Herpes simplex Natural Remedies for Herpes simplex

Herpes simplex is a common viral infection of the skin or mucous membranes. The lesions caused by this infection are often painful, burning, or pruritic, and tend to recur in most patients. Shortterm treatment with acyclovir can accelerate the healing of an acute outbreak, and continuous acyclovir therapy is often prescribed for people with frequent recurrences. While this drug can reduce the recurrence rate by 60-90 percent, it can also cause a wide array of side effects, including renal failure, hepatitis, and anaphylaxis. Safe and effective alternatives are therefore needed. There is evidence that certain dietary modifications and natural substances maybe usef ulf ortreating active Herpes simplex lesions or preventing recurrences. Treatments discussed include lysine, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E, adenosine monophosphate, and lemon balm {Melissa officinalis). {Altern Med Rev 2006;11 (2):93-101) Introduction Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of the skin are caused by one of two viruses (HSV-1 or HSV-2). Cutaneous Herpes simplex is characterized by painful, burning, or pruritic clusters of vesicles on the lips, oral mucous membranes, genital region, or other areas of the body. HSV infection of the eye results in keratoconjunctivitis, a serious condition that sometimes leads to corneal blindness. HSV may also cause encephalitis or other systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. This review will be limited to cutaneous Herpes simplex infections. After a primary infection, the virus travels to a nerve cell ganglion where it persists in a dormant phase. Various factors such as sun exposure, chapping or abrasion of the skin, fever, stress, fatigue, or menstruation can reactivate the virus, resulting in a recurrence at the site of the original infection. Recurrences are common, particularly in the case of genital infections. While Herpes simplex can occur in seemingly healthy people, patients with cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and other diseases associated with impaired immune function are especially prone to such infections. Immune system deficiencies that are more subtle, but not necessarily associated with a serious disease, might also increase the risk of experiencing Herpes simplex infections. For that reason, a comprehensive prevention-andtreatment plan should include measures designed to enhance immune function.