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Curing Cancer: Newer Treatments To Keep An Eye On

While there currently isn't a cure for cancer, researchers are exploring several new treatments, including vaccines and gene editing, that could eventually change the face of cancer treatment.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by unusual cell growth. These cells can invade different body tissues, leading to serious health problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease. But is there a cure for it?

Currently, there's no true cure for cancer. However, recent advances in medication and technology have paved the way for newer cancer treatments, helping move us closer to a cure.

Below, we'll explore these emerging treatments and what they could mean for the future of cancer treatment. Keep reading to discover more.

Is there a cure for cancer? If so, how close are we? To answer these questions, it's important to understand the difference between a cure and remission:

Cure. A cure means that treatment has eliminated all traces of cancer from the body and has ensured that it won't come back.

Remission. Remission means that signs of cancer have reduced or gone away entirely. A person who is in remission may have few to no signs of cancer cells in their body. Generally speaking, there are two different kinds of remission:

A complete remission, which means there aren't any detectable signs of cancer.

A partial remission, which means the cancer has shrunk, but the cancer cells are still detectable.

Even after a complete remission, cancer cells can remain in the body. This means the cancer can come back. If this happens, it's usually within the first 5 years after treatment.

While some doctors may use the term "cured" when referring to cancer that doesn't return within 5 years, it's still possible for it to come back, meaning it's never truly cured. Because of this, most doctors will use the term "in remission" instead of "cured."

In this article, we'll be exploring new and emerging cancer treatments. These newer treatments may be used outside of or along with more conventional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Let's dive in.

Cancer immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer cells.

The immune system is made up of various organs, cells, and tissues that help the body fight off outside invaders, including:

bacteria

viruses

parasites

However, cancer cells are a part of us and aren't seen by our bodies as invaders. Because of this, the immune system may need help identifying them. There are several ways to provide this help.

Vaccines

When you think of vaccines, you probably think of them in the context of preventing infectious diseases, like COVID-19, measles, and the flu. However, some vaccines can help prevent or even treat certain types of cancer.

For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against many types of HPVs that can cause cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine helps to prevent a chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus, which can lead to liver cancer.

Bacillus Calmette-Geurin (BCG) is a vaccine that's normally used for tuberculosis but can also be a part of bladder cancer treatment. In this treatment, BCG is supplied directly to the bladder by a catheter that stimulates immune cells to attack bladder cancer cells.

Researchers have also been trying to make a vaccine that helps the immune system fight cancer directly. Cancer cells usually have molecules on their surface that aren't on healthy cells. A vaccine containing these molecules may help the immune system better recognize and destroy cancer cells.

So far, there's only one vaccine that's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cancer. It's called Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) and is used to treat advanced prostate cancer that hasn't responded to other treatments.

This vaccine is unique because it's customized. Immune cells are removed from the body and sent to a laboratory, where they're modified to recognize prostate cancer cells. They're then injected back into the body, where they help the immune system find and destroy cancer cells.

According to a 2021 review, researchers are currently working on developing and testing new vaccines to treat certain types of cancer. These vaccines are sometimes tested in combination with established cancer drugs, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Some examples of cancers with vaccines that have been or are currently being tested are:

T-cell therapy

T-cells are a kind of immune cell. They work to destroy outside invaders detected by your immune system.

T-cell therapy involves removing these cells from the body and sending them to a lab. The cells that seem most responsive against cancer cells are separated and grown in large quantities. These T-cells are then injected back into your body.

A specific type of T-cell therapy is called CAR T-cell therapy. During treatment, T-cells are extracted and modified to add a receptor to their surface. This helps the T-cells better recognize and destroy cancer cells when they're reintroduced into your body.

As of this writing, 6 CAR T-cell therapies have been approved by the FDA. These are used to treat blood cancers, including some types of leukemias and lymphomas as well as multiple myeloma.

Generally speaking, CAR T-cell therapy is recommended when other cancer treatments haven't been effective. While it can be beneficial for people with cancers that are hard to treat, it's also associated with some potentially serious side effects.

One of these is called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). This happens when the newly reintroduced T-cells release a large number of chemicals called cytokines into the bloodstream. This can send the immune system into overdrive.

Serious effects on the nervous system, like seizures and confusion, have also been observed after CAR T-cell therapy.

Clinical trials are in progress to see how this therapy might be able to treat other types of cancers, including solid tumors, which can be harder for CAR T-cells to reach.

Researchers are also studying better ways to manage the side effects associated with CAR T-cell therapy.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells, another type of immune cell. They're able to recognize specific targets, called antigens, and bind to them. Once an antibody binds to an antigen, T-cells can find and destroy the antigen.

