Despite decades of research into the topic, the sources of herpes outbreaks are poorly understood. Typically called "triggers", the list of things responsible for triggering the onset of viral shedding in infected individuals is believed to encompass anything from direct sunlight to certain kinds of foods. Nonetheless, while theories are plentiful, little in the way of scientific proof is available.
This article looks at several of the most generally-endorsed hypotheses surrounding triggers for herpes outbreaks. When you are reviewing the material presented, you must bear in mind that certain triggers for each person are usually different. Deciding which of these, if any, induces your herpes outbreaks is a process of discovery which can sometimes take years.
The most-frequently documented 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 most herpes sufferers. This kind of exposure comes most often from sunlight, but also is routinely seen by individuals who use tanning salons.
In order to prevent initiating an episode from UV light, it's recommended that the infected person wear sunscreen lotion, hats, etc. when in direct sunlight, and avoid the use of artificial Ultra violet rays for tanning.
Fatigue and Stress
The link between stress, lack of sleep, and herpes outbreaks is among the stronger ones established by experts. Because both fatigue and stress reduce the efficiency of the body's ability to defend itself against disease, prolonged stretches of either makes it possible for the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus to overwhelm the immune system.
The most-prescribed way of alleviating fatigue and stress is regular exercise and a nutritious diet. As is the case with most issues related to the herpes virus, improving your all-around health is one of the most important aspects to successfully handling the disease.
Friction around the Infected Area
More frequently connected with genital herpes than oral herpes, friction around the infected areas (e.g., the groin or genitals) is considered to be one of the main causes of herpes outbreaks. Much like direct sunlight, physical irritation of the epidermis by external causes like restrictive clothing and sexual intercourse appears to activate viral shedding in some individuals.
Avoiding this specific trigger requires wearing comfortable, loose-fitted underwear, and making use of ample, water-based sexual lubricants during sexual intercourse. These habits will limit chaffing of the skin, and help you to avert future outbreaks.
Exposure to Cold and Wind
Many patients who have contracted HSV-1 (oral herpes) insist that contact with cold temperatures and wind often triggers outbreaks of fever blisters. While no direct scientific correlation has been discovered to confirm this phenomenon, it does stand to reason that these factors would irritate the skin and probably decrease the tissue's ability to combat the latent virus.
Dressing in protective clothes and using some sort of lip balm are prescribed methods of managing these specific causes of herpes outbreaks.
Diet
One last believed trigger of herpes outbreaks relates to the patient's diet. Numerous studies have concluded that a connection exists between large amounts of L-arginine (usually found in chocolates, nuts, gelatin, and flour) and the regularity that outbreaks recur in many people. The heavy consumption of alcohol is additionally believed to be a culprit due to its inhibiting of the body's immune system.
Along with abstaining from those foods loaded with L-arginine, it is felt by some that eating a greater proportion of foods containing Lysine helps curb outbreaks. Food products that contain large amounts of Lysine include meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, and potatoes.
Reviewing the Triggers of Herpes Outbreaks
Pinpointing the causes of herpes outbreaks in your own case is, unfortunately, an in-exact science. While the irritants reviewed in this report have been cited as things that cause outbreaks for a large number of individuals, this does not necessarily mean that they will be triggers for you. By adhering to some of the strategies outlined here, however, it's likely that you will somewhat decrease the frequency with which you experience further herpes outbreaks.
This article looks at several of the most generally-endorsed hypotheses surrounding triggers for herpes outbreaks. When you are reviewing the material presented, you must bear in mind that certain triggers for each person are usually different. Deciding which of these, if any, induces your herpes outbreaks is a process of discovery which can sometimes take years.
The most-frequently documented 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 most herpes sufferers. This kind of exposure comes most often from sunlight, but also is routinely seen by individuals who use tanning salons.
In order to prevent initiating an episode from UV light, it's recommended that the infected person wear sunscreen lotion, hats, etc. when in direct sunlight, and avoid the use of artificial Ultra violet rays for tanning.
Fatigue and Stress
The link between stress, lack of sleep, and herpes outbreaks is among the stronger ones established by experts. Because both fatigue and stress reduce the efficiency of the body's ability to defend itself against disease, prolonged stretches of either makes it possible for the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus to overwhelm the immune system.
The most-prescribed way of alleviating fatigue and stress is regular exercise and a nutritious diet. As is the case with most issues related to the herpes virus, improving your all-around health is one of the most important aspects to successfully handling the disease.
Friction around the Infected Area
More frequently connected with genital herpes than oral herpes, friction around the infected areas (e.g., the groin or genitals) is considered to be one of the main causes of herpes outbreaks. Much like direct sunlight, physical irritation of the epidermis by external causes like restrictive clothing and sexual intercourse appears to activate viral shedding in some individuals.
Avoiding this specific trigger requires wearing comfortable, loose-fitted underwear, and making use of ample, water-based sexual lubricants during sexual intercourse. These habits will limit chaffing of the skin, and help you to avert future outbreaks.
Exposure to Cold and Wind
Many patients who have contracted HSV-1 (oral herpes) insist that contact with cold temperatures and wind often triggers outbreaks of fever blisters. While no direct scientific correlation has been discovered to confirm this phenomenon, it does stand to reason that these factors would irritate the skin and probably decrease the tissue's ability to combat the latent virus.
Dressing in protective clothes and using some sort of lip balm are prescribed methods of managing these specific causes of herpes outbreaks.
Diet
One last believed trigger of herpes outbreaks relates to the patient's diet. Numerous studies have concluded that a connection exists between large amounts of L-arginine (usually found in chocolates, nuts, gelatin, and flour) and the regularity that outbreaks recur in many people. The heavy consumption of alcohol is additionally believed to be a culprit due to its inhibiting of the body's immune system.
Along with abstaining from those foods loaded with L-arginine, it is felt by some that eating a greater proportion of foods containing Lysine helps curb outbreaks. Food products that contain large amounts of Lysine include meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, and potatoes.
Reviewing the Triggers of Herpes Outbreaks
Pinpointing the causes of herpes outbreaks in your own case is, unfortunately, an in-exact science. While the irritants reviewed in this report have been cited as things that cause outbreaks for a large number of individuals, this does not necessarily mean that they will be triggers for you. By adhering to some of the strategies outlined here, however, it's likely that you will somewhat decrease the frequency with which you experience further herpes outbreaks.
About the Author:
For more information on the causes of herpes, visit Devin Brindinshire's site and discover all of the genital herpes-related info you need, as well as the latest news on how to test for herpes.
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