Herpes is a contagious viral infection caused by HSV or herpes simplex virus. HSV has two types: HSV Type-1 and HSV Type-2. Herpes or herpes simplex infection usually occurs in the genital area or oral region. Genital herpes is caused by HSV Type-2. It spreads through sexual contact and consists in highly painful blisters or lesions in the genital area of males or females. Oral herpes consists in painful blisters in the mouth, lips or gums of a person. Oral herpes is also known as cold sores or fever blisters. Oral herpes is caused usually by HSV Type-1. However HSV Type-2 may also be responsible for oral herpes in some rare cases.

Apart from HSV-1 and HSV-2, the herpes virus family also bears other types of viruses like herpes zoster (causing shingles and chicken pox), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (causing mononucleosis) etc. The major herpes symptom is of course painful blistering. The other symptoms could be swollen lymph node, fever, headache or sore throat. Direct contact with herpes sores or blisters, infected skin, saliva or mucus membrane allows the transmission of the infection. Oral sex can spread oral herpes to the genital area and vice versa. Indirect contact like sharing of articles such as tooth brushes, drinking glasses or mouth guards can also transfer the infection from one person to another. Under certain circumstances, herpes may lead to serious complications like meningitis, blindness or death of a newborn which was exposed to the disease when in mother’s womb or during delivery.

The major risk factors for herpes include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, weak immune system, medical conditions like cancer, AIDS etc, prior history of other sexually transmitted infections, stress, fatigue, pregnancy, cosmetic surgery, hormonal imbalance etc. Women fall prey to herpes more than men. Herpes cannot be cured but can be checked.

Home Remedies For Herpes

1. Apply Aloe Vera gel on herpes blisters to get rid of them.

2. Soak a cotton ball in cornstarch and dab on the herpes blisters and lesions to get relief.

3. Dip a tea bag in a cup of hot water. Then place the warm tea bag on herpes blisters. This alleviates the pain and also helps in healing blisters.

4. Make a solution of baking soda with water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply on herpes blisters to heal them.

5. Rub ice on herpes blisters for 5 minutes at a time. Do this frequently during the day. This is a great curative measure.

6. Make a cup of sugar-free black coffee. Once you finish drinking, apply the remains of the coffee on herpes blisters. This is highly beneficial in treating herpes.

7. Mix 5 drops each of bergamot oil and eucalyptus oil. Smear the herpes blisters with this mixture. Do this often to get cured of herpes.

8. Pour a cup of olive oil in to a pot; add 2 tablespoon bee wax and 4-5 drops of lavender oil. Cook the mixture for sometime. Once the cooking is over, let it cool. Later apply a coating of the cooked mixture on herpes blisters. This is an effective home remedy for herpes.

9. Drink a cup of peppermint tea. It helps in reducing pain and fever.

10. Wrap grated carrot in a clean cloth and place it on herpes blisters. This will reduce glandular swelling and ease the pain.

11. Boil 25 grams each of mullein, mallow root and marshmallow root in 3 liters of water for 3-4 minutes. Strain and use the solution for compressing on herpes blisters. This allows healing.

12. Consume vitamins and minerals rich green, leafy vegetables in plenty.

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