What triggers your herpes outbreaks?

Herpes is caused by one of two viruses: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes is different from many other common viral infections. Most importantly, it doesn't go away. The virus tends to lie dormant in the nerve root causing no symptoms whatsoever. But, at any time, it can travel the nerve pathways in a particular part of the body，the virus can reactivate and cause a flare-up or recurrence.

What triggers your herpes outbreaks? what causes herpes to recur

What causes herpes flare ups?

Do you know what causes herpes to recur? Some of the following factors may trigger herpes symptoms. The more you stay healthy and happy, the less chance of triggering a herpes outbreak.

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Sexual intercourse

Some people find that the friction of sexual intercourse irritates the skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce irritation. Don't use one that contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9, however. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina. Oil-based lubricants are a no-no, too. They weaken latex, making condoms more likely to break. Even if the friction of intercourse seems to be a trigger for symptoms, it probably won't cause a flare-up every time.

Colds and sunlight

The common cold and sunlight seem to trigger outbreaks of oral herpes (cold sores), but no proof exists that they trigger genital herpes outbreaks. Hormones. Hormonal changes, like those that occur in the menstrual cycle, can affect genital herpes outbreaks.

Surgery

Trauma to the body, such as having surgery, may make herpes symptoms appear.

Weak immune system

Having a weakened immune system does, too. People whose immune systems are weakened by HIV or chemotherapy, for example, tend to have outbreaks more often than people with normal immune functioning. Read more how to strengthen your immune system.

Stress

Physical stress such as extreme tiredness (fatigue), and emotional stress such as anxiety and/or depression. A new study reported in the November 8 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that the greater a woman's stress, the more likely it is that she will suffer an outbreak of the herpes lesions.

Why does stress cause herpess? When you're stressed or even just feeling run down, this can affect your immune system. When your immune system is under pressure, the resistance to the virus isn't as strong so the virus has a chance to break out again.

I am looking for my main trigger. I wonder if any of you experience a lot of stress and don't have OBs. I have pretty stressful work and thinking of changing it because it's like a circle: stress-OB-stress because of OB-OB.

Drinking too much caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can also impair immunity and spark herpes outbreaks.

High-arginine foods

Certain foods that are high in an amino acid called L-arginine are also thought to trigger recurrences of herpes. Certain nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews and walnuts); grains (oats, whole wheat, brown rice); caffeinated drinks, and chocolate contain this substance and could trigger outbreaks in some people.

Remember that triggers may not be the same for everyone, and doctors are not certain how much lifestyle affects herpes symptoms. If you think one triggers your symptoms, ask your doctor what you should do about it.

Lack of enough sleep

The repair and building of the body cells and tissues occur during sleep. Thus when you consistently miss or get inadequate sleep, it takes a negative toll on your body. Fatigue, reduced mental activity and the body’s ability to fight infections go down. Consequently, that increases the chance of another herpes simplex virus attack.

Regardless of what the triggers are, recurrences of herpes can be symptomatic (symptoms are shown) or asymptomatic (no symptoms are shown). Symptoms, which include tenderness and redness in the affected area and a bump or cluster of blisters (called vesicles) on the skin that then form sores or lesions, may also appear in slightly different places

The entrance of the herpes virus into the body calls for a change in lifestyle. A balanced diet and exercising are a must. Remember one person trigger may not be your trigger too. It, therefore, calls for a personal examination of your particular risk factors.

Avoiding the risk factors and sticking to herpes treatment will help you live a happy life once more. Once you have narrowed down your triggers, practice restraint from anything that enhances the possibility of symptoms showing up from time to time.

None of abov herpes triggers are absolute since it’s impossible to prove correlation between these factors and actual herpes outbreaks. Also, even if you find that one trigger does actually cause herpes symptoms for you, it isn’t guaranteed to do so every time. Each person has a different experience of what triggers their outbreaks. The bottom line is the more you stay healthy and happy, the less chance of triggering a herpes outbreak.

How to prvent herpes outbreaks

If you are struggling with repeat herpes outbreaks, reading the practical steps to prvent herpes outbreaks.

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