Anti Itch Cream For Genital Herpes

How To Use Zovirax Cream

The cream should be applied thinly to affected area five times a day, at approximately four-hourly intervals, for five to ten days until the symptoms have cleared up. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.

The cream is most effective if you start treatment as soon as the first signs of the infection , begin to appear, though treatment can also be started after the blisters have appeared.

Avoid touching the sores unnecessarily, with either your hands or towels, to avoid spreading the infection.

If your symptoms havenât cleared up after 10 days treatment with Zovirax cream you should see your doctor.

Herpes Symptoms Can Go Unnoticed

Many people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. If you are sexually active you should be aware of the risk and take steps to reduce it.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should be vigilant about preventing genital HSV infection because it can be transmitted to your baby during vaginal delivery, potentially causing serious problems.

The following are specific prevention and treatment strategies for HSV-1 and HSV-2:

When Treatments For Genital Herpes Are Given

• Initial treatment. If you have symptoms such as sores when you’re first diagnosed with genital herpes, your doctor will usually give you a brief course of antiviral therapy to relieve them or prevent them from getting worse. Your doctor may keep you on the drugs longer if the sores don’t heal in that time.

After the first treatment, work with your doctor to come up with the best way to take antiviral therapies. There are two options:

• Intermittent treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug for you to keep on hand in case you have another flare-up this is called intermittent therapy. You can take the pills for two to five days as soon as you notice sores or when you feel an outbreak coming on. Sores will heal and disappear on their own, but taking the drugs can make the symptoms less severe and make them go away faster.
• Suppressive treatment. If you have outbreaks often, you may want to consider taking an antiviral drug every day. Doctors call this suppressive therapy. For someone who has more than six outbreaks a year, suppressive therapy can reduce the number of outbreaks by 70% to 80%. Many people who take the antiviral drugs daily have no outbreaks at all.

There is no set number of outbreaks per year that doctors use to decide when someone should start suppressive therapy. Rather, more important factors are how often the outbreaks happen and if they are severe enough to interfere with your life.

Continued

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What Are The Treatments For Genital Herpes

If you have been diagnosed with Genital Herpes, the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service could supply the treatment you need following a simple online consultation with our UK registered GP.

Aciclovir can be provided to treat an outbreak of herpes to shorten the duration and severity. The normal treatment provided is aciclovir 200mg tablets, take one tablet five times a day for five days. In addition a local anaesthetic ointment, lidocaine 5% ointment, can be prescribed to ease the pain and irritation of an outbreak. Lidocaine will not shorten the outbreak or affect its severity.

Aciclovir can also be provided on a longer term basis to suppress herpes outbreaks. The normal treatment provided is aciclovir 400mg tablets, take one tablet twice a day for three months.

To have a convenient and confidential genital herpes consultation with our UK registered GP that could lead to prescription treatments, please click the Start questionnaire button below

What About Chlamydia The Most Common Std

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria, whereas herpes is caused by a virus. This is why chlamydia is easily treated and cured with antibiotics. However, many people have chlamydia and dont know it because they don’t have any symptoms. That’s why people who are at higher risk of chlamydia, including sexually active young women and men who have sex with other men, are advised to get a test for chlamydia every year.

If you don’t treat chlamydia, it can increase the chances of both men and women getting or giving HIV and AIDS, according to Medline Plus. Untreated chlamydia can also cause serious pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to infertility, and in men it can spread to the testicles and the tube that carries sperm, causing inflammation.

Screening for chlamydia is usually done by taking a urine sample or a swab from your genitals. Results of these tests are usually found quickly. Different testing methods are used for infections of the rectum and throat, and these take more time.

While the only way to completely avoid getting chlamydia or herpes is to not have sex, you can reduce your chances of getting both by being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected with an STD and by using latex condoms every time you have sex.

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Where Can I Get Medications For Herpes

The most common antiviral medications used to manage herpes simplex symptoms are available by prescription. If you have symptoms such as a cold sore or genital herpes, call your doctors office. They will first diagnose if you have herpes simplex. Then they will prescribe an appropriate medication to manage your symptoms.

Only docosanol is an antiviral medication available over the counter as a cream to manage oral symptoms such as cold sores or fever blisters.

If you have mild symptoms from a recurring oral herpes infection, you may be able to use nonprescription methods or some home remedies to manage your symptoms.

Examples include:

• pain relievers such ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain
• cold compress or ice to soothe burning or itching
• zinc oxide topical cream, which may help soothe itching or burning

Before trying over the counter medications or supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms.

How Common Is Genital Herpes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 40 million to 50 million adults in the United States have genital herpes. