31 Home Remedies for Genital Ulcers
Genital ulcers are sores which develop around your genital area (usually the vagina or penis). In some cases, they may develop in the anus or on the skin surrounding it, although this is rare. Sometimes they can become painful or leak fluid. Luckily, home remedies for genital ulcers can help to treat the sores and their symptoms.
What Causes Them?
In most cases, genital ulcers are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most commonly they occur as a result of herpes, syphilis, or chancroid infection. However, in some cases, they’re caused by bad reactions to skin care or hygiene products, inflammatory diseases and trauma.
Reducing the Risk
Using a condom or dental dam during sex can help to reduce your risk of developing genital ulcers, however, any skin not covered will still be at risk of infection.
While birth control pills can prevent pregnancy, they cannot prevent STIs, like genital warts
How Do I Know If I Have Genital Ulcers?
Genital ulcers can show up in different ways. Sometimes they start out as bumps or a rash. Some people experience pain from their ulcers, while others don’t. You may also experience swollen glands in your groin area. If you notice any symptoms, speak to your doctor to get tested for an STI.
Home Remedies for Genital Ulcers
If you see something like this (this is a common non-contagious mouth/lip ulcer), but near your genitals, then you may have genital ulcers
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Warm Baths
Soaking in a warm bath can provide relief from painful genital sores. The warm water will both help to keep the sores clean and help you to relax. You could always add some Epsom salts to help enhance the healing of the sores and speed up your recovery.
Make sure you dry the affected area thoroughly after a bath as excess moisture could make the sores worse or cause them to heal more slowly.
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Baking Soda
Keeping the infected areas dry is crucially important to promoting healing. Baking soda has powerful drying properties, helping to reduce excess moisture so that your sores can heal. Apply the powder to your sores using a cotton swab or ball to reduce discomfort and itching. Make sure you don’t double dip your cotton swab though as this could contaminate the unused baking soda.
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Tea Bags
Black tea bags are a little-known home remedy for genital sores. Steep the tea bag in hot water for one hour and allow it to cool. You can then dab the tea bag onto your sores for several minutes and pat dry with a clean cloth. Repeat this as often as needed until your sores clear up.
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Ice
Applying ice to your genital sores is one of the best ways to relieve the pain and swelling they cause. Place the ice inside a plastic bag, and then wrap the bag in a clean towel so that you don’t apply it directly to your skin as this could damage the skin tissues or even make your sores worse. Leave the ice on the sores for ten to fifteen minutes and repeat several times throughout the day.
Never put ice directly on your skin as this could cause minor nerve damage
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used as a home remedy for many ailments for thousands of years. It causes few side effects and is gentle on the skin. This makes it a great home remedy for genital ulcers. Apply pure aloe gel to your sores and let it soak in. The cooling effect of the gel should help to soothe any pain you may be experiencing and the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties will help to promote quicker healing.
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Reduce Stress
Some people find that their outbreaks are triggered by stressful events. If this is you, try to minimize your stress by taking part in mindfulness techniques, yoga or other calming hobbies and activities. You should also try to minimize your exposure to stress wherever possible.
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Breathable Clothing
Wearing loose and breathable clothing will help your skin to breath, airing out the infected area and prevent excess moisture. Cotton underwear is the best option for this whilst silk and synthetic materials are more likely to aggravate your condition. You should also steer clear of wearing tight pants, regardless of their material.
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Carrot Juice
Carrots contain beta-carotene which helps to detoxify the body and relieve conditions such as genital ulcers. Blend approximately two carrots and drink their juices twice a day. After a week or so, you should start to notice your symptoms improving.
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Vinegar
Adding half a cup of vinegar to your bath water and soaking in it for five to seven minutes should help to heal your genital ulcers. Soak in your vinegar bath twice a day for a week and this should help the ulcers to heal much faster, thanks to the antibacterial properties of the vinegar.
Use white vinegar for this home remedy
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Garlic Oil
Garlic is well-known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These make it a handy home remedy for genital ulcers. Simply use a little garlic oil mixed with olive oil and dab it on your ulcers. This should help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy healing process.
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Foods That Are Rich in L-lysine
L-lysine is an amino acid which helps to inhibit the replication of the herpes virus. As such it helps to treat genital sores. L-lysine is found in a number of food sources including turkey, chicken, fish, and legumes.
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Orange and Red Vegetables
Vegetables that are red or orange in color tend to be high in antioxidants and vitamin C. This means they’re ideal for boosting your immunity and enhancing the healing process so that your ulcers heal faster.
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Wild-Caught Fish
Fish is a crucial source of omega-3 fatty acids which is vital to the process of tissue repair. It also helps tackle inflammation and reduce the swelling of the ulcers.
Cook these fish any way you like (except deep-frying) to get many health benefits from them
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Lean Protein
Our bodies need protein to be able to function properly. Sources of lean protein, like free-range poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild caught fish, are the best sources. Try to consume at least four or five ounces of lean protein per meal.
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Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral that’s needed for a number of chemical reactions in the human body. It is used in the rebuilding of skin and helps to boost your immune system to protect you from viruses and infections. You can either take a zinc supplement each day or try to include more pumpkin seeds, nuts, and spinach.
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Vitamin C
Studies have shown that increasing your intake of vitamin C can help to boost your immune system and helps your body to heal faster. Taking a vitamin C supplement every day or including more citrus fruits, bell peppers, mango, or other natural sources of the vitamin should help to heal your genital ulcers.
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Vitamin B Complex
B vitamins are great for boosting your immune system so that you’re more able to fight infections and heal your genital ulcers. Spinach, broccoli, green beans, and eggs are all great sources of vitamin B.
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Reduce Added-Sugar Intake
When consumed, your body changes added sugars into acids which can damage the cells in your body and lower your immune system. This makes it harder for you to fight off infections which could increase your risk of genital ulcers. To reduce your risk, try swapping sweet treats and added-sugar for natural sweetness like bananas, strawberries, and other fruits.
When baking, add honey instead of sugar
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Cut Down on Processed or Preservative Heavy Foods
Processed foods contain a lot of synthetic preservatives that can increase oxidative stress. To reduce outbreaks of genital ulcers you should aim to keep your intake of processed foods, like freezer meals, candies, and refined grains as minimal as possible.
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Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is broken down inside the body to form the equivalent of sugars. Having high levels of sugar in your blood can lead to the suppression of white blood cells, weakening your immune system. This leaves you more vulnerable to infection and outbreaks of genital ulcers. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation to keep your risk of genital ulcer at a minimum.
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a great home remedy for genital ulcers, in fact, it’s been used to treat many conditions over the centuries. It can help to reduce the pain of your ulcers and also acts as an antiviral agent to fight viruses that may be causing your outbreaks. To use, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton wool ball. You could also try adding a few drops to your bath water each night.
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Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains a compound called carvacrol which gives the oil antiviral properties. The application of oregano oil has been known to help tackle the herpes virus that could be causing your genital ulcers. You can use oregano oil in the same way as tea tree oil but make sure to dilute it with coconut oil first.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ($14.97)
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Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a soothing effect which makes it an ideal home remedy for genital ulcers. Mix two to three milliliters of lemon balm with a cup of water and apply the mixture to your ulcers using a cotton wool ball twice a day. You could also try making a lemon balm tea to drink twice a day.
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Echinacea
Echinacea has potent antiviral qualities which help your body fight viral infections like herpes – one of the most common causes of genital ulcers. You can either use dried echinacea herbs or echinacea tea bags to treat your ulcers. Simply drink four cups of echinacea tea each day, using either your herbs or tea bags. Over time this should stimulate your body to fight the virus and so reduce your genital ulcers.
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Epsom Salt
We mentioned earlier that a warm bath could make a great home remedy for genital ulcers. Well adding Epsom salt to your bath makes it even more effective. The salt will help to soothe the pain and itching caused by your genital ulcers and, because it’s hygroscopic by nature, it will also help to dry out the ulcers so that they heal faster.
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Olive Oil
Using olive oil can provide relief from the pain and itching caused by your genital ulcers. It also has proven antimicrobial qualities which will help your body fight off any infections that may be causing your ulcers.
To use, simply mix a cup of olive oil with ten drops of lavender oil and two tablespoons of beeswax. You can then heat this mixture and apply it to your ulcers using a cotton wool pad. Reapply once more at a later point in the day. After several days of using the treatment, your ulcers should heal.
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Cornstarch
Cornstarch will work in a very similar way to baking soda. Simply dab a little cornstarch on your ulcers and let it sit. You should reapply the cornstarch every few hours. This will help to dry out your ulcers and prevent the itching they cause.
Corn starch is often used in cooking to thicken liquids
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Goldenseal
Goldenseal helps to boost your immune system so that it’s more able to fight off infections. Using a Q-tip, you can apply goldenseal tincture directly to your ulcers for long-lasting relief from the itchiness and pain. The goldenseal should help to reduce the swelling of the ulcers thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Green Tea
Green teas are packed full of antioxidants which helps to reduce the risk of an outbreak of genital ulcers. Drink three to four cups each day and you should find that your outbreaks decrease in frequency and intensity.
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Licorice Root
Licorice root has antiviral properties which make it a great home remedy for genital ulcers as it helps your body fight off the herpes virus. Mix some powdered licorice root with some water to make a paste. You can then apply this paste to your genitals and leave it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes. After this time, you should rinse your genitals with clean fresh water. Use the mixture every morning and again every night to help your ulcers heal faster.
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Domeboro Powder
Domeboro powder is often used as an astringent in hospitals. It’s especially good at treating sores like genital ulcers. It will help to reduce swelling and itchiness, helping you to feel better. Mix some domeboro powder with some water and soak a cloth in the liquid. You should then lay this cloth over the affected area and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Repeat this process every three to four hours and you should start to notice your ulcers healing.
You can easily buy Domeboro powder by shopping on Amazon
Do you know of any other home remedies for genital ulcers? If so, comment below!
References
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0201/p269.html
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/natural-remedies-to-treat-herpes/#gref
Mouth Ulcer Picture Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Genppy
