Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are
in the same family of viruses as the Varicella zoster virus that causes chicken
pox and shingles and Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis (glandular
fever). HSV-1 generally causes
oral infections (cold sores) and HSV-2 causes genital infections although they
can be found in both locations. It
is estimated that over 75% of Australians are infected with HSV-1 and 12% with
HSV-2. This does not mean
that all these people will show signs of the virus though. Many people carry the virus, and can
pass it on, without knowing.
Herpes is an opportunistic infection, which means that it
comes out when your immune system is down. Your immune system can be
affected by many things including stress, lack of sleep, sugar, alcohol, some
medications and food sensitivities. If you get Herpes infections there are
several things you can do to help avoid outbreaks, or treat them when they do
occur.
- Ice - put ice right on the sore. It is best to do it for about 30 seconds and as often as possible. This helps stop the virus from spreading.
- Tea tree - you can put the oil straight on, but only use a little the first time as some people find it too harsh. You can get cold sore lip cream containing tea tree oil from most health food stores.
- Lysine - Take 500-1000mg 3-4 times per day.
- Vitamin B12 – take 2000mcg/day orally or 1000mcg/day by injection.
- Probiotics - these improve your immune system. While you have a sore you can take 2 capsules 2-3x/day.
- Olive leaf extract - take 2-3 capsules per day. Always take with probiotics but not at the same time.
- Oregano - you can buy this in oil and put directly on the sore as often as you can.
- Avoid all nuts, nut butters and chocolate as they contain arginine that aggravates the Herpes virus.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid any foods that may lower your immune system – sugar, simple carbohydrates or any food you have a sensitivity to.
- Deep breathing – getting a herpes outbreak is a way of your body telling you to slow down and relax.
If you are getting cold sores often you should mention this
to your naturopath so you can work on improving your immune system.
References
Cunningham AL, Taylor R, Taylor J, Marks C, Shaw J, Mindel A. Prevalence of infection with
herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based
survey. Sex Transm Infect 2006; 82:164-168. Available from: http://sti.bmj.com/content/82/2/164.abstract
Accessed 6 July 2013
