A tingling and burning sensation on the lip? - The herpes virus

Many of us know it, when it gets colder, we are disgusted by something or stressed, it happens ... a tingling, burning or numb feeling and it awakens ... the HERPES virus!

What's more, the painful cold sores usually pop up when we least need them. So what can we do to get rid of these annoying blisters permanently?

What is herpes?

When we talk about herpes, we mean the herpes simplex virus. A distinction is made between two types, type 1: cold sores and type 2: genital herpes. It is estimated that up to 80 % of all people are infected with the herpes virus type 1, with type 2 it is far fewer.

The herpes virus does not break out in everyone. Normally, a well-functioning immune system keeps it in check and the virus simply lies peacefully dormant. In others, it can wake up from time to time, triggered by certain triggers, and form painful blisters. It usually breaks out on the lip, but can also affect the nose or other areas. 

If the symptoms are not treated immediately, the course of the disease begins with tingling, burning or numbness. Then fluid-filled blisters form, which break open and ooze and eventually heal again after forming a scab. This can sometimes take up to 2-3 weeks.

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➤ It is estimated that around 80% of all people carry the herpes simplex virus type 1!

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How is it transferred? 

The virus is contained in large quantities in the fluid of the blisters and can be spread via saliva contact or direct contact when touching the blisters. This happens, for example, when kissing or sharing glasses, cutlery or toothbrushes. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life, where it can be triggered again by certain factors.

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How is it triggered?

In order to break out, herpes requires a weak immune system. Unfortunately, there are many situations that weaken our defenses and therefore increase the chance of a herpes outbreak. So the weaker your immune system is, the higher the number and severity of herpes outbreaks.

A significant factor that paralyzes the immune system is stress. Because stress massively weakens our defenses. You may have experienced a herpes outbreak yourself in stressful situations. 

But not only that, there are other triggers that can cause the virus to awaken, such as strong feelings of disgust or direct, intense sunlight.

In addition, lack of sleep lack of sleep, alcohol and cigarettes, as well as a diet rich in sugar are also a problem.

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The best treatment is prevention!

Our top 3 natural remedies for herpes!

How can you get rid of cold sores permanently? There are some nutrients and plants that can help you fight cold sores.

1. l-lysine

The amino acid lysine is recommended by experts for the prevention and treatment of cold sores. This is because lysine is considered to be the antithesis of arginine, which supports the multiplication of herpes viruses. In a study, it was observed that the frequency of outbreaks was reduced, the symptoms were less severe and the healing time was shortened after 6 months of intake. Lysine therefore appears to be an effective agent in the treatment and prevention of cold sores.

➤ Stop herpes from multiplying!

2. zinc + vitamin C

The mineral zinc in combination with vitamin C can be taken to provide targeted support for the immune system. As a weak immune system is considered to be the number one trigger, zinc and vitamin C can help very well here and prevent outbreaks. In recent years, a wealth of evidence has accumulated that proves the antiviral activity of zinc against a variety of viruses, including the herpes virus. In addition, both zinc and vitamin C support the body against colds and infections.

Boost your immune system!

3. cat's claw

The natural medicinal plant cat's claw contains strong polyphenols (secondary plant substances) and therefore also strengthens the immune system. According to studies, the plant appears to have a positive effect on herpes outbreaks. In a double-blind study conducted in 2010, researchers found anti-herpetic activity. Compared to a leading antiviral drug, the cat's claw extract was even able to achieve a better effect on the severity of the inflammatory reaction, as it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

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What you should bear in mind during an outbreak

• Good hygiene is a must! Wash your hands well after any potential contact with the blisters and avoid touching your face unnecessarily. 
• Avoid further infection! Do not share any dishes, glasses or towels with others to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not pierce blisters, as the fluid contains the virus and this greatly increases the risk of infection. Bacteria can also get into the wound, which will only make things worse.
• Do not use your fingers when applying creams! It is better to use a cotton bud. 
• Avoid sugar. Sugar weakens the immune system and promotes a herpes outbreak. 
• Avoid foods that contain a lot of arginine, as the amino acid encourages viruses to multiply. These include nuts and chocolate in particular.

Conclusion

Cold sores are not only annoying, they are also painful and can affect quality of life. Especially when it comes to frequent re-infection. The most important thing you should do is to strengthen your immune system, as poor defenses are considered the number one trigger.

Avoid stress, get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. This also means that you should avoid a lot of sugar, alcohol and cigarettes. Furthermore, certain nutrients have been shown to be effective against the herpes virus. These include L-lysine, zinc and cat's claw. Try out what helps you and prevent another re-infection now!

Don't give the herpes virus a chance!

 

Sources (in English):

Walsh, D. E., Griffith, R. S., & Behforooz, A. (1983). Subjective response to lysine in the therapy of herpes simplex. The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 12(5), 489–496. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/12.5.489 

Read, S. A., Obeid, S., Ahlenstiel, C., & Ahlenstiel, G. (2019). The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 10(4), 696–710. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz013

Gaby A. R. (2006). Natural remedies for Herpes simplex. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 11(2), 93–101.

Singh, B. B., Udani, J., Vinjamury, S. P., Der-Martirosian, C., Gandhi, S., Khorsan, R., Nanjegowda, D., & Singh, V. (2005). Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 10(2), 123–127.

Griffith, R. S., Walsh, D. E., Myrmel, K. H., Thompson, R. W., & Behforooz, A. (1987). Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica, 175(4), 183–190.

Kim, Y., Kim, H., Bae, S., Choi, J., Lim, S. Y., Lee, N., Kong, J. M., Hwang, Y. I., Kang, J. S., & Lee, W. J. (2013). Vitamin C Is an Essential Factor on the Anti-viral Immune Responses through the Production of Interferon-α/β at the Initial Stage of Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infection. Immune network, 13(2), 70–74. https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2013.13.2.70