Herpes is a viral infection that can cause sores, blisters, or painful lesions, often on the mouth or genitals. While there is no cure for the virus, there are steps you can take to speed up the healing process. To start, it's important to keep the affected area dry by patting it with a towel. Do not put a bandage on the sores as air accelerates healing.
Additionally, avoid touching the sores as they can become infected and slow down the healing process. Both warm and cold compresses can be used to ease the pain and discomfort associated with herpes blisters. Applying heat to the area around the lips can also help prevent blisters from forming during an oral herpes infection. Cold compresses may be beneficial if a person has ocular herpes, as they can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in the eyelid area.
In addition to compresses, there are other natural remedies that may help speed up healing. Applying fresh crushed garlic mixed with olive oil as an ointment to herpes blisters may have an antiviral effect on herpes simplex. Enhanced virucidal activity of pomegranate peel extract (PRE) and punicalagin when co-administered with zinc (II) ions has also been found to have antiviral activity against HSV and HSV resistant to acyclovir. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties which can reduce the stress that infections such as herpes place on immune cells, thus reducing the chance of infection. Zinc is another mineral that supports the overall functioning of the immune system and may decrease the frequency of herpes outbreaks.
Applying petroleum jelly to the affected area may reduce discomfort associated with urination in cases of genital herpes. Additionally, Viracea has been found to have antiviral activity against acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant strains of the herpes simplex virus. Finally, it's important to avoid certain foods that may trigger symptoms or slow down healing. Chocolate is particularly rich in an amino acid which some people say can trigger herpes symptoms. Blink Health is suitable for people who cannot go to a pharmacy in person and prefer to have their medications delivered to a location of their choice.
