L’genital herpesmore 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 most often passes unnoticed yet, according to the World Health Organization, 60% of people 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 (fatigue, stress...) the virus multiplies and returns causing skin lesions in the form of small vesicles which explode before evolving into scabs.
Alternative medicines are valuable allies in relieving herpes outbreaks. Discover in this file the recipes to relieve a cold sore.
Cold sores or cold sores?
We should no longer talk about “sore”, because it suggests that it only occurs when you are tired. And suddenly we are not suspicious, deplores Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot, infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Alfred-Fournier Institute in Paris. It’s actually aboutgenital herpes linked to a highly contagious virus (HSV1), often transmitted from childhood in playgrounds.
Results : 65% of us carry the virus. It can lay dormant without manifesting or triggering an eruption around the mouth and nose in many circumstances: fatigue, stress, fever, rulesbut also coldSun.
Cold sore: act as soon as possible
If the virus cannot be eliminated, it is possible to limit the discomfort caused by the cold sore by applying local care (gels or patches). They are more effective the earlier they are appliedthat is to say from the first symptoms (tingling, etc.). They quickly relieve and form an insulating film on the lesion which reduces the risk of contamination (Filmogel® Urgo Cold sore, Activpatch®, ®, Labiarom®).
An effective antiviral against herpes
Effective drugs derived from aciclovir oppose the multiplication of the virus. 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 outbreak with homeopathy
As the virus sometimes “wakes up”, we try to change the terrain of vulnerable people. L’homeopathy (as’acupuncture) is background treatment, says Dr. Bohbot. She can act on the stress or the fatigue, which trigger flare-ups. To reduce discomfort and limit the risk of recurrence, Dr. Jean-Louis Masson, author of Homeopathy from A to Zoffers:
Vaccinotoxinum 9 CH : 1 dose as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Rhus toxicodendron 15 CH : 5 pellets to be taken every two hours.
Staphysagria 9 CH : 5 granules, four times a day, if the outbreaks are repeated following an annoyance.
Cold sore: plants that heal
lemon balm cream reduces symptoms and accelerates healing. According to studies, the applications would reduce the duration of flare-ups by half.
Creams, lotions and balms made from witch hazel barkor of common sage and of garden rhubarb also have a healing effect. Whatever the cream chosen, it is imperative to apply it from 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 tingling area. same for me lavender essential oilwhich promotes healing.
Cold sore: 3 gestures to avoid
Never apply cortisone ointment, which aggravates herpes.
Do not strip the lesions with Betadine® or antiseptics, which can damage the skin and reactivate the virus.
Refrain from oral sex which may infect your partner.
Read also:
Herpes: a gene therapy expert injects himself with a vaccine live on stage
Genital herpes: the ancestor who transmitted the virus to us identified