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy involves making large amounts of antibodies that recognize antigens that are usually found on the surface of cancer cells. They're then injected into the body, where they can help find and neutralize cancer cells.

There are many types of mAbs that have been developed for cancer therapy. Some examples include:

Alemtuzumab (Campath). This mAb binds selectively to a protein that is highly expressed on the surface of both T and B cell lymphocytes. By targeting this specific protein, both the T and B cells are marked for destruction, which helps your body get rid of any cancer-containing cells.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin). This mAb is specific for HER2, a protein found on some breast cancer cells and promotes their growth. Trastuzumab binds to HER2, which blocks its activity. This stops or slows the growth of breast cancer cells.

Blinatumomab (Blincyto). This therapy is considered a T-Cell therapy and a mAb, since it contains two different mAbs. One attaches to the cancer cells, while the other attaches to immune cells. This brings the two cell types together and allows the immune system to attack the cancer cells. It's currently used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia, and similar drugs are being developed for diseases like myeloma.

Monoclonal antibodies can also be attached to radioactive particles or chemotherapy drugs. These are called conjugated mAbs. Because the antibodies are specific for antigens on cancer cells, they allow these cancer-fighting substances to be delivered directly to cancer cells.

A couple of examples of conjugated mAbs include:

Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin). This mAb has a radioactive particle attached to it, allowing radioactivity to be delivered directly to the cancer cells when the antibody binds. It's used to treat some types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). This antibody has a chemotherapy drug attached to it. Once the antibody attaches, it releases the drug into the cancer cells. It's used to treat some types of breast cancer.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors boost the immune system's response to cancer. The immune system is designed to attach to outside invaders without destroying other cells, but it doesn't recognize cancer cells as invaders.

Usually, checkpoint molecules on the surfaces of cells prevent T-cells from attacking them. Checkpoint inhibitors help T-cells avoid these checkpoints, allowing them to better attack cancer cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to treat a variety of cancers, including lung cancer and skin cancer. A few examples of immune checkpoint inhibitors include:

Gene therapy is a way of treating diseases by editing or altering the genes within the cells of your body. Genes contain the code that produces many different kinds of proteins. Proteins affect how cells grow, behave, and communicate with each other.

In the case of cancer, genes become defective or damaged, leading some cells to grow out of control and form a tumor. The goal of cancer gene therapy is to treat disease by replacing or modifying this damaged genetic information with healthy code.

Researchers are still studying most gene therapies in labs or clinical trials.

Gene editing

Gene editing is the process of adding, removing, or modifying genes. It's also called genome editing. In the context of cancer treatment, a new gene would be introduced into cancer cells. This would either cause the cancer cells to die off or prevent them from growing.

Research is still in the early stages, but it has shown promise. So far, most research around gene editing has involved animals or isolated cells rather than human cells. Still, the research continues to advance and evolve.

The CRISPR system is an example of gene editing that's getting a lot of attention. This system lets researchers target specific DNA sequences using an enzyme and a modified piece of nucleic acid. The enzyme removes the DNA sequence, allowing it to be replaced with a customized sequence.

So far, some phase 1 clinical trials that use CRISPR technology to modify T-cells in people with advanced cancer have been done. Phase 1 clinical trials mainly evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new treatment.

One 2020 trial involved 3 people with advanced, refractory cancer, which is cancer that's stopped responding to treatment. In all 3 people, the changes introduced by CRISPR were stable for at least 9 months. No significant side effects were observed.

Another 2020 trial of T-cells modified with CRISPR involved 12 people with advanced, refractory NSCLC. While the changes introduced by CRISPR didn't last long, the reported side effects weren't serious. CRISPR also didn't seem to impact off-target sites in the genome.

Virotherapy

Many types of viruses destroy their host cell as a natural part of their life cycle. This makes viruses a good potential treatment for cancer. Virotherapy is the use of viruses to selectively kill cancer cells.

The viruses used in virotherapy are called oncolytic viruses. They're genetically modified to only target and replicate within cancer cells.

According to the NCI, when an oncolytic virus kills a cancer cell, cancer-related antigens are released. Antibodies can then bind to these antigens and trigger an immune response.

While researchers are looking at the use of several viruses for this type of treatment, only one has been approved so far. It's called talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) and is a modified herpes virus. It's used to treat melanoma skin cancer that can't be surgically removed.

Researchers continue to study oncolytic viruses as a way to treat cancer. A 2020 review looked at studies on oncolytic viruses between the years 2000 and 2020. A total of 97 different clinical trials were found, most of them phase 1.

