Healing Agents and Home Remedies
Published by admin on Tagged Herpes Home RemediesHalf of the discomfort of an outbreak happens before or after any sores appear. Here are a few remedies to help deal with the pain and itching.
Aloe vera gel:
Aloe vera can be your lifesaver when it comes to cooling down the rash and itching symptoms. It gives instant relief to itching and redness and is safe to use on all mucous membranes (which means you can apply it safely where other topical products are not recommended, such as inside the mouth, on the genitals, etc).
Aloe vera gel is also very good in healing that pesky scab that forms. The beauty of using aloe gel to heal the scab (compared to other topical healing agents) is that aloe vera feeds the scab with nutrients to help repair the skin while still allowing the scab to breathe naturally and to remain dry.
This is really important because if you do not allow the scab to breathe (and cover it or moisten it, like some products do) then it can take longer to heal.
Aloe vera is a common but versatile plant and it could even be growing in your own garden. If you don’t have it growing, you can pick it up for around $10 from www.dynamiclear.com or possibly your local pharmacist. Do NOT use Aloe vera creams or bi-products, it must be the pure inner Aloe vera gel, substitutes will not do.
Aloe vera gel is NOT anti-viral and so should not be used solely to treat the condition, it is intended to help heal the scab and/or soothe the itching that is normally present with an outbreak. See the treatment options (above) for remedies that can help to clear the actual infection.
Salt Baths and Ocean Swims:
Used to wash areas below the waist, salt baths can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600ml of water or a large handful in a shallow bath. Use Epsom salts if available. This will help to dry out and clean the sores.
A long swim in the ocean will also work well, with a similar effect.
General Pain Relievers:
Include simple analgesics such as aspirin and paracetamol. Prescription “pain killers” may also be an option if your outbreaks are very painful. You will need to talk to your Doctor about this option if you think it might be needed.
Loose Underwear:
By wearing loose underclothes (preferably cotton, not nylon) or no underwear at all during an outbreak you can help minimize discomfort and allow healing. If chafing is a problem, try wearing no underwear if you can or only thin cotton material to separate the rubbing areas.
Relieve Painful Urination:
For anyone experiencing extreme pain when urinating, the process can be less painful when done in a cool bath and it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine.
Hairdryer:
Set on the “cool” setting, a hairdryer can give instant cooling relief to painful sores.
Ice:
Can be soothing if wrapped in a towel and applied directly to the sores.
Vitamin E Oil / Cream:
Healing of the skin after an outbreak does not normally leave any marking however, occasionally the skin may be left marked, red or inflamed after the outbreak has subsided.
It is quite important not to scratch or pick the area when it is healing (even though it can be tempting). If you pick or pull at the scab, you may undo the repair process and tear your skin again, which means it will probably take longer to heal. You may even get a scar. So let that scab sit there, your skin will thank you!
No matter which treatment you use, the best thing that you can do is to be gentle with your skin and allow the area to heal naturally. You can also encourage new skin growth and regeneration using certain products. When the area is still healing you could apply Aloe vera gel onto the scab, this can help it clear quickly with minimal itching.
If the skin is left red or damaged after the outbreak has gone, you may like to try applying either pure Vitamin E Oil (if possible) or a Vitamin E Cream to help repair the skin. A very high quality source of Vitamin E Oil can be obtained from Vitamin E capsules.
Vitamin E is renowned for its skin healing and restoration properties. Apply daily for best results.
Emotional Relief:
Bach Flower Remedies may be used to ease the emotional stress of herpes, particularly Rescue Remedy. These are gentle homeopathic remedies that can be helpful in overcoming unwanted thoughts and in bringing about a new positive outlook.
This information has been taken from the Herpes-Coldsores.com “37 Herpes facts You Need to Know” FREE Pamphlet.
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