Everyone Healthy Library
Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Also Known As: Cold Sore; Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
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 and test markers
28This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated 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 tests2Cerebrospinal Fluid Albumin Concentration, Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis
- Alpha-1 Antintrypsin (AAT)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 90–215 mg/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Concentration
- Alpha-1-Globulin (Blood, Serum)Reference range exampleAll: 0.1–0.3 gm/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Protein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein)
- Alpha-2-Globulin (Blood, Serum)Reference range exampleAll: 0.6–1 gm/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Protein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid LeukocytesReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–5 /µL; 1y - 6y: 0–20 /µLLinked diagnostic tests1Cerebrospinal Fluid White Cell Differential
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Total ProteinReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 15–45 mg/dL; Child (< 10y): 15–70 mg/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Concentration
- D-DimerReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–240 µg/LLinked diagnostic tests1D-Dimer Blood Test
- FerritinReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 7–140 µg/L; Adult ( > 16y), Female: 18–160 µg/LLinked diagnostic tests1Ferritin Concentration
- Fibrin MonomersReference range example0–10,000 µg/LLinked diagnostic tests1Fibrin Monomers Test
- Fibrin Split ProductsReference range exampleAll: 0–1 mg/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Fibrin 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 tests1Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) Action Assay
- GlucagonReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 0–147 pg/mL; Adult ( > 16y): 20–110 pg/mLLinked diagnostic tests1Glucagon Concentration Test
- haptoglobin (Hp)Reference range example45–200 mg/dLLinked diagnostic tests1haptoglobin (Hp) concentration
- Herpes Simplex Virus Serology (Specific Antibody for HSV)Reference range exampleAll: 0–1 NegativeLinked diagnostic tests1Herpes Simplex Virus Serology Test (HSV Serology)
- MonocytesReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 3–7 %; 0.1–0.5 million/mLLinked diagnostic tests2Differential White Blood Cell Count Tests, Monocyte Absolute Count
- PlasminogenReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 65–153 %; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 70–120 %Linked diagnostic tests1Plasminogen 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 tests1Potassium Concentration (K, Blood)
- PrealbuminReference range exampleAll: 2–7 %Linked diagnostic tests1Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis
- Urine glucoseReference range example0–2.5; Adult ( > 16y): 0–2.5 mmol/dayLinked diagnostic tests1Urine glucose concentration
- White Blood Cell (WBC)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 4.5–10.5 million/mL; Adult ( > 16y): 3.2–10 million/mLLinked diagnostic tests1White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
Often decreased
8- CD4 to CD8 RatioReference range exampleAll: 1–5 RatioLinked diagnostic tests1Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping
- CholinesteraseReference range exampleAll: 6–19 U/mLLinked diagnostic tests1Cholinesterase (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 tests1Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Concentration
- Helper T cells (CD3(plus), CD4(plus))Reference range example589–1,505 cells/mm3; 32–61Linked diagnostic tests3Helper T cells (CD3(plus), CD4(plus)) Count
- Natural Killer Cells (CD16 Percentage)Reference range exampleAll: 4–30 %Linked diagnostic tests1Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping
- PlateletsReference range exampleChild (0 - 16y): 150–450 109/L; Adult ( > 16y): 135–380 109/LLinked diagnostic tests1Platelet Count
- Segmented NeutrophilsReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 50–62 %; Adult ( > 16y): 2,500–8,000 mm3Linked diagnostic tests2Differential White Blood Cell Count Tests, Neutrophil Absolute Count
- T-Suppressor (CD8) CellsReference range exampleAll: 15–40 %Linked diagnostic tests1Lymphocyte Immunophenotyping
Other associated markers
0No markers in this group.
