Solving Herpes

Herpes is a viral disease that "hides" mostly in fatty tissue that surrounds nerve cells and pathways. There are three classified types of herpes, although the first two below are the same virus found in different places.
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.

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.

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.

All of these forms are generated to a large extent by stress as a major factor. However, there are several other factors involved. It's important to understand these to prevent outbreaks.

The first two forms of Herpes Simplex require a certain balance of two amino acids to reproduce. These are Argenine and Lysine. If, and when, the Argenine level gets high, and the Lysine level gets low, Herpes comes out to play (reproduce).

That's when you first notice an itch 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 is very infectious.

There is no cure for herpoid viruses to date. Herpes is estimated to affect 80 million people in America, 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. Our diet is important. Sugar, chocolate, and nuts are high in Argenine, and many athletes use Argenine 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 what I'm writing here, and have been careful about sex without a condom whenever I "itch".

In later years, I've found that I require more Lysine than I did 40 years ago, when I discovered the Lysine/Argenine balance. I now take 1 pill (1000 mg) of Lysine per day, and still very occasionally get an outbreak.

Dealing with an outbreak

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

First take care of the affected skin area. Keep the area dry and clean during outbreaks to help healing. Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of first noticing symptoms (typically tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed-over. Until that time, you and your "discards" are highly infectious. The scabs and any other residue that is on your clothes is dangerous, and it's possible to re-infect yourself and others.

Next, treat the outbreak carefully. Valtrex and similar ointments do help to dry up the infection quickly, but I found a simpler and cheaper way years ago. I simply wet an edge of a bar of ordinary soap, (or a drop of liquid soap) and rub it all over and around the affected area, coating it with a layer of soap. I also scratch the area, and break the small pimples before and while doing this. I wash my hands thoroughly after doing this, then let the soapy area dry before putting on clothes. Within a week or so, the tiny scabs are gone and the skin is "normal".

There are some that will 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.
by: Dr. Phil Bate