The most common types of cancers targeted with virotherapy were melanoma and digestive cancers. A modified adenovirus was the most frequently studied oncolytic virus. The reviewers noted that only 7 of the studies reported on the levels of tumor-specific immune response.

The body naturally produces hormones, which act as messengers to the different tissues and cells of your body. They help regulate many of your body's functions.

Some cancers are sensitive to the levels of specific hormones. This is why hormone therapy uses medication to block the production of hormones.

Changes in hormone levels can affect the growth and survival of some types of cancer cells. Lowering or blocking the amount of a necessary hormone can slow the growth of these types of cancers.

Hormone therapy is sometimes used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer, and uterine cancer. It's often used along with other types of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

Nanoparticles are tiny structures that are smaller than cells. Their size allows them to move throughout the body and interact with different cells and biological molecules.

Nanoparticles are promising tools for cancer treatment, especially when it comes to drug delivery.

Potential uses for nanoparticles in drug delivery include systems that can target cancer cells or cross tissue barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier. This may help enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments while minimizing side effects.

Nanoparticles may also be able to affect the immune system. One 2020 study used a nanoparticle-based system in mice to train immune cells to mount a response against cancer cells. This approach also helped make treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors more effective.

While the types of nanoparticle therapy we've just discussed are still in the development stage, several nanoparticle-based delivery systems are approved by the FDA for cancer treatments. These systems use nanoparticles to more effectively deliver cancer drugs.

Some examples of cancer drugs that may use a nanoparticle-based delivery system are those for paclitaxel (Abraxane) and doxorubicin (Doxil).

Other cancer treatments that use nanoparticle technology are currently in clinical trials. You can find a list of active nanoparticle clinical trials for cancer treatment on the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Clinical Trials website. Many different cancers are represented, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

The world of cancer treatment is constantly growing and changing. Stay up to date with these resources:

There's currently no definite cure for cancer. Even if a person has achieved complete remission, it's still possible for their cancer to return sometime in the future. Nevertheless, researchers continue to work hard to develop newer, more effective cancer treatments.

Some treatments that are already in use alongside more conventional cancer therapies include hormone therapy and immunotherapies like mAbs, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.

Other key research areas include gene editing, especially using the CRISPR system, as well as nanoparticles. While these technologies are still in their early development stages, initial studies and trials have shown promising results.

32 Home Remedies For Herpes Simplex Virus 1 And Virus 2

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) results in an infection that can cause oral or genital herpes. HSV is often transmitted through sexual contact, but it can be transmitted in other ways, too.

To put it very simply:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus that typically causes oral herpes. In some cases, oral sex can spread oral herpes to your genitals.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the virus that causes genital herpes, although it can cause herpes sores on your mouth and face.

Both types of herpes are common, with nearly half of U.S. Adults living with HSV-1, and 12% living with HSV-2. Neither virus is life threatening to adults, and many people go through life without even knowing they have the virus.

For people with herpes lesion outbreaks, symptoms can be uncomfortable. Antiviral medication is sometimes prescribed to try to minimize outbreaks and shorten their duration when they occur. Some people opt to use home remedies as a way to supplement their recommended treatment plan.

Herpes simplex is a virus. That means that there isn't a known "cure" that will prevent symptoms from returning. But there are things you can do to find relief during an HSV-1 or HSV-2 outbreak.

You may be able to reduce inflammation, irritation, and other symptoms through a mix of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and dietary supplements. However, these remedies aren't a replacement for a clinical treatment plan.

You should always talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional before you try any alternative treatment. They can discuss possible dosages, side effects, and interactions.

These tried-and-true home remedies may help ease outbreak-related swelling, itching, and stinging. You probably already have what you need for these remedies in your kitchen cabinet or medicine chest.

Cool compress

It may be helpful to use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack or a clean, soft washcloth filled with ice to the affected area. Repeat as needed every 4 hours. Be sure to never place ice directly on the skin.

Baking soda paste

Applying a baking soda paste may help dry out lesions and relieve itching. To do this, dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of pure baking soda and dab it on the sore.

Cornstarch paste

Corn starch paste may also dry out lesions and relieve itching. Dip a wet cotton ball or Q-tip into a small amount of cornstarch and apply it to the affected area.

Topical garlic

Research suggests that garlic may have antiviral properties against both strains of herpes. Crush up a fresh clove of garlic and mix it with olive oil to dilute. You can apply this mixture to a sore up to three times per day.

Topical apple cider vinegar (ACV)

ACV is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. To reap some of these benefits, mix one part ACV with three parts warm water and apply it to the affected area.

Eating certain foods and avoiding others may boost your immune system and, in turn, help your body respond to the herpes virus.

Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that changing your diet could help prevent outbreaks.

Although more research is needed, clinical evidence does support some of these claims.

Antioxidant-rich veggies

Eating vegetables rich in antioxidants can boost your immune system and may minimize inflammation and lengthen the time between outbreaks. Cauliflower, spinach, kale, and tomatoes are rich in free-radical binding antioxidants. They also contain more lysine than arginine, an amino acid ratio that's important to suppressing herpes.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega 3-chain fatty acids can be used to help your immune system manage chronic inflammatory conditions. Salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, and chia seeds are rich in these fatty acids.

Protein

Consuming a healthy level of protein is vital to the body's immune response to the herpes virus and other pathogens. Eating a diet high in protein and low in saturated fat by eating lots of almonds, eggs, and oats.

Vitamin C

Researchers have demonstrated that vitamin C can efficiently speed the healing of herpes outbreaks. It may also help prolong the time between outbreaks.

Colorful fruits and veggies like bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C. Mango and papaya fruits also contain the vitamin, without adding a high amount of lysine to your diet.

Zinc

Zinc therapy may reduce the number of herpes outbreaks you have while also giving you a longer time between outbreaks. You can increase the zinc in your diet by eating wheat germ, chickpeas, lamb, and pork.

Taking zinc supplements may also help with a herpes outbreak.

Vitamin B complex

Vitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. These vitamins boost your energy, help your metabolism, and support healthy cell growth. These functions are essential when the virus is attacking the body during active outbreak.

B vitamins can boost your immune system to help your body respond to the herpes virus. You can get vitamin B from green beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, or from supplements.

Avoid acid

Acidic food may irritate cold sores before they're healed. Fruit juice, beer, sodas, and processed foods all tend to be more acidic. Limit these foods and consider water or sparkling seltzer instead.

Avoid L-arginine

Some research says that you should avoid foods that contain high levels of arginine whenever you can. Chocolate is particularly rich in this amino acid, which some people claim can trigger herpes symptoms. You could try to satisfy your sweet tooth with a vitamin-dense option like dried mango or apricots, instead.

Avoid or limit processed or preservative-heavy foods

Processed food contains synthetic preservatives that may contribute to oxidative stress. Keeping oxidative stress levels low may help promote healing during outbreaks.

Try limiting highly processed foods, like freezer meals, refined grain products, and candies, from your diet.

Supplements may help by supporting your immune system and helping your body suppress outbreaks.

But important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements like drugs. You should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement. Some supplements may interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. Research on lysine's potential to prevent herpes simplex outbreaks is ongoing.

Some reports suggest that a dose of 500 milligrams (mg) two to three times a day may be beneficial. Some research suggests that taking 3,000 mg of lysine daily is effective and preventing herpes outbreaks or reduce the severity of the outbreaks.

Probiotics

Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to help the body generate an immune response against herpes infections. Taking probiotics may also strengthen your immune system in other ways. Eating yogurt is the first place to start.

Probiotic supplements containing strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus are known to improve immune function.

When used correctly, certain topicals can help speed up healing, relieve itching, and numb discomfort.

Many topical ingredients, such as essential oils, can burn through your skin barrier if they're not diluted. Carrier oils, like jojoba and coconut oil, are important for using many topical ingredients safely.

Essential oils can also be used for aromatherapy. Be mindful of your surroundings if you're using aromatherapy, though. Some essential oils are toxic to pets and can be dangerous for pregnant people.

Use a carrier oil for the following topicals:

All essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Essential oils should never be ingested. Some topicals such as aloe vera or manuka honey are not essential oils and can be applied to the skin directly.

Be sure to do a patch test before performing a full application. This is the only way to ensure that you're not applying an irritating substance to an already sensitive area.

You can do a simple patch test by following these steps:

Apply the topical to your forearm.

Wait 24 hours.

If you experience any itching, inflammation, or other irritation, wash the area thoroughly and discontinue use.

If you don't experience any adverse symptoms within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere.

For more information on these natural products, read on.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has proven wound-accelerating properties. These properties may soothe and heal herpes lesions. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied directly to nearly every area of the body without being diluted.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a potent antiviral ingredient that's been shown to help with herpes. Tea tree oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before using it on a cold sore or genital herpes.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel has antiviral properties. Some people can use pure witch hazel without experiencing irritation, while others find that it stings. Use witch hazel diluted in water if you have sensitive skin.

Manuka honey

Research from 2017 shows that topical application of manuka honey may be as effective as acyclovir at treating HSV-1 and HSV-2. Manuka honey can be applied directly without dilution.

