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Does Lemon Balm Oil Cause Frequent Herpes Outbreak?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015
Question: Hi, I had an outbreak of herpes last week which I treated with lemon balm oil, one that was done (about 1 week) another started right away around my anus, I started treating that one with lemon balm oil also, after 1 day of this, right in the middle of the day I began itching right below where my butt crack ends with some white flat bumps (not sure if it's a herpe sore as well), it almost seems as though the sores are traveling upward as they dry out. This has never happened I've gone months without an outbreak, and when they do happen it takes about a week in one spot and they're gone. This is the first time I try lemon balm to treat them, I usually just wash with hot water each time I use the restroom and that helps them speed it along or if I catch is quick enough they go away completely. I guess what I want to know is what are the bumps on my butt crack? Is the sore traveling around, running away from the oil?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.


It is unlikely that the cause of your frequent outbreaks is lemon balm oil.This ointment has antivirals properties and usually is effective in improving symptoms of pain and itching in an outbreak and reduce the healing time.
It is very important not to break the blisters on herpes lesions when applying this ointment or scratching because this can spread the lesions.
Usually the lesions of herpes have a typical aspect so it is not difficult to diagnose them.
If the new lesions have the multiple blisters view filled with fluid ,it is herpes and you may need treatment to control the outbreak.
You may apply an antiviral cream like Acyclovir for 1 week.

I would suggest to consult your physician for physical examination to make sure that the new bumps are herpes.
If you want to can send me a picture of these lesions to give you a better judgement.


Hope this is helpful to you.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
My outbreaks are normally one blister not clusters. Is it possible for it to be spreading like this? I'm not breaking them, im very gentle when applying the oil and wash my hands. I've never had this cluster of different size bumps on my butt crack before not really painful like a herpe sore more itchy and not red more white. They are away from my anus towards the top of my crack. I can't see if they look like a blister though it's a really hard spot to see.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It is not very common but can happen that during an outbreak the lesions spread and may last more then usual.
For now I would suggest to apply Acyclovir every 3 hours for 7 days and see what happen.
If these bumps persist after 1 week ,you should consult your physician and get examined.

Please feel free to ask for every question you might have.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (42 minutes later)
Where do I buy acyclovir ointment? I don't have a rx for that
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I apologize for that.In different countries ,there are different rules for drugs that require a prescription or not.
In some countries (including where I work) acyclovir cream is available over the counter but in USA and some EU countries it is available only with prescription.
You can consult your general physician and get a prescription or you can try to manage the symptoms with conservative treatment like salt baths,continue lemon balm oil for few days.
If there are no new lesions during these days ,you may not need to take further treatment.
If the lesions are very painful and itch or new blisters will from ,consult a physician .He can prescribe you an antiviral cream or oral tablet to control the outbreak.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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Does Lemon Balm Oil Cause Frequent Herpes Outbreak?

Brief Answer: detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and understand your concern. It is unlikely that the cause of your frequent outbreaks is lemon balm oil.This ointment has antivirals properties and usually is effective in improving symptoms of pain and itching in an outbreak and reduce the healing time. It is very important not to break the blisters on herpes lesions when applying this ointment or scratching because this can spread the lesions. Usually the lesions of herpes have a typical aspect so it is not difficult to diagnose them. If the new lesions have the multiple blisters view filled with fluid ,it is herpes and you may need treatment to control the outbreak. You may apply an antiviral cream like Acyclovir for 1 week. I would suggest to consult your physician for physical examination to make sure that the new bumps are herpes. If you want to can send me a picture of these lesions to give you a better judgement. Hope this is helpful to you. Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati