Press Releases

August 2002 - Handy hints to stop herpes simplex symptoms

HOUSEHOLD HINTS TO HINDER HERPES

Handy household remedies for herpes simplex have been compiled by the Herpes Viruses Association (HVA) in response to member demand.

“It’s amazing how many useful and unusual remedies our members find beneficial, and they are available in most homes”, says Marian Nicholson of the HVA.

• Apply cold wet teabags, preferably Earl Grey, to the affected area.  This helps the healing process. They are soothing and they also contain tannins, which extract moisture from skin cells and speed healing.  Tannins are also present in red wine, and coffee so a compress of this can provide comfort.
• Some people have found that applying an essential oil can help the healing process.   Tea tree and geranium oils can be used neat, but melissa or bergamot should be diluted, e.g. 5 drops in 2 teaspoons of a carrier oil, like almond oil.
• Simply crushing the leaves of lemon balm (melissa) and applying them to the blister makes a difference.  A melissa cream can be purchased from the HVA.[1]
• If you do get an outbreak, bathe the affected area in a salt solution ¯ one tablespoon of salt in a pint of warm water.  This has antiseptic properties and will assist in healing and preventing infection.
• Grapefruit juice has been known to help, simply dab on the tingle or blister.
• Apply an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap with a face flannel so that they don’t touch the skin. Or apply a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel.

However, to try and prevent outbreaks from occurring, the HVA suggests taking a few simple precautions.

• Maintain a healthy and varied diet.  If you are not sure whether your diet is adequate, take a multivitamin, vitamin C or vitamin E.  This could make all the difference.
• Take a natural antiviral capsule like olive leaf extract, which has been shown to have beneficial effects.  A recent trial by the HVA used a high dose: 400 mg of 20% oleuropein.[2]
• Avoid strong sunlight.  This is a trigger, so avoid direct sunlight on parts of the body where sores occur ¯ or protect yourself with clothes/hat or sunblock.
• Try and avoid stress.  If you are going through a hectic, stressful time, make sure you get enough sleep and make time to relax.  Some people find yoga, meditation and deep relaxation techniques helpful.  A long relaxing bath can also help you unwind.
• When it’s important to be clear of recurrences, for instance on holiday or when a special event is coming up, take half a soluble aspirin for a few days beforehand.

Marian Nicholson adds, “Often the cheapest treatments are surprisingly effective.”

As well as treatment advice, the HVA runs a helpline, which provides emotional support and advice to many people diagnosed with genital herpes or facial cold sores every year.

Helpline for the general public: 0845 123 2305
Website:http://www.herpes.org.uk

Notes to the Editor:
1  Lomaherpan [now called LomaBrit], is a popular herbal cold sore cream, it contains the active ingredient Melissa, or lemon balm.  In the UK it is only available from the HVA at £6 for a 5g tube (includes p&p).
2 Aciclovir tablets can be prescribed for people who are really bothered by recurrences.

The Herpes Viruses Association exists to promote better mental and physical health with regard to the family of herpes viruses.  Its aims are:

1. To provide information to the public, to medical professionals and to the media.
2. To encourage the development of new treatments for herpes simplex.
3. To tackle stigma and the unnecessary trauma associated with the condition.

For further information, please contact:
Marian Nicholson or Nigel Scott
Herpes Viruses Association
41 North Road
London N7 9DP