1. Herpes Simplex 1:  This is the most common, and it usually occurs on or around the lips, but it can occur anywhere on the body.  It is often transmitted to other persons via kissing.  It's also well known as a "cold sore". It's very infectious.


2. Herpes Simplex 2:  This is actually the same virus as #1 above, but is found generally on the genital regions, and is usually transmitted by sexual contact.


3. Herpes Zoster:  Also known as "Shingles", this can be the most painful of all.  It is thought to be a "left-over" from chicken pox that lies dormant (or can) for many years and suddenly appears. Most people over 50 are prone to it.

As usual, stress is a major factor.  However, there are several other factors involved.  It's important to understand these to both prevent outbreaks and to minimize them if they occur.

All three forms of Herpes require a certain balance of two amino acids to reproduce.  These are Arginine and Lysine.  If, and when, the Arginine level gets high, and the Lysine level gets low, Herpes comes out to play (reproduce). This is the infectious stage.

That's when you first notice an itch or pain that becomes a small reddened area with one or more very small pimples.  Don't kiss anyone or have sex without a condom(depending on the area of the Herpes outbreak) during this time. Herpes is spread by contact, and it's very infectious.

There is NO cure for herpoid viruses to date.  Herpes is estimated to affect over 80 million people in he USA, and about 20% of the US population has genital Herpes.

So, while we cannot cure it, we do have some control of outbreaks.  If we keep the level of Lysine high, the conditions for reproduction are limited.  (Another benefit of high Lysine levels is that it seems to help keep the heart healthy).  It should be noted that this is not always that simple.  Here our diet is important.  Sugar, chocolate, and nuts are high in Arginine, and many athletes use Arginine as strength building.  Herpes is known as the Holiday disease, particularly at Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

I've had genital Herpes for 60 years, and have never infected another person to my knowledge.  I found out about what I'm writing here, and have been careful about sex without a condom whenever I even think there's a small itching.

In later years, I've found that I reqire more Lysine than I did 40 years ago, when I discovered the Lysine/Arginine balance.  I now take 1 pill (1000 mg) of Lysine per day, and still very occasionally get an outbreak. Too much chocolate and other sweets in the diet.

In spite of "best intentions", we humans fail.  We overeat those foods that are high in Arginine, and we have stress almost constantly, so we will get outbreaks.  There are different remedies available, some prescription, and some over-the-counter (OTC).

Valtrex and other prescription medicines are not only very expensive, but they aren't as effective as the cheapest treatment of all.  I found out by accident years ago that if an outbreak occurs, simply wet a finger, rub it onto a bar of plain soap until you have a "pasty" soap "glob" on your finger.  It should be not liquidy.  Rub this paste all over and around the herpes outbreak to cover it well.

Now, scratch the outbreak and pop any pimples under the soapy layer.  It may sting a bit, and make sure that the soap layer is covering the area after scratching.  Let the soap layer dry, or cover it with a bandaid before utting clothes on that may rub off the soap.  Repeat every 8 hours or so. Be sure to wash your hands well after such procedure of course.

MD's may disagree with this, but it's been very effective for me, and many others I've advised.  It's cheap and avoids doctors and drugs.  Some further advice - Latex condoms reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes.  Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch a sore.

If you understand and follow these simple instructions, then Herpes Simplex isn't that much of a problem.

This page is a sub page.  To see a lot more free health info, click on the Home Page button below.