Genital Herpes: 5 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Managing and Treating It

The human body is vulnerable to many diseases and ailments. We have found the treatment for some and are still looking for an effective treatment for a few illnesses. Genital herpes is one such disease for which we do not have any cure yet.

A prevalent disease, genital herpes, is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) triggered by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) of two types- HSV1 and HSV2. The former primarily infects around the mouth, while the latter mainly infects in and around the genital area.

Hearing the news that you have been diagnosed with the disease evokes a roller-coaster of primarily negative emotions and fears. But the situation need not be that grim. Even though there is no cure for genital herpes, it can be treated and managed with a healthy lifestyle. We share five vital tips with you.

1. Take time to accept and understand your diagnosis

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Generally, sexually transmitted diseases attract a judgmental attitude and response from society and known ones. Because of this, the patient undergoes emotional and social trauma more than physical distress.

Initially, you are likely to feel isolated, embarrassed, and dejected. But it is critical to realize that you are not alone. The Herpes Viruses Association states that approximately 70% of the population will catch one of the types of this disease.

You need to get the correct diagnosis, treatment, and knowledge about this disease. Even though the disease is incurable, it is possible to manage it and live a healthy and happy life. Counselling is recommended to better deal with the situation.

2. Seek medical help

Once you have contracted herpes, you will have it for a lifetime. But you can heal it with medicines and antibiotics. Seeking medical help and following the doctor’s advice and prescription would keep you away from the discomfort and pain of herpes.

Over a while, you would understand the triggers that cause herpes outbreak. Some get it due to physical or emotional stress, illness, poor diet, etc. If you recognize your triggers, you would be able to avoid situations leading to the outbreak. For unavoidable circumstances, you would be better prepared to deal with the outbreak.

Doctors also suggest suppressive therapy that helps reduce the frequency of outbreaks and the risk of transmission during sexual activity with your partner.

3. Try the natural remedies approach

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Medicines can prevent the recurrence of herpes outbreaks, but you cannot escape their adverse side effects. To escape them, you can adopt natural and home remedies to get relief and reduce the outbreak frequency.

Furthermore, CBD is also showing great promise in helping patients find relief. Plenty of authentic medicines, ointments and cbd softgels are available from reputed brands.

However, it’s best to talk to an expert before adding CBD to your treatment plan.

4. Dealing with the outbreak

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A herpes outbreak is a state when sores or lesions appear on your body, and you experience pain and discomfort. Outbreaks will be part and parcel of your life once you have been diagnosed with herpes. With lifestyle changes, medications, and better management of your triggers, you can reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

But during an outbreak, you can do the following lifestyle changes to reduce discomfort besides medications.

• Keep the sore and its surrounding area clean by using soap and plain water.
• Do not apply any petroleum jelly, antibiotic ointment, or cortisone cream on the affected area. All these would block the air that can expedite the healing process.
• Take a shower with warm water two to three times a day as warm water can ease the discomfort.
• Use separate towels for the infected area and wash and disinfect it with every use.
• Blow-dry the genital area after every bath using a hairdryer. The air should be cool to mildly hot such that it does not burn the area. It would help heal faster.
• Wear loose and comfortable cotton clothing. Avoid synthetic or nylon clothes that do not allow air circulation.
• Never touch the sores as it might spread the infection. Wash your hands thoroughly if you have touched them accidentally.
• Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and adopt stress-relieving activities like exercises, listening to music, talking with friends, etc.
• Abstain from sex until the sores have healed completely.

5. Other lifestyle changes

The most critical impact of herpes is on your sex life. Many people are ashamed and afraid to indulge in sex because of the disease. However, one can adopt the following lifestyle changes to lead a near-normal life.

• Your partner must know about your health. You need not talk about it at the first meeting, but you must bring up the subject once you trust your partner and are ready to move the relationship on a sexual intimacy level. Have an open discussion while stressing the steps you would take to prevent the transmission of the disease.
• Change your sexual behaviour to ways that comply with safe sex guidelines for herpes, like always using condoms, etc.
• Try to be in a monogamous relationship for enhanced safety.
• Exercise enough.
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid stress as much as possible.
• Do not share your items with anyone and never use another person’s item.

Final words

Despite being incurable, you can easily manage herpes with medication, hygiene, and lifestyle changes. There is plenty of help also available. You simply need to reach out and enjoy living a near-normal life.

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