Herpes is a common skin problem which can be grouped into two main kinds, the labial herpes and the genital herpes. While labial herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus 1, HSV-2 is the culprit for the genital one. This virus enters and infects the genital through skin breaks or genital mucous membrane. Any sexual contact with genital area may transmit HSV-2 and thus, genital herpes. Similar to labial herpes, during outbreak, genital herpes is signed by painful blisters with itching and burning sensation. Fever is also common with this herpes. After outbreak, the HSV-2 travels and resides in the nerve system. This makes re occurrence very possible when triggering factors are met.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

Similar to labial herpes, genital herpes is transmitted through direct contact between persons. Genital herpes cannot be transmitted through blood donation, since the virus is not present in the blood. Instead, direct contact between people with one of them infected with HSV-2 may transmit the disease. Genital herpes can also be transmitted through a direct contact between genital and a mouth of infected person. Preventing genital herpes from transmitting over two people is difficult, since the virus is there for life once caught. When there is no outbreak, this virus stays in the nerve system in which the immune system is unable to find and defeat. When herpes triggers appear, this virus is reactivated and thus, cause reoccurrence. When this genital herpes flares up in someone’s body, the chance of transmitting the disease to another person becomes higher. Although both male to female and female to male transmission are possible, the one which is transmitted from an infected male to a female is more common. Preventing this virus from transmitting is also complicated, since during outbreak, this virus might be spread over the genitals, buttocks, thighs, and hips. Therefore, although covering the genital with condoms might help, it is cannot be exactly guaranteed. When your genital touches the infected areas, you are more likely to develop the disease.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

As stated, the HSV-2 will stay for life once caught. There might be a time when you are not experiencing an outbreak, yet the virus is basically stay in your body, and is easily reactivated by some herpes triggers. Sun exposure, stress, fatigue, and viral infection are some of the potential triggers. There might not be a cure for genital herpes, yet some natural remedies can be referred to ease the symptoms.

Genitals are sensitive areas of the body. You may not be able to apply some kinds of harsh topical medications for this area. Yet, natural remedies are safer, since it uses natural ingredients which cause less side effects. To ease the pain, itching, and burning during genital herpes outbreak, a common medication can be used. Some oral herpes medications, such as acyclovir and famciclovir are among the commonest. These medications will prevent the viral from spreading so that the effects can be minimized. To make the healing chance bigger, some natural treatments and remedies can also be considered.

Natural cure for herpes simplex-2

Some medications might not be recommended for curing genital herpes infection. Although this is not a more terrible virus than the HSV-1, you have to be more cautious because the HSV-2 infects your genitals, which are sensitive. Therefore, natural cure is more suitable. Below are some of those healing methods.

1. Consume lysine-rich diet. Lysine topical ointment or oral medication are well-known to inhibit HSV from spreading out. Adding this beneficial substance into your diet will fight the HSV-2 from the inside. Yogurt, fish, and brewer’s yeast are some foods enriched with lysine.
2. Consume beneficial food supplements. Some food supplements which contain monolaurin and glycerin are very good in fighting the HSV-2. Organic virgin coconut oil is enriched with this substance and can be taken orally in daily basis.
3. Soak the affected area into warm water. Warm water is believed to inhibit viral infection by eliminating infecting virus. This also relieve the itching and burning on your affected genitals. A warm bath for some minutes can be tried to minimize the symptoms. However, herpes virus is active in moist environment. Therefore, always wipe the areas dry with a clean towel after bath. You can also use the hairdryer for an even more comfortable treatment.
4. Wear a breathable cotton underwear. Heat will make the outbreak worse. Thus, a comfortable underwear which is also breathable is important. Do not wear any underwear with a fabric which may irritate your affected area worse. You need to keep the area dry and clean, so change this underwear as soon as you feel uncomfortable.
5. Applying honey onto the affected area may also reduce the pain and itching, as honey is a natural healing agent which is enriched with an ant inflammation substance. However, you will need to find a raw honey, since processed honey are usually added with sugar, which can worsen the inflammation.