Herpes patients cannot eat six types of food: what are they?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "six foods that patients with herpes cannot eat." Patients with herpes should generally avoid foods such as chili peppers, shrimp, alcohol, milk candy, and lamb, as well as medications such as prednisone tablets, cyclosporine soft capsules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, Huoxiang Zhengqi water (a traditional Chinese medicine), and ribavirin granules. In daily diet, patients with herpes should mainly consume light and easily digestible foods.

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "six foods that herpes patients cannot eat." Herpes patients should generally avoid foods such as chili peppers, shrimp, alcohol, milk candy, and lamb, as well as medications such as prednisone tablets, cyclosporine soft capsules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (Agastache root decoction), and ribavirin granules. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Foods

1. Chili Peppers: These are spicy and irritating. Once ingested, they may trigger inflammatory responses, potentially worsening redness and pain at the herpes site, interfering with wound healing. Herpes patients should strictly avoid consuming them.

2. Shrimp: This is a common seafood that may cause allergic reactions in some herpes patients. It may also stimulate the virus to replicate actively, leading to an increase in blisters and intensified itching. Consumption should be avoided during the illness.

3. Alcohol: High in ethanol, alcohol suppresses immune system function, reducing the body's ability to clear the herpes virus. It may also dilate blood vessels, exacerbating discomfort at the affected site. Herpes patients must avoid drinking alcohol throughout the illness.

4. Milk Candy: High in sugar, excessive intake can affect metabolic balance, weaken immune cell activity, hinder virus control, and potentially reduce skin repair capacity. Consumption should be limited.

5. Lamb: This is warming in nature and may promote internal heat, potentially worsening the heat-related symptoms of herpes and prolonging the disease course. Herpes patients should avoid eating it, especially during the active phase of the illness.

II. Medications

1. Prednisone Tablets: This is a glucocorticoid that suppresses immune function, leading to extensive replication and spread of the herpes virus, worsening the condition. It should not be used unless a doctor evaluates and prescribes it for specific complications.

2. Cyclosporine Soft Capsules: As an immunosuppressant, this lowers the body's resistance, preventing the body from effectively fighting the herpes virus, potentially leading to the spread of infection. Herpes patients should avoid using it. If medication is necessary, the patient should inform the doctor of their medical history.

3. Aspirin Enteric-Coated Tablets: Some herpes patients may experience allergic reactions after taking this medication. It may also worsen mucosal damage. If fever reduction or pain relief is needed, safer alternative medications should be chosen under a doctor's guidance.

4. Huoxiang Zhengqi Water: This contains alcohol, which not only affects the recovery of herpes but may also interact with antiviral medications used to treat herpes, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Its use should be avoided.

5. Ribavirin Granules: This antiviral drug does not cover the herpes virus, is ineffective for treating herpes, and may cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting. It cannot replace targeted antiviral medications and should be used under a doctor's guidance.

In daily diets, herpes patients should mainly consume bland and easily digestible foods, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and consume high-quality protein to enhance immunity.