The Initial Herpes Outbreak

The initial herpes outbreak can be tremendously painful and severe.  It is important to note that the first outbreak is also sadly associated with your diagnosis of herpes and can be a stressful and emotional time.  For both of these reasons it is important to be kind to yourself and provide yourself with the most self care you possible can during this difficult time.

Rest, eat well, get lots of sleep, and really, really be nice to yourself.  Also, it is a good time to build your education about the virus.   Even if you never have another outbreak (and this is possible!), you will need to accept that you are infected with HSV2 and take precautions both for yourself, and your sexual partners.   But don’t worry:  Herpes is not the end of your life.  With a little attention, you can decrease outbreaks, maintain a healthy sex life and there is absolutely nothing about herpes that will stop you from being successful and happy.

For the initial outbreak, you can talk to your Doctor about prescription viral suppression therapy (Valtrex), or you can use natural treatments to help reduce the severity of the outbreak.    Start by taking 2000mg per day of Vitamin C and 30mg per day of zinc.  This will help boost your immune system.   You can also consider an immune system tonic like reishi mushroom or oil of oregano to help heal the outbreak.  Taking these supplements every day will also help to reduce both the frequency and severity of future outbreaks.  Externally, you can keep the outbreak area clean and dry.   If you have genital herpes, wear cotton underwear.   You can use baking soda compresses and tea tree oil mixed with olive oil to help reduce pain and swelling.   As the outbreak crusts and starts to heal, you can use Vitamin E on the blister to speed up the healing process.