Going to the sauna with herpes: what you should know
- Yes, you can go to the sauna with herpes as long as the blisters are closed.
- Open herpes blisters increase the risk of infection for other sauna guests.
- If signs of aggravation occur after a sauna session, a doctor should be consulted.
Is a visit to the sauna with cold sores safe?
Cold sore is a droplet or smear infection that can cause symptoms such as pimples, cold sores, tingling, pain and itching. Often, a weak immune system or prolonged stress are the causes. Since regular sauna sessions can strengthen the immune system, there is nothing against a sauna visit for herpes in principle. However, care should be taken not to infect other guests.
How are herpes viruses transmitted?
Herpes viruses are transmitted through direct skin contact or droplets in the air. For example, a shared glass can cause infection. However, a sauna session itself is not the cause of a herpes infection. Those who have a weak immune system and visit a wellness center should be careful and slowly get used to the exposure.
How sauna sessions can strengthen the immune system
A weak immune system is often the trigger for a herpes infection. Regular sauna visits can strengthen the immune system and thus prevent the outbreak of the virus. The heat in the sauna also boosts the skin’s metabolism, resulting in faster cleansing and better blood circulation. This can also help people with skin problems such as acne.
Guidelines for sauna visits with herpes
In principle, there is nothing against a sauna visit with herpes. However, if the blisters are open, you should refrain from visiting. Closed blisters are less risky, but you should follow the hygiene rules.
When should you see a doctor?
If herpes symptoms worsen and do not subside after a sauna visit, you should see a doctor. This is especially true if the blisters appear in sensitive areas such as the eyes.
Prevention and treatment of cold sores
So far, there is no vaccine against cold sores. The best prevention is to stay away from sources of infection and practice good hygiene. Stress, hormonal changes and a weakened immune system can be triggers. However, there are effective therapies and home remedies that can help.
Typical triggers for reactivation of the herpes viruses
Cold sores are often triggered by stress, anxiety, sadness and disgust, or even kissing. The herpes virus can also break out when the immune system is weakened, triggered by fever or illness. In women, this disease often occurs during hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy.
The affected areas then cause slight tingling and sometimes pain on the lips. These can last up to three weeks. Herpes is not curable and occurs less often in older people. However, there are effective therapies that can relieve the burning and itching and, above all, stop the viruses and blisters from multiplying. With the help of simple home remedies, herpes can be stopped.
Duration of cold sores
The blisters usually heal in 6–10 days, but complete healing can take up to three weeks.
Natural home remedies for herpes
In the pharmacy you can get a lot of chemical remedies against herpes. But there are also helpful home remedies that can be used supportively.
- Cold compresses reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect and dries out the herpes blisters.
- Peppermint oil also speeds up the healing process of herpes blisters. However, peppermint oil should be applied to the skin only in diluted form.
- Garlic is the most effective and fastest home remedy for cold sores. Garlic has an antibacterial effect and disinfects the skin area.
- Tea tree oil also has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Honey contains the active ingredient methylglyoxal, this fights viruses and bacteria.
- Alcohol is also good to use against cold sores. Here, however, not the beer or wine is meant, but high-proof alcohol. This disinfects and also cools the skin.
Home remedies such as toothpaste or zinc ointment dry out the herpes blisters and support the healing process. This can shorten the duration of cold sores by days. Home remedies for herpes work differently for each person. It may not have the same effect on you as it would on someone else. The only thing that helps here is to try it out.
Protection against further infection
An intact immune system is the prerequisite for protection against herpes. If this protection fails and you suffer from cold sores, you should observe the following points:
- Avoid skin contact with other people. Especially with babies, small children or elderly people. Their immune system is weaker and can thus easily lead to infection.
- Refrain from kissing as well as oral sex.
- Make sure no one else uses their towels, napkins, glasses, cups, and silverware.
- Contact sports such as judo or wrestling should be avoided during the outbreak.
- Do not scratch the herpes blisters or remove the crust.
- Be sure to avoid any contact with the infected area.
Strengthen the immune system and build up defenses
By living a healthy lifestyle, you build up defenses and thus strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system can prevent the spread of viruses or fight them more quickly. Refrain from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, these weaken the immune system and can cause reactivation of the herpes virus. Avoid unnecessary stress and mental strain.
However, if you inevitably get into a stressful phase, breathing exercises or relaxation exercises will help you. A healthy diet will help provide your body with what it needs. Refrain from fast food and convenience foods. Do sports and exercise regularly. Get enough sleep, our body needs rest to regenerate and build up defenses.
Important note: The information in no way replaces professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The contents of Saunazeit Magazine cannot and must not be used to make independent diagnoses or start treatments.
Product recommendation: Herpotherm – electronic lipstick against herpes and cold sores
If you suffer from cold sores, then you should turn to products that are both effective and safe. Herpotherm’s lipstick offers an innovative solution based on scientific evidence. Herpes viruses are thermolabile above a temperature of 50 °C. Herpotherm lipstick exploits precisely this principle by selectively heating the infected cells. This leads to the denaturation of enzymes and proteins in the virus, and thus to its inactivation.
In addition, the resulting heat stimulates the formation of heat shock proteins that activate the immune system. This prevents rapid viral replication and can stop the appearance of cold sores. This product has been developed under strict quality standards and offers a trusted option for those looking for an effective solution for herpes. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or pharmacist before using any new product.
Related links:
- Herpes (cold sores): https://rathaus-apotheke-abstatt.de/informationen/krankheiten-und-therapie/haut-haare-und-naegel/herpes
- The effects of infrared lasers on herpes simplex virus and human immune cells: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2546901/
