Soap For Herpes? Is It An Old Wives Tale?

Soap For Herpes? Is It An Old Wives Tale?

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Using soap for herpes infections was considered to be an old wives tale for many years. On going research over the last eight years however, has revealed that a common ingredient in thousands of household and cosmetic products does significantly inhibit the herpes virus.

This ingredient is called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS).This chemical can be found in all manner of cosmetic products, it can be found in almost all soaps, shower gels, shampoos and skin cleansing agents. The primary role of sodium lauryl sulfate in soaps and shampoos is as a foaming agent, and is used as a major ingredient in bubble bath. It's also used in higher percentages in cleaning products, such as detergents, as it is an excellent degreaser.

So how does sodium lauryl sulfate effect the herpes virus? The herpes virus is what is known as an enveloped virus, meaning that the virus travels in an envelope, this envelope helps the virus penetrate your cells, causing the infection. Sodium lauryl sulfate has the ability to actually penetrate cells and destroy the envelope containing the virus. Lots of research into the effect of this chemical on the herpes virus has been done at Penn State's College of Medicine by Mary K. Howett, Ph.D. Professor Howett is currently working on a microbicidal gel containing SLS to treat all forms of the herpes virus.

If you have been searching for relief from the symptoms of the herpes virus you may have come across another "old wives tale" naming toothpaste as a home remedy for cold sores and herpes. If you have done a little more research into this you may have noted that there are many different reports as to the effectiveness of this remedy. The reason that toothpaste may work for some is that quite a few toothpastes do contain SLS, but also plenty that don't. If you want to try soap and toothpaste as a home remedy for herpes simplex infections, check the ingredients first to make sure that sodium lauryl sulfate is present.

Over the last few years there has been much debate over the use of SLS in cosmetic products. There was concern that the chemical could cause skin and hair damage. Although it is true that SLS can destroy skin cells, the concentration of the chemical needs to be very high to cause any damage. The percentage of SLS used in cosmetic products is far below levels that would cause any harm.

In conclusion, I would give soap or toothpaste a try for a herpes infection. Make sure that sodium lauryl sulphate is present in any products that you buy, and always use common sense when trying any products on the infection.

About the Author:
The findings on SLS are a proven fact, it really does inactivate the herpes virus. There are many more natural and chemical ways to combat the herpes virus.

Visit http://face-herpes-symptoms.blogspot.com/ and discover why you never need to fear an outbreak again. Arm yourself with everything you need to live herpes free.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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