Herpes is a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus and which once contracted, will remain dormant in the system indefinitely. However, the good news is that this doesn’t mean you have to walk around with constantly flaking skin and other problems. Fortunately the symptoms of herpes only make themselves apparent during outbreaks when you will experience cracking skin, bleeding and discomfort around either the mouth or the genital region. The rest of the time the condition is asymptomatic, so the goal is to try and ensure that you experience the symptoms as seldom as possible by keeping your immune system strong so that it can suppress the problem. Here we will look at some ways to do that.
Use Medication
There are a range of anti-herpes medications that can be very effective at combating the disease. The best of these will all but eliminate outbreaks, completely removing the symptoms, meaning you don’t have to live with unsightly blemishes or with the discomfort. However, what is worth noting is that such medication will not prevent your condition from being contagious during outbreaks. Yes, it will greatly reduce the chances of your herpes spreading, but as it is still possible, you still need to be careful and it’s still worth improving your immune system to combat the condition.
Eat Well
One way you can strengthen your immune system is simply to eat correctly, and this specifically means getting as many vitamins and minerals as you possibly can. Make sure you eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and avoid unhealthy foods like fats and sugars.
Get Lots of Sleep
Sleep is a time when our body rejuvenates itself and when we get a chance to repair the damage done by wear and tear during the day. If you don’t get enough sleep then this will show in your energy levels and your immune system won’t be functioning fully and you’ll be more likely to get ill and/or to have an outbreak of herpes.
Avoid Illness
If you catch a cold or another illness then chances are that you’re going to have a herpes outbreak at the same time. Avoid this by steering clear of anyone who is spluttering and coughing, and by listening to your own body and resting when you feel low.
Avoid Stress
One of the worst things for your immune system is stress. If you feel like you’re being pulled in every direction and there’s just too much to juggle, then you should expect that this will eventually take its toll on your general health. To avoid this from becoming an issue, make sure that you take out time to rest when life gets on top of you, and that you avoid stressors wherever possible in the first place. If your friends want you to visit them across the country and you just don’t have time then learn to say no and to look after yourself. Finally, doing meditation or just taking some time out to indulge in a hobby or some pure relaxation can really help you to avoid excess stress.
This insightful article is contributed by Selena Durante. She enjoys writing health and wellness articles. She can help you find answers for the question, Is there a cure for herpes?
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