Oxygen Therapy for Herpes

Oxygen therapy may offer some promise for people with recurring and especially painful cases of genital herpes. Treatment with the oxygen compound ozone can be used to boost the immune system and fight off the simplex virus.

In oxygen therapy, typically, less than one pint of blood is drawn from the patient, mixed with different amounts of ozone and oxygen, and then reintroduced into the veins. Therapy with hydrogen peroxide, another oxygen compound, may also be effective. Oxygen therapy has more acceptance in Europe than in America. Nonetheless, several states permit medical doctors to use it in their practices. Check for the practitioner’s experience with method of treatment.

Herbal Medicine for Herpes

Herbs can perform several functions for people with genital herpes, including overpowering the simplex virus, boosting the body’s own defenses by strengthening the immune system, and promoting the healing of sores with topical treatment.

An ingredient of licorice root, glycyrrhizic acid, may slow the multiplication and action of the herpes simplex virus. An ointment of licorice root (glycyrrhizic acid gel), applied daily to the genital area, is commonly prescribed. (Patients who use high doses of licorice for more than one month need to be monitored for the potentially serious side effects of this treatment — sodium retention and high blood pressure.)

Echinacea (or purple coneflower) is one of the most widely used herbs in America. Its use in cases of herpes is warranted because of its well-established ability to strengthen the immune system. This herb is most often taken orally in either tincture or capsule form. Raw garlic eaten on a regular basis can also help the body’s defenses. Calendula (marigold) may fight the virus and encourage healing. Soaking in strong calendula tea is often prescribed.

Herpes Treatment

Effective therapies for herpes are available to reduce symptoms. You should discuss the value of using therapies such as antiviral agents with your physician.

Here are some suggestions if you have, or think you may have, a first episode of genital herpes:

• Go to your doctor or clinic as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment will help you to feel substantially better more quickly.
• Have a trained professional diagnose the problem and confirm the infection by a virus test taken from the affected area (a culture test with typing is preferred, but a direct antigen test or an electron microscope test is also acceptable). A blood test for syphilis, HIV, and possibly hepatitis B may also be performed.
• If the pain is severe, you may wish to take a prescription pain reliever.
• If it is helpful, take very warm showers to run warm water over the area 3 or 4 times a day.
• When you get out of the shower or bath, blow dry the genital area with a hair dryer. Set the temperature on low or cool.
• Make sure you are passing urine without difficulty. Try urinating in the shower or tub to decrease the sting. Pouring a glass of warm water over the area may also be helpful. Some people have found that drinking a lot of water (8 glasses a day) dilutes the urine enough that it hurts less.
• If you cannot pass urine and you’ve tried several times, wait a couple of hours - even 3 or 4. If there is still no result, you must have medical attention. Not passing urine can lead to serious problems, which are totally preventable. Either visit your own doctor or go to the emergency room of a local hospital.
• Avoid wearing tight underwear. If possible, do without underwear altogether. Try wearing loose clothes made of pure cotton. When you get home, take a shower or soak in the tub. Leave your clothes off if you can.
• Talk to your physician about the value to you of using antiviral medications.
• Avoid (because they may be worse than doing nothing):
  • cortisone cream or ointment
  • antibiotic cream or ointment
  • any cream or ointment that does not contain a useful, specific antiherpes drug
  • petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline)
  • antibiotics (unless you have a clear-cut secondary infection)
  • alcohol (because it stings)
  • ether (because it stings and can catch fire)
  • DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide)
• Avoid (because they are of no proven benefit):
  • L-lysine
  • BHT
  • idoxuridine (IDU, Stoxil, Herplex-D)
• If you have your first episode of herpes during pregnancy, tell your physician. Take care of yourself by giving yourself time to heal, treating any other infections, and treating your herpes. Even though you are pregnant, discuss the possibility of medications if you are having a true primary episode.

It is hard to learn and figure out everything all at once, but the answers will come. Your ability to cope and your methods for coping will also evolve. There is no truth to the rumor that stress will make your primary herpes worse. It is very distressing to have primary herpes. Accept the stress for now. Follow the suggestions outlined here to take care of the immediate problem.

What if I am having recurrent herpes?

With recurrent herpes, it is important to fully understand the active phases of infection so you can avoid sore-to-skin contact when necessary. It is also important to use safer sex precautions for the prevention of herpes and all other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are facing issues such as loneliness and the fear of discussing herpes with new partners, keep in mind that these are very common issues and that frustrations can be overcome through a commitment to yourself and to your ability to grow from this experience. In addition, you may wish to have treatment for recurrent herpes. People with recurrent genital herpes now have choices to make regarding antiviral treatment for control of the infection.

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid contracting herpes…short of total abstinence, it is possible for couples to have sex for years without any transmission of the virus.  The best practice is to simply avoid sexual contact when signs or symptoms are present.  Between outbreaks condoms, or other protection, is recommended to help protect against becoming infected.

Genital herpes does not mean complete abstinence from sex or even reduced enjoyment, the changes or getting the virus from your partner are small if you take the necessary precautions.

Condoms will greatly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and in a long term relationship, using condoms is the only viable option a couple has if they are to continue having sexual relations.

Couples should avoid sexual intercourse at all cost during an active episode of herpes, which would include the time from the first warning signs of an outbreak, as this is the time when the virus is most likely to be transmitted.  Sexual contact will also prolong the healing process and is another reason for abstaining from sex during this time.

The likelihood of infection is greatly increased if there are any breaks or tears in the skin, sometimes as a result of “rough” sex or a lack of lubrication.  Sores around the buttocks or thighs can be just as contagious as the genital area and should be avoided as well.

Oral sex should be avoided if the other has a cold sore as this can spread the virus as well.

Herpes cannot be spread by sharing cups, towels or toilet seats.  The only way to contact the virus is through skin to skin contact with an active sore.

Initial Outbreak

60% of all those infected with genital herpes show no signs of the disease and have no knowledge of the infection.  While they are asymptomatic, they are still capable of passing the virus to others.

For those who do display symptoms, the first outbreak is usually the most severe, as that person has not had the infection before and has not built up any anitbodies to the infection.

Upon the initial contact with the virus, which reproduces quickly, the skin will become red and sensitive.  It is not unusual for blisters or bumps to appear, quickly bursting opening into an open infection.  This is what is commonly called an outbreak.  An outbreak is usually very painful and may itch and burn.

Other symptoms include:

• swollen lymph glands
• painful inflamed blisters develop around infected area
• headache
• muscle ache
• fever
• vaginal or penis discharge
• infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation during urination
• a burning sensation in the genitals
• lower back pain
• small red bumps may appear in the genital area following earlier symptoms,  later developing  into painful blisters, which crust over, form a scab, and heal.