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 of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up 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. WARNING: Tea Tree Oil is not recommended for children, pregnant women or mothers that are breastfeeding. Also, Tea tree oil should never be taken internally. 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 of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Warning! All parts of the plant, Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana), is poisonous and should not be ingested. Thoroughly cooking the plant reduces that toxicity. The effects of the improperly prepared plant include vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, headache, confusion, convulstions, low blood pressure, heart block and death. Only plant extracts (PAP) or thoroughly prepared plants should be ingested, and even then, under professional medical guidance.
Recommendation: weakly in favor (Laboratory studies show that 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 of the symptoms, and even then has 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 of the symptoms, and even then has 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. It may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms of pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Cats 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 recomendation (insufficient evidence to support claims that Cats 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 in regards to herpes simplex)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Aromatherapy:
Recommendation: weakly against (early trials done show no support of claims that aromatherapy may help with Herpes Simplex)
Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence
Vitamin A Supplement [39, 40]:
Recommendation: no recomendation (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 show 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 show 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 show 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 show 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 show 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 show that BHT may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Aloe Vera:
Recommendation: no recomendation (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:
1. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies", American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009
2. http://www.nutrasanus.com/cats-claw.html
3. http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Chel
4. http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=/monographs/herbssupplements/greatercelandine.asp
5. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/goldenseal
6. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal/
7. Tierra Michael (1998): The Way of Herbs. New York, Pocket Books
8. Grieve M. (1971): A Modern Herbal. New York, Dover Publications, Inc
9. Mills S. and Bone K. (2000): Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Philadelphia, Churchill Livingstone
10. Tice Raymond (1997): Goldenseal and Two of its constituent alkaloids: berberine and hydrastine Research Triangle Park, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Seiger E: Review of Toxilogical Literature
11. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/hydrastis.html
12. Winston, D., Maimes, S., Adaptogens: Herbs For Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, 2007, pp. 226-7
13. "A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on Acoustic Startle Response in Healthy Subjects". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 20(6):680-684, December 2000. Bradwejn, Jacques MD, FRCPC *; Zhou, Yueping MD, PhD ++; Koszycki, Diana PhD *; Shlik, Jakov MD, PhD
14. B. M. Hausen (1993) "Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer." Contact Dermatitis 29 (4), 175–179 doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1993.tb03532.x
15. Cataldo, A., Gasbarro, V., et al., "Effectiveness of the Combination of Alpha Tocopherol, Rutin, Melilotus, and Centella asiatica in The Treatment of Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency", Minerva Cardioangiology, 2001, Apr; 49(2):159-63
16. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotu_kola#Medicinal_effects
17. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/gotu-kola
18. http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=12&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=px
19. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Phytolacca+americana
20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/315368
21. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002874.htm
22. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pokeweed
23. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/tea-tree-oil
24. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-teatreeoil.html
25. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18816275
26. http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/972/&page=
27. http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/62/4/769?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=staphaseptic&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT
28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9055360
30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12451368
31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9848442
32. Bishop, C.D. (1995). "Anti-viral Activity of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia". Journal of Essential Oil Research: 641–644
33. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002769.htm
34. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_thoc2.pdf
35. http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=thuja&x=0&y=0
36. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/venus-flytrap
37. Parimala, R. & P. Sachdanandam 1993. Effect of plumbagin on some glucose metabolizing enzymes studied in rats in experimental hepatoma. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 12(1): 59–63.
38. http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/318/2/484
39. http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/herbs-supplements-gential-herpes
40. http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/189/8/1466.full
41. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus
42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730471/
43. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000079
44. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml
45. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/11/2/93.pdf
46. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm
47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15498610
48. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/8217756_Protective_effect_of_a_natural_carrageenan_on_genital_herpes_simplex_virus_infection_in_mice
49. http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.0020069
50. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm
51. Connors MS. and Altshuler L. (2009): The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies: An easy-to-use reference for natural health care
52. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml
53. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus
54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22269645
55. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=K-sNIkLGRnEC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq
56. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682203007335
57. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2998276
58. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus
59. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lysine
60. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus
61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125258