So maybe you know that herpes is not exactly a life-threatening condition. Nevertheless, you know it's extremely unpleasant! One of the first things you should remember is that you need to avoid sexual contact during the herpes outbreak.

You should wait until all blisters have gone, even the very sign of them. That means the scabs have healed, fallen away, and have now been replaced by new skin. And in the meantime, there are lots of things you can do to help diminish the discomfort. To start off with, use an ice pack to ease your pains and the swelling that's associated with genital herpes.

Next, try a warm bath with baking soda. Baking soda is great because it can help with the pain and reduce all the annoying itching, too. When you're done with your bath, be sure you dry yourself carefully and thoroughly. You'll reduce the uncomfortable symptoms by keeping the affected areas clean and dry.

To slow viral growth during a herpes outbreak, consider taking some natural supplements. L-lysine, an amino acid, slows viral growth, and zinc and other antioxidants may help, too.

In the meantime, try to avoid those foods that could suppress L-lysine. That includes dairy products, nuts, meat, oats, seeds, and corn. That doesn't leave you with a lot of choices, true, but it sure beats a protracted, itchy outbreak!

Immune supplements, such as Echinacea, goldenseal, and vitamin C will help speed healing, as well. Careful, though! Don't take Echinacea if you're allergic to ragweed. Of course, remember that sleep and reduced stress are nature's best immune boosters.

Treat any blisters you develop topically. Use something like tea tree oil, a natural topical antiseptic. It can be applied several times daily at half or full strength.

If natural approaches to controlling your herpes outbreak aren't helpful, call your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe one of many medications available today that can relieve your symptoms.

Just remember that while any and all of these treatments can help ease your discomfort, not a single one will cure herpes. They won't stop the spread of herpes either. Not even the medication prescribed by your doctor. You can even spread this disease through oral sex, so protect your partner, take care of yourself, and wait for a while!