THE’genital herpes, more commonly called “sore“, is a recurrent skin condition. It is caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), present in the body since a primary infection. This first contact often takes place during childhood and usually passes unnoticed yet, according to the World Health Organization, 60% of those under 50 are carriers of the herpes virus.
Once in the body, the virus lodges in a nerve ganglion where it remains “asleep”. But under various influences (tired, stress...) the virus multiplies and returns causing skin lesions in the form of small vesicles which explode before developing into scabs.
Alternative medicines are valuable allies in relieving herpes outbreaks. Discover in this file the recipes to relieve a cold sore.
Cold sore or cold sore?
We should no longer talk about “sore”, Because it suggests that it only occurs when you are tired. And suddenly we do not distrust it, deplores Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot, infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Alfred-Fournier Institute in Paris. It is in factgenital herpes linked to a very contagious virus (HSV1), often transmitted from childhood in playgrounds. “
Results : 65% of us carry the virus. It can remain latent without showing up or triggering a rash around the mouth and nose under many circumstances: tired, stress, fever, rules, but also cold, Sun.
Cold sore: act as quickly as possible
If the virus cannot be eliminated, it is possible to limit the discomfort caused by the cold sore by applying local care (in gels or patches). They are all the more effective when they are applied early, that is to say from the first symptoms (tingling …) They quickly relieve and form an insulating film on the lesion which reduces the risk of contamination (Filmogel® Urgo Cold Sore, Activpatch®, Herp-Apaisyl ®, Labiarom®).
An effective antiviral against herpes
Effective drugs derived from aciclovir prevent the virus from multiplying. They exist in the form of cream (Cuterpes® 1% in self-medication) or tablets (on prescription) to reduce recurrences. But you can also treat yourself with alternative medicine (plants, homeopathy…), which have proven themselves.
Cold sore: limit the flare-up with homeopathy
As the virus sometimes “wakes up”, we try to change the terrain of vulnerable people. THE’homeopathy (as’acupuncture) is a basic treatment, explains Dr Bohbot. It can act on the stress or the tired, which trigger flare-ups. “To reduce the discomfort and limit the risk of recurrence, Dr. Jean-Louis Masson, author of Homeopathy from A to Z, offers:
Vaccinotoxinum 9 CH : 1 dose as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Rhus toxicodendron 15 CH : 5 granules to be taken every two hours.
Staphysagria 9 CH : 5 granules, four times a day, if the relapses are repeated following an upset.
Cold sore: plants that heal
Lemon balm cream reduces symptoms and speeds up healing. According to studies, applications halve the duration of outbreaks.
Creams, lotions and balms made from witch hazel bark, or officinal sage and of garden rhubarb also have a healing effect. Whatever cream is chosen, it is imperative to apply it at the first tingling, before the appearance of lesions (vesicles).
Tea tree essential oil, (tea-tree, a plant of Australian origin) has a double anti-infectious and healing action: 1 or 2 drops, to be applied pure, without massaging, on the itchy area. same for me lavender essential oil, which promotes healing.
Cold sore: 3 things to avoid
Never apply cortisone ointment, which makes herpes worse.
Do not strip the lesions with Betadine® or antiseptics, which can damage the skin and reactivate the virus.
Refrain from oral sex that could infect your partner.
Read also:
Herpes: a gene therapy expert injects himself a vaccine live on stage
Genital herpes: the ancestor who transmitted the identified virus to us