Goat milk

Goat milk contains an antiviral agent that may work against herpes simplex. You can apply goat milk directly without dilution.

Chamomile

Chamomile is well known as a relaxing and soothing herb. It can be used in teas, but some research also suggests that chamomile essential oil has soothing and virus-fighting properties that may help treat HSV-2. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Ginger essential oil

Ginger essential oil has the potential to kill the herpes virus on contact. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil also has the potential to fight the herpes virus. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil may also fight the herpes virus. If used as an essential oil, it must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil may be another antiviral agent against herpes. It can also help soothe and promote healing. It must be diluted with a carrier oil.

Mexican oregano essential oil

Mexican oregano oil contains carvacrol, an antiviral ingredient. It must be diluted with a carrier oil.

Licorice root

Licorice root's active ingredient has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make licorice extract a promising treatment for herpes outbreaks. You can apply licorice root directly without dilution.

Echinacea

Echinacea extract may be an effective antiviral against both strains of herpes simplex. It's also an anti-inflammatory, which may soothe existing outbreaks. You can apply echinacea extract directly on the skin.

Neem essential oil

Neem extract may also have anti-herpes properties. Pure neem essential oil is potent and may burn your skin. It must be diluted with a carrier oil.

If you're having an active herpes outbreak, you're likely wanting to find ways to suppress or get rid of your symptoms by any means necessary. However, home remedies have limitations, and they're not a solution for everyone.

Here are a few important things to consider before treating herpes symptoms with any of the remedies on this list.

New infection

Herpes management should be done in tandem with a healthcare professional. See a doctor before you try home remedies if any of the following apply to you:

if you know you have recently been exposed to herpes, but don't know for sure if you contracted the virus

you believe you may have been exposed to herpes and you are experiencing sores or genital warts but have yet to take a herpes test

you tested positive for herpes through an at-home test, but have yet to discuss your test results with a healthcare professional

Pregnancy

It's possible to pass herpes to your baby during the birth process. Birth-acquired herpes, also known as neonatal herpes, is considered rare in the United States. However, it can lead to complications, such as developmental issues, damage to the baby's nervous system, and more.

Pregnancy is not the time to try new home remedies for an active herpes outbreak. Speak with your OB-GYN if you are experiencing herpes symptoms or if there is a chance you may have developed a herpes infection during pregnancy.

Recurring outbreaks

A new herpes infection can lead to an outbreak that lasts several weeks. After that, sores tend to appear less frequently and outbreaks won't typically last as long. If you're experiencing frequent outbreaks, it could be a sign of an underlying immune issue.

Frequent herpes sore outbreaks aren't a sign to double down on home remedies and lifestyle treatments. They're a sign to speak with your doctor about what's going on.

Here are some general tips for herpes outbreak management.

If you have a cold sore:

Do ditch your toothbrush and use a new one.

Do load up on rest, vitamin C, and zinc supplements when you're experiencing high stress.

Do use a hypoallergenic, clear lip balm to protect your skin from sun, wind, and cold exposure.

Don't share cups or drinks during the outbreak.

Don't try to pop, drain, or otherwise interfere with the cold sore while it's healing.

If you have a genital herpes outbreak:

Do wear cotton undergarments and loose clothing.

Do take long warm showers and keep the area clean and dry at all other times.

Don't soak in hot tubs or baths.

Don't have sex. It's possible to transmit the virus even if you use a condom.

What triggers herpes outbreaks?

Many factors, such as stress, illness, menstrual cycles, sunlight, and certain foods may trigger herpes outbreaks.

Can you permanently cure herpes on your own?

There is no cure for the herpes virus, however, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid an outbreak.

How long do herpes sores last?

Herpes outbreaks typically last for about a week. Initial outbreaks, however, may last longer, for about two weeks.

What happens if herpes is not managed?

Herpes won't necessarily lead to complications if not treated or managed. Some people don't know they have herpes and live without symptoms or treatment.

Unmanaged herpes can lead to outbreaks of painful lesions, and having any kind of sexual contact during an outbreak can spread the virus to other people.

A healthcare professional should be involved in the treatment of a genital herpes infection in people who are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system.

Although home remedies can be a helpful complementary therapy, they aren't a substitute for clinical treatment.

If nothing seems to be working, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and work with you to find the right medication. They may also be able to recommend other complementary treatments.

If your symptoms worsen after trying a home remedy, discontinue use.

Read this article in Spanish.

Herpes Simplex Eye Infections

you have a red eye with no pain for more than a few days

You can get treatment on the NHS for some eye conditions at some opticians – check before you make an appointment.

If it's not clear what's causing your red eye, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests.

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