There are over counter herpes treatment that is available to give relief to those who are suffering from the disease.  It should be kept in mind that these remedies cannot by themselves treat herpes or address its symptoms.  They are most effective when taken with antiviral medication prescribed by the doctor. 

Often, a doctor prescribes over counter herpes treatment medication such as ibuprofen to address the pain that comes with a sores outbreak and fever to accompany the antiviral medication a patient is taking.  There are other easily available treatments we can take without having to have a prescription by the doctor.  It would be wise however to consult with him or her before you decide to try them out.

Vitamin supplements are a good place to start for your cold sores natural treatment.  When undergoing a herpes outbreak it is always advisable to keep your general immunity up.  Vitamins and a nutritious diet are good ways to do this.  Your body needs all the fuel it can get as it battles against the virus which causes herpes.  There is anecdotal evidence that Lysine can hasten healing from herpes sores and suppress outbreaks.  Likewise vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc have been shown to have a positive impact in treating herpes.

There are also balms and ointments one can put in the areas affected by herpes in order to aid the healing and drying up of herpes sores.  Aloe Vera which is available commercially as a cream or gel has been known to hasten the healing process and prevent the recurrence of outbreaks.  Lemon balm on the other hand has shown antiviral qualities and may reduce the intensity of herpes symptoms.

Antiviral medication is prescribed by doctors to not only address herpes symptoms but to prevent and suppress future outbreaks too.  It does this by interfering with the reproduction process of the herpes simplex virus. 

Without antiviral medication we may suffer outbreaks more frequently.  The exact causes of an outbreak is still a mystery to medical experts.  They have however pointed to a weakened immune system and stress as some of the triggers which can rouse the virus from its dormant state to instigate another round of symptoms.  As such, adopting a healthy lifestyle---eating right, getting enough rest, and exercise---will go a long way in helping the drugs and your body suppress another herpes outbreak even without minimum herpes zoster treatment.

When seeking relief from the pain and discomfort brought about by an outbreak of herpes, we should not limit ourselves to the measures prescribed by our doctors.  There are some herpes home treatment techniques that will not only make us feel more comfortable but may also speed along the recovery process.  Here are some things you can do at home to help your body and the antiviral medication you are taking fight off herpes.

Black tea contains certain natural chemicals which have anti viral and anti-inflammatory effects.  What you want to do is to prepare some black tea using a tea bag.  After the tea bag has cooled enough to allow you to put it on your skin, take the tea bag and apply it on the infected area for about five minutes.  You can do this two to three times a day and is best begun the moment any signs of a herpes sores outburst is experienced.

Another herpes home treatment technique one can do to hasten the healing of open sores, especially in oral herpes, is to use honey.  Honey does have antibacterial and antiviral qualities which can help disinfect herpes sores and prevent its spreading to other persons or other parts of the body.  Apply honey over the affected area of the body several times daily.

Cornstarch or baking soda can also greatly aid in alleviating any itchiness a person experiences during an outbreak of herpes simplex sores.  Baking soda and cornstarch will not only relieve itching but will help keep the sores dry---which is essential to hastening their healing.  When using cornstarch, simply apply it on the infected area and leave it to dry out the sores.  For baking soda, moisten a cotton ball and coat it with baking soda.

Apply the cotton ball coated with baking soda to the affected area.  Once you have used the cotton ball on the sores, dispose of it properly.  Do not re-dip the cotton ball in the baking soda as this may contaminate the baking soda.

Applying ice to the affected part of the body can also help soothe the area as well as inhibit the activity and prevent it from spreading.  Wrap the ice in a towel or clothe and apply it directly on the affected area. 

The best treatment for herpes is availble. You can try to help make your recovery from a herpes outbreak faster and a little less unpleasant.