted through sexual intercourse. The first outbreak usually starts several days after contracting the virus, first in form of discomfort, itching and burning in the genital or rectal area and then in form of fluid-filled blisters in and on the genitals. After a few weeks the blisters go away but the virus remains dormant in the body. This means that even though there are no symptoms, a person is still carrying the virus and there is always a chance that it will reactivate and cause a new outbreak.
Even though there is no drug that will kill the HSV in the body once and for all, there are remedies and tips that can reduce the chance of spreading the virus and prevent new outbreaks. They also aim to make the outbreaks shorter with the last possible symptoms.
Natural approach to genital herpes
The best approach in the fight against genital herpes is making sure not to contract the virus in the first place. The role of protected sex is vital in this matter. It is very important to always use condoms, with all sexual partners, especially if there are many of them. Genital herpes can be asymptomatic and even if a person does not exhibit any signs of it, he or she may still be the carrier of the virus. Keeping the genital area perfectly clean and dry at all times is also very important.
During an outbreak, a person suffering from herpes must avoid touching the blisters and make sure to wash the hands after going to the bathroom. It is also better to avoid sex altogether until the outbreak is over.
Certain steps can help prevent future outbreaks or reduce their duration. Diet plays an important role here. It is recommended to avoid foods containing the artificial sweetener called aspartame. Aspartame was found to trigger herpes outbreaks and it can be found in many sugar-free products.
The diet should be high in lysine and low in arginine. This means more beans, beef, milk, cheese, fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables and less chocolate, oats, whole wheat, white flour, coconut and soy.
Some herbal remedies, like Prunella vulgaris, are also beneficial against genital herpes. Tea tree oil has similar effect, but it must be used in diluted, not concentrated form.
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