General Description

Herpes simplex is a nasty virus capable of producing blisters on both the lips (cold sores) and the genitals. These sores are painful and unsightly and afflict millions of people each year. The virus is spread to others by intimate contact.

Cold Sore. A cold sore or fever blister is the result of a herpes virus invasion of the skin in and around the lips. The infection begins with pain or itching, followed by the typical fluid-filled blisters. The sores form a crust and dry up some seven to ten days later. Repeated attacks may occur because the virus burrows deep under the skin and “hibernates.” Sunlight, emotional upset, and illness may awaken the virus and lead to new blisters. Some persons only develop a single episode; others are not so fortunate and develop recurrent blisters once a year or even as frequently as once a month.

Genital Herpes. Chances are great that a painful sore on the genitals is due to a herpes simplex infection. This is a venereal disease spread by sexual intercourse and oral sex. At the present time the condition is an epidemic, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that over one million people become newly infected each year. It is believed that one in five American adults have been exposed to genital herpes.   Similar to the cold sore, a genital herpes infection begins with burning or itching, followed by blisters that crust over and finally disappear. The blisters may occur on either the male or female genitalia. Many cases, especially in females, occur without noticeable signs or symptoms, and some individuals remain unaware of their infection. Confirmation of infection is accomplished by a swab taken from an active lesion.

Genital herpes may lead to serious consequences in the newborn. A child born to a mother with herpes blisters at the time of delivery runs a high risk of catching the virus when exiting the birth canal. Such infection may prove fatal; thus, delivery by caesarean section is mandatory

Causes

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus, which can lay dormant in the body and becomes active later when something triggers it. Two members of the herpes virus family are herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Once infected both persist in the body for life. HSV-1 is usually acquired by oral transmission during childhood but can also be transmitted sexually. HSV-2 is transmitted sexually.  There is no cure for cold sores, but there are remedies you can use that will reduce the severity and frequency of them. Cold sores may appear after colds, fevers, exposure to the sun, stress, during menstruation, or for no apparent reason. Generally it is felt that anything that compromises the immune system may trigger the cold sores, such as infection, cancer or any illness.

Medical research in England found that many people with cold sores were low in B12, and that by adding 250 mcg. of B12 the condition improved rapidly. This research also suggested taking B complex supplements with emphasis on the B12 and folic acid. Without some of the treatments listed below cold sores may last from 10-14 days. If the sores last longer than two weeks or occur frequently, it is advisable to see your healthcare provider.

Diet may be another culprit. Researchers have found that the ratio of the amino acids arginine and lysine plays an important part in controlling (not curing!) cold sores. Arginine aids the growth and reproduction of the herpes virus, while lysine inhibits it. Foods containing chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat products should be cut out or reduced from the diet. These foods are high in arginine. Check with your nutritionist for foods that contain these amino acids. Brewer's yeast is beneficial. See remedy below for recommendations on taking lysine. Coffee can increase the frequency of cold sore flare-ups in individuals who are already infected with the virus.

Cold sores may indicate a deficiency in calcium. One sign of a calcium deficiency is biting your nails. Take a calcium supplement and see if the problem improves.

Many people can generally feel a cold sore coming on as they are aware of a tingling, burning or itching sensation. They may also have a fever, enlargement of lymph nodes close to the sores, or a general feeling of malaise.

If you have a cold sore already, pop the sore so it will drain and be able to dry out and heal faster.

Traditional Treatments

Traditional treatments using antibiotics can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and worse yet, prolonged use can cause drug-resistant strains of the herpes virus!  

To date, herpes is incurable. Three oral medications (Famvir, Valtrex, and Zovirax) lessen the severity of each episode, and when taken on a daily basis, will lessen the frequency of attacks and the amount of viral shedding between outbreaks. Topical antiviral ointments (such as Denivir) are much less efficacious. Various other treatment modalities, including lysine pills and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are without merit. All first episodes of herpes are best evaluated by a physician to ensure correct diagnosis and adequate counseling. Herpetic lesions are best kept clean and dry. A topical anesthetic (for example, Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy) may temporarily relieve the discomfort. The annoying blisters of herpes dry up within a two-week period. Herpes is most contagious when visible lesions are present, and intimate, unprotected contact should be avoided during this period. Between outbreaks of genital herpes, condom use is prudent to prevent transmission.

People afflicted with herpes should derive some consolation in the natural course of the disease: as time progresses, the number of attacks subsides, and each episode diminishes in intensity and duration. Eventually the disease simply burns itself out. Those with herpes should remain hopeful that a cure will be found within the very near future.

Wellness Program 

Prevention

Prevention of cold sores is advisable. Herpes simplex is highly contagious! Avoid kissing someone with cold sores or having sex with someone who has genital herpes. Exposure to sun triggers one in four cases of cold sores. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your lips and other susceptible areas. If stress triggers them, practice relaxation techniques. Don't use the same towels, razors or utensils as someone with cold sores. Replace your toothbrush when you feel the tingling sensation at the outbreak of an attack, after the blister breaks and when the sore is gone and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching the sores.

As part of a preventive program for people who get cold sores frequently it is a good idea to boost your immune system. Try taking the herbs echinacea and goldenseal to boost immune system.

Supplements

Vitamin C Take 200-500 mg. of vitamin C along with 200-500 mg. of citrus bioflavonoids three times a day. This remedy will greatly reduce the duration of the sores.

Vitamin E, applied topically, will provide pain relief.

Yogurt Eating plain yogurt (with acidophilus) with live cultures is a good preventive measure. Heat-treated yogurt won't work. People who have added yogurt to their daily diet have discovered that they don't get cold sores, or very few. Yogurt seems to stimulate the immune system.

Zinc Using zinc has been reported to reduce the duration of cold sores. Applied topically, it speeds healing. Zinc tablets may also help, but don't take more than 15 mg for more than a week or so without medical supervision. Take up to 60 mg a day for the first week.

Remedies