Hello,  I have been watching and learning much from this group.  I have had
herpes for 17 years, and never used any type of medication.  At first it
was out of fear and ridicule from the medical field.  I had some bad
encounters when I was diagnosed.  Now I only break out 3 of 4 times a year
on my genital area (male).  However, during my most recent out break I
tried something on a whim.  I currently use *DMSO* for my shoulder.  I have
chronic shoulder pain,and was told by a sports physician to rub DMSO on my
shoulder prior to and after my work-outs.  My shoulder never felt better.  

So, when my last out-break came about I decided to give DMSO a try.  Right
before the blisters reared their ugly little heads, I applied a very small
amount of DMSO to area they normally appear.  I followed this with more
application each morning and evening.  The end result was; I only have a
small read area appear, with no white blister type heads.  I did not have
any of the normal discomfort of a regular out-break.

Now, I am not saying this was a cure to my herpes, however, I did have much
less discomfort.  I will continue to use it on future out-breaks, as this
may have been some kind of fluke.

DMSO can be purchased at most health food stores, or at a much better price
on-line. I spent about $7. There are some side effects to using DMSO; My
suggestion is to apply a small amount to a less sensitive area first, so
the body can become accustomed to the product first.  In the beginning, for
me, when I used DMSO on my shoulder it would really itch for a short time,
but now after about 6 months I have no sensation at all.  Some people claim
to taste garlic after applying DMSO, and other claim to have headaches.  I
have experienced neither.  My suspicion is that many people may use to
much.  I only use a very small amount.

I only put this out as info, as I like to know what works for others.  If
anyone has experience with DMSO I would like to hear about them.