Table of Contents
Dealing with outbreaks of herpes simplex 2 is quite challenging. Herpes simplex infection is mainly transmitted through direct skin to skin contact, and you may pick up this infection accidentally either through sexual interaction or through a physical contact with an infected person.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2)mainly gives rise to genital herpes, the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Once you contact this infection, the virus will remain in your body forever causing frequent outbreaks throughout the life.
You may not like regular swallowing of over- the- counter pills or applying ointments as these do not offer a permanent cure but reduce the symptoms only. Frequent recurrence of this infection can make your life hell. Home remedies for herpes simplex 2 are very useful in this case sparing you from rushing to the doctor or pharmacies.
Top 7 Home Remedies For Herpes Simplex 2
Do not neglect the symptoms in the initial stage, but try the following home remedies for herpes simplex 2 earnestly to get a quick relief from this suffering.
1. Apply a Cold Pack
Sores and blisters caused by Herpes simplex 2 are very painful, and application of ice packs is very effective in reducing the pain. Take a small plastic bag and put crushed ice in it. Place the plastic bag on the genital sores for 7-10 minutes. Remove the bag from the sores for a couple of minutes and apply again till the coldness of the plastic bag persists.This will provide an instant relief from the pain. Carry on the treatment several times a day. Never ever apply ice directly on the skin as it may lead to skin sensitivity. Alternately, you can use a cloth to wrap the ice cubes or crushed ice.
2. Have A Warm Bath
Having regular warm baths is also another effective home remedy for herpes simplex 2. Fill your bath tub in warm water tolerable enough for your skin and remain immersed in it for 20-30 minutes. Adding a cup of Epsom salt in your bath water will do wonders.The pain of the sores will reduce immediately providing you relief for long hours. Make sure that you use a clean and sterilized bath tub and clean it thoroughly after use with a disinfectant; else the infection may be transmitted to others through virus shedding. Pat the area of infection dry with a soft towel as the condition may worsen if the moisture remains trapped on the skin surface.
3. Treatment With Baking Soda
This common kitchen ingredient can rescue you from the Herpes Simplex 2 infection. Wet a clean cotton ball with water and coat it with enough quantity of baking soda and dab it on the painful sores.Do not put the used cotton ball back into the baking soda container. Use 3-4 cotton balls while applying baking soda on the genital sores. Baking Soda reduces the itching and help in quick healing of the sores. You can carry on this treatment after having a bath.
Also Read
6 Best Foods For Acne Prone Skin
6 Home Ingredients To Treat Skin Infections
Top 5 Home Remedies To Cure Sun Rash
4. Use Garlic
Allicin, the potent ingredient present in garlic imparts special antibacterial and antiviral properties that work well in treating herpes simplex infection. Topical application of raw garlic is not recommended as it may worsen the condition. Crush a garlic clove and swallow it with a glass of water early in the morning before having any food. Have enough garlic with your salads or add more garlic in your dishes.
5. Apply Tea Bags
You can use tea bags to treat herpes simplex outbreaks after enjoying the cuppa. Apply a cooled tea bag on the sores for 5-7 minutes. Use 2-3 tea bags as one may not serve your purpose. Dip a tea bag into very hot water and cool it immediately before application.Tannins present in black tea are known to have healing properties, which are effective in treating sores caused by herpes simplex 2. Carry on this treatment after every 3 hours throughout the day. Wash the area after applying tea bags. Throw the tea bags in the bin after use.
6. Treatment with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
This is another useful home remedy of herpes simplex 2 infection. This naturally available organic acid has strong antimicrobial properties that fight herpes infection effectively. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply gently on the sores. It will sting a bit but the pain will recede quickly.If you feel the sting unbearable, dilute apple cider vinegar in a little water. Do not dilute it too much as it will not give you the desired result. Drinking a mixture of one teaspoonful of ACV in a glass of water twice a day will also accelerate healing of the genital sores.
7. Treatment with Aloe Vera
Treatment with this commonly grown garden plant is considered as the best home remedy for herpes simplex 2 infection. The gel obtained from the succulent Aloe Vera leaves has a soothing effect when applied on the genital sores thereby reducing the pain and itching appreciably.Collect 1-2 fresh and thick Aloe leaves and refrigerate it for an hour. Take out the leaves, cut them into medium sized pieces and extract the gel carefully. Apply the cooled Aloe Vera gel directly on the sores and keep it for 15 minutes. Apply this treatment after having a bath to get the best result.