Everyone Healthy Library
Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Also Known As: Cold Sore; Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
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Connected health information
Explore this condition in a clear order
Condition overview
Attributes
Commonalityis common
Linked signs and symptoms
19Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
- Anus: Vesicles and Papules around Anus
- Behaviour: Bizarre Or Strange
- Eyes: Corneal Ulcers
- Fever (Raised Body Temperature)
- Foot Ulcers (Two or More)
- Foot: Nodules on Sole
- Glands Swollen
- Hand: Vesicles and Papules on Palm
- Headache (Cephalgia)
- Lips: Stinging Sensation
- Mouth Lesion
- Mouth Ulcer
- Pain During Urination (Dysuria)
- Pain Mouth
- Penis Lesion Ulcer Or Warty Growth
- Skin Blisters
- Skin Red Itchy and Scaly (Eczema)
- Skin Vesicles (Small, Fluid-Filled Elevations)
- Throat Sore (Pharyngitis)
Linked drugs / medications
5Medication information is educational only. A doctor or pharmacist should advise whether any medicine is appropriate.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
38Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
Alternative and complementary therapies
16- Aloe VeraNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- AromatherapyWeakly Against(Very Low Evidence)
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Carrageenans (Red Seaweed Extract)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium Majus)Weakly Against(Very Low Evidence)
- Garlic ExtractsWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)Weakly Against(Low Evidence)
- Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)Weakly Against(Low Evidence)
- Lactoferrin (Whey Protein Component)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP)Weakly in Favour(Very Low Evidence)
- Prunella Vulgaris (Selfheal Plant)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Tea Tree OilNo Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja Occidentalis)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Uncaria tomentosa Plant (Cats Claw Herb)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Venus Flytrap Extract (Carnivora, Dionaea Muscipula)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
Alternative medicine
14- Aloe VeraNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Carrageenans (Red Seaweed Extract)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium Majus)Weakly Against(Very Low Evidence)
- Garlic ExtractsWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)No Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Lactoferrin (Whey Protein Component)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP)Weakly in Favour(Very Low Evidence)
- Prunella Vulgaris (Selfheal Plant)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Tea Tree OilNo Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja Occidentalis)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Uncaria tomentosa Plant (Cats Claw Herb)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Venus Flytrap Extract (Carnivora, Dionaea Muscipula)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
Vitamins and minerals
4Vitamins
2Minerals
1Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
24These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Concentration
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Albumin Concentration
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Concentration
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis
- Cerebrospinal Fluid White Cell Differential
- Cholinesterase (Serum Acetylcholinesterase, Pseudocholinesterase)
- D-Dimer Blood Test
- Ferritin Concentration
- Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs, Fibrin Split Products, FSPs, Fibrin Breakdown Products, Fbps)
- Fibrin Monomers Test
- Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) Action Assay
- Glucagon Concentration Test
- Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Concentration
- haptoglobin (Hp) concentration
- Herpes Simplex Virus Serology Test (HSV Serology)
- Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping
- Monocyte Absolute Count
- Neutrophil Absolute Count
- Plasminogen Activity
- Platelet Count
- Potassium Concentration (K, Blood)
- Protein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein)
- Urine glucose concentration
- White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
Biological markers/agents
28This visual map shows biological markers/agents reported as increased or decreased with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
Often increased
20- Albumin (Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF)Reference range exampleAll: 10–35 mg/dL; All: 56–76 %Linked diagnostic testsCerebrospinal Fluid Albumin Concentration, Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis
- Alpha-1 Antintrypsin (AAT)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 90–215 mg/dLLinked diagnostic testsAlpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Concentration
- Alpha-1-Globulin (Blood, Serum)Reference range exampleAll: 0.1–0.3 gm/dLLinked diagnostic testsProtein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein)
- Alpha-2-Globulin (Blood, Serum)Reference range exampleAll: 0.6–1 gm/dLLinked diagnostic testsProtein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid LeukocytesReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–5 /µL; 1y - 6y: 0–20 /µLLinked diagnostic testsCerebrospinal Fluid White Cell Differential
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Total ProteinReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 15–45 mg/dL; Child (< 10y): 15–70 mg/dLLinked diagnostic testsCerebrospinal Fluid Protein Concentration
- D-DimerReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–240 µg/LLinked diagnostic testsD-Dimer Blood Test
- FerritinReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 7–140 µg/L; Adult ( > 16y), Female: 18–160 µg/LLinked diagnostic testsFerritin Concentration
- Fibrin MonomersReference range example0–10,000 µg/LLinked diagnostic testsFibrin Monomers Test
- Fibrin Split ProductsReference range exampleAll: 0–1 mg/dLLinked diagnostic testsFibrin Degradation Products (FDPs, Fibrin Split Products
- Fibrinopeptide A (FPA)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 0.7–3.1 mg/mL; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 0.35–2.5 mg/mLLinked diagnostic testsFibrinopeptide A (FPA) Action Assay
- GlucagonReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 0–147 pg/mL; Adult ( > 16y): 20–110 pg/mLLinked diagnostic testsGlucagon Concentration Test
- haptoglobin (Hp)Reference range example45–200 mg/dLLinked diagnostic testshaptoglobin (Hp) concentration
- Herpes Simplex Virus Serology (Specific Antibody for HSV)Reference range exampleAll: 0–1 NegativeLinked diagnostic testsHerpes Simplex Virus Serology Test (HSV Serology)
- MonocytesReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 3–7 %; 0.1–0.5 million/mLLinked diagnostic testsDifferential White Blood Cell Count Tests, Monocyte Absolute Count
- PlasminogenReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 65–153 %; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 70–120 %Linked diagnostic testsPlasminogen Activity
- Potassium (K, Blood)AbbreviationKReference range exampleInfant (0 - 1y): 4.1–5.3 mEq/L; Child (0 - 16y): 3.4–4.7 mEq/LLinked diagnostic testsPotassium Concentration (K, Blood)
- PrealbuminReference range exampleAll: 2–7 %Linked diagnostic testsCerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis
- Urine glucoseReference range example0–2.5; Adult ( > 16y): 0–2.5 mmol/dayLinked diagnostic testsUrine glucose concentration
- White Blood Cell (WBC)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 4.5–10.5 million/mL; Adult ( > 16y): 3.2–10 million/mLLinked diagnostic testsWhite Blood Cell (WBC) Count
Often decreased
8- CD4 to CD8 RatioReference range exampleAll: 1–5 RatioLinked diagnostic testsLymphocyte Immunophenotyping
- CholinesteraseReference range exampleAll: 6–19 U/mLLinked diagnostic testsCholinesterase (Serum Acetylcholinesterase, Pseudocholinesterase)
- Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 10.1–18.5 U/gHb; Birth - 2wks: 12–23 U/gHbLinked diagnostic testsGlucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Concentration
- Helper T cells (CD3(plus), CD4(plus))Reference range example589–1,505 cells/mm3; 32–61Linked diagnostic testsHelper T cells (CD3(plus), CD4(plus)) Count
- Natural Killer Cells (CD16 Percentage)Reference range exampleAll: 4–30 %Linked diagnostic testsLymphocyte Immunophenotyping
- PlateletsReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 150–450 109/L; Adult ( > 16y): 135–380 109/LLinked diagnostic testsPlatelet Count
- Segmented NeutrophilsReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 50–62 %; Adult ( > 16y): 2,500–8,000 mm3Linked diagnostic testsDifferential White Blood Cell Count Tests, Neutrophil Absolute Count
- T-Suppressor (CD8) CellsReference range exampleAll: 15–40 %Linked diagnostic testsLymphocyte Immunophenotyping
Introduction / full article
Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:
Venus Flytrap Extract (Carnivora, Dionaea muscipula) [1, 36, 37, 38]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Venus flytrap extracts can help in the treatment of herpes. More research is needed.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis) [1, 33, 34, 35]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to support this claim at present. Little is known about the full effects of Thuja, so it is not recommended for medicinal use. Thuja can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Thuja helps to treat herpes.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Tea Tree Oil [1, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Tea tree oil is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally. It should only be used over skin, inhaled with a vaporizer, or mixed with water as a mouthwash.
Recommendation: No recommendation. Research on the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating herpes has yielded unreliable results.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) [1, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. All parts of the pokeweed plant (Phytolacca americana) are poisonous and should not be ingested unless properly prepared. Effects of improperly prepared pokeweed may include vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, headache, confusion, convulsions, low blood pressure, heart block, and death. Only plant extracts such as PAP or thoroughly prepared plants should be ingested, and even then only under professional medical guidance.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Laboratory studies suggest PAP may hold promise in the treatment of herpes, but more clinical trials are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica) [1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Gotu Kola helps in the treatment of herpes in any way. More research is needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) [1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Goldenseal helps to treat herpes. More studies are needed. Goldenseal may produce toxic effects, including depression, constipation, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, mouth ulcers, and vomiting.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium majus) [1, 3, 4]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly against. There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat herpes. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans and may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms such as pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) [1, 2]
Please note: this management does not treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Cat's Claw can help to treat herpes.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Low-level Laser Therapy
Recommendation: Weakly against. There have been mixed results in the very few studies performed with laser therapy for herpes simplex.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Aromatherapy
Recommendation: Weakly against. Early trials show no support for claims that aromatherapy may help with herpes simplex.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Vitamin A Supplement [39, 40]
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin A supplements are able to help treat genital herpes.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Zinc [41, 42, 43]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Zinc may help prolong remissions when applied topically. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Vitamin C
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin C is able to help treat herpes.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) [44, 45, 46]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that Melissa officinalis may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Carrageenans (Red Seaweed Extract) [47, 48, 49]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that red seaweed may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Garlic Extracts [50, 51]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that garlic may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal Plant) [52, 53]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that Prunella vulgaris may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Lactoferrin (Whey Protein Component) [54, 55, 56]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that lactoferrin may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) [57]
Recommendation: Weakly in favor. Studies suggest that BHT may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed.
Grade of Evidence: Low quality of evidence.
Aloe Vera
Recommendation: No recommendation. There is insufficient evidence to support claims that aloe vera can help to treat herpes.
Grade of Evidence: Very low quality of evidence.
* www.gradeworkinggroup.org
Summary References
Treatments:
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