Do You Know What Triggers Your Herpes Outbreaks?
Even with decades of medical research into the topic, the sources of herpes outbreaks are still somewhat of a mystery. Typically called "triggers", the list of factors responsible for initiating the process of viral shedding in infected patients is thought to encompass anything from direct sunlight to specific types of food items. Sadly, while hypotheses are plentiful, little in the way of scientific evidence is available.
This report examines some of the more generally-accepted theories regarding triggers for herpes outbreaks. When you are reviewing the information provided, it is crucial to keep in mind that certain triggers for each individual are usually different. Determining which of these, if any, induces your herpes outbreaks is a learning process that can sometimes take years.
The most-frequently reported triggers for herpes outbreaks are:
Exposure to Intense Sunlight
Inflammation of the epidermis resulting from ultra-violet light is thought to induce viral shedding in some herpes patients. This type of exposure comes most often from natural sunlight, but also is often seen by those who use artificial tanning salons.
In order to avoid triggering an outbreak from UV light, it's advocated that the at risk person wear sunscreen lotion, hats, etc. whenever outside in sunlight, and avoid the use of artificial Uv rays for tanning.
Stress and Fatigue
The relationship between stress, lack of sleep, and herpes outbreaks is among the stronger ones established by researchers. Because both fatigue and stress decrease the efficiency of the body's capacity to protect itself against disease, extended periods of either makes it possible for the HSV-2 or HSV-1 virus to overpower the immune system.
The best way of relieving stress and fatigue is regular exercise and a balanced diet. As is true with numerous issues related to the herpes simplex virus, boosting one's all-around health is among the most important factors in effectively managing the disease.
Friction around the Infected Areas
More frequently connected with HSV-2 than HSV-1, friction on the infected areas (e.g., the groin or genitals) is considered to be one of the most prominent causes of herpes outbreaks. Similar to sunlight, physical irritation of the epidermis by exterior factors like restrictive garments and sexual activity seems to activate viral shedding in many patients.
Avoiding this particular trigger requires wearing comfortable, loose-fitting underwear, and making use of a sufficient amount of, water-based sexual lubricants during sex. These habits will limit chaffing of the affected skin, and help you to avert future outbreaks.
Contact with Cold and Wind
Many patients infected with HSV-1 (oral herpes) report that exposure to cold temperatures and wind oftentimes prompts outbreaks of fever blisters. Although no immediate scientific correlation has been discovered to explain this phenomenon, it does stand to reason that these conditions would irritate the skin and potentially decrease the tissue's power to fight the latent herpes virus.
Dressing in protective gear and using some form of lip balm are prescribed strategies for dealing with these specific causes of herpes outbreaks.
Nutrition
The final suspected trigger of herpes outbreaks relates to the patient's diet. Numerous researchers have concluded that a link exists between large quantities of L-arginine (commonly present in chocolate, nuts, gelatin, and flour) and the frequency that outbreaks recur in many individuals. The excessive consumption of alcohol is additionally thought to be a culprit due to its weakening of the body's immune system.
In addition to abstaining from the aforementioned foods rich in L-arginine, it is believed by some that eating a greater percentage of foods containing Lysine helps to control outbreaks. Foods containing significant amounts of Lysine include beef, dairy products, fish, eggs, and potatoes.
Reviewing the Causes of Herpes Outbreaks
Pinpointing the triggers for herpes outbreaks in your own case is, unfortunately, an imperfect science. Although the stimuli reviewed in this report have been reported as things that cause outbreaks for a large number of patients, this doesn't indicate that they'll be triggers for everyone. By following the suggestions discussed above, however, it is probable that you can considerably lessen the frequency with which you have further herpes outbreaks.
This report examines some of the more generally-accepted theories regarding triggers for herpes outbreaks. When you are reviewing the information provided, it is crucial to keep in mind that certain triggers for each individual are usually different. Determining which of these, if any, induces your herpes outbreaks is a learning process that can sometimes take years.
The most-frequently reported triggers for herpes outbreaks are:
Exposure to Intense Sunlight
Inflammation of the epidermis resulting from ultra-violet light is thought to induce viral shedding in some herpes patients. This type of exposure comes most often from natural sunlight, but also is often seen by those who use artificial tanning salons.
In order to avoid triggering an outbreak from UV light, it's advocated that the at risk person wear sunscreen lotion, hats, etc. whenever outside in sunlight, and avoid the use of artificial Uv rays for tanning.
Stress and Fatigue
The relationship between stress, lack of sleep, and herpes outbreaks is among the stronger ones established by researchers. Because both fatigue and stress decrease the efficiency of the body's capacity to protect itself against disease, extended periods of either makes it possible for the HSV-2 or HSV-1 virus to overpower the immune system.
The best way of relieving stress and fatigue is regular exercise and a balanced diet. As is true with numerous issues related to the herpes simplex virus, boosting one's all-around health is among the most important factors in effectively managing the disease.
Friction around the Infected Areas
More frequently connected with HSV-2 than HSV-1, friction on the infected areas (e.g., the groin or genitals) is considered to be one of the most prominent causes of herpes outbreaks. Similar to sunlight, physical irritation of the epidermis by exterior factors like restrictive garments and sexual activity seems to activate viral shedding in many patients.
Avoiding this particular trigger requires wearing comfortable, loose-fitting underwear, and making use of a sufficient amount of, water-based sexual lubricants during sex. These habits will limit chaffing of the affected skin, and help you to avert future outbreaks.
Contact with Cold and Wind
Many patients infected with HSV-1 (oral herpes) report that exposure to cold temperatures and wind oftentimes prompts outbreaks of fever blisters. Although no immediate scientific correlation has been discovered to explain this phenomenon, it does stand to reason that these conditions would irritate the skin and potentially decrease the tissue's power to fight the latent herpes virus.
Dressing in protective gear and using some form of lip balm are prescribed strategies for dealing with these specific causes of herpes outbreaks.
Nutrition
The final suspected trigger of herpes outbreaks relates to the patient's diet. Numerous researchers have concluded that a link exists between large quantities of L-arginine (commonly present in chocolate, nuts, gelatin, and flour) and the frequency that outbreaks recur in many individuals. The excessive consumption of alcohol is additionally thought to be a culprit due to its weakening of the body's immune system.
In addition to abstaining from the aforementioned foods rich in L-arginine, it is believed by some that eating a greater percentage of foods containing Lysine helps to control outbreaks. Foods containing significant amounts of Lysine include beef, dairy products, fish, eggs, and potatoes.
Reviewing the Causes of Herpes Outbreaks
Pinpointing the triggers for herpes outbreaks in your own case is, unfortunately, an imperfect science. Although the stimuli reviewed in this report have been reported as things that cause outbreaks for a large number of patients, this doesn't indicate that they'll be triggers for everyone. By following the suggestions discussed above, however, it is probable that you can considerably lessen the frequency with which you have further herpes outbreaks.
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