Understanding Potential Triggers for Herpes Outbreaks
Are you someone who experiences recurring outbreaks? Here are some *potential* triggers:
🦠Stress and fatigue
🦠Menstruation
🦠Illness and weakened immune system
🦠Friction from sex
🦠Spending extended time in the sun
🦠Surgery and/or intense dental work
🦠Alcohol and certain foods (*person specific)
*There are currently no human-trial studies that explore the effects of a “low arginine diet/enzyme-induced arginine deficiency on the frequency and severity of HSV outbreaks.” (O’Rourke, K. Diet and Herpes: Diet Recommendations and Counseling Suggestions. 2022).
Just because you have herpes, doesn’t mean you need to avoid going outside or avoid entire food groups.
Triggers vary person-to-person—which is why there is value in bringing awareness to what your unique outbreak triggers may be if you’re looking to reduce frequency/duration.