1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

herpes triggers

Posted , 9 users are following.

b22745
b22745

hey there, i was wondering if anyone could share what they experience as the main triggers to herpes and prolonged herpes outbreaks.

firstly, i am a student, i lack in sleep, i drink a lot and i dont eat healthily, on top of that i am a coeliac so i have a pretty crap immune system. 

i know this is a silly and naive thing to say but are these the reasons my herpes seem to never clear away? also 2 weeks before christmas i was very sick and on antibiotics, since then ive been experincing outbreak after outbreak..

my outbreaks are frequent but not painful, just irritating and itchy..

can anyone relate to anything ive just mentioned? i really need to be able to relate to someone right now i cant be the only one to feel this way sad

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • nikki1230
    nikki1230 b22745

    Posted

    No doubt those things prolong healing. You have reached out and that's a good step in right direction. Do you think it's time to seek help with the drinking? Stress will cause outbreaks. I've had that happen. Its time to start getting you healthy. Why aren't you eating right? What's going on?
    • jessb1738
      jessb1738 nikki1230

      Posted

      The only think that seems to reorder my outbreaks are stress and worrying!

      I use sunbeds, socially smoke and drink, and I too don't get too much sleep ... I obviously know this doesn't help outbreaks and I've stopped smoking and drinking for a New Years resolution x

  • Kay260199
    Kay260199 b22745

    Posted

    Everyone will be different but the biggest thing is to keep your immune system at its best! I'm a lot like you, young student still trying to enjoy her years as a teenager and not quite able to give up the partying!!

    Here's a few things that could help:

    Lower your Caffeine consumption

    Eat more fruit, vegetables and foods high in l-lysine

    Less sugar and less foods high in l-arginine

    Stress, keep calm! Especially during exams

    UV Ray's, do not get direct sun exposure in that area and use a sun block as often as possible. I used to love sun beds but now I'm too scared they might be a trigger

    If you notice sex is a trigger use a lube, it may be due to friction

    You don't sound silly or naive at all! But yes they could well be the reason. Just always remember it needs for your immune system to be lowered. The way I see it is your immune system acts like a barrier and when we lower it, the virus is allowed to come back through

    Unfortunately the only way you can figure out what triggers it for you is experience!

    Have you considered suppressive treatment?

    I know how you feel about the itch infuriating right!? Can't sleep most nights and often I'll be sat in a lecture and feel like it's driving me mad!

    I find it helps to keep distracted, just bought some anti-itch anaesthetic cream I'm hoping it helps!

    You are not alone!!!

    • Pipalongstockin
      Pipalongstockin Kay260199

      Posted

      Hi there

      Please could you tell me the name of the anti itch cream you have bought only im going insane with this I've tried alo vera cream canasten cream but im still itching my doctor has prescribed me some steriod cream but im cautious to take it I prefer natural as possible. I have no sores no redness or pain just irritation especially on my clitorous where you pee .

      Anyone eles have this

  • Nicki.J
    Nicki.J b22745

    Posted

    I dont drink that much anymore but i do drink occassionally and it doesnt trigger anything.  i ususally get an OB a week before my period comes. it must be a hormonal thing for me. but yes, really work on changing you diet and taking care of yourself.

    Also, i suggest getting Lysine vitamins. they say foods that are high in lysine will help with OBs... anything high in arginine is bad for herpes. so taking a 1000mg lysine supplement may help with symptoms and cancel out any arginine you have in your system. i try and take one or two pills a day but i was only just recently diagnosed so i am still experimenting with it.

    • Pipalongstockin
      Pipalongstockin Nicki.J

      Posted

      Lysine is helping me im sure Nicki I take 1000 mg a day but you can take up to 3000 mg a day I think. Just check with your herbalist. Also no chocolate or nuts with arginine in is not good too. I suppose its all trail and error and yes try and keep a note of triggers sex always triggers mine off constant itching and aching in my thigh like siatica no sores though .

      J x

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus b22745

    Posted

    Triggers vary from person to person, so you'll need to observe what are yours. Alcohol is a known immunosupressant, so a lot of alcohol probably won't help. Tri to eat a healthy, balanced diet (no need to worry about lysine/arginine) and/or take a multivitamin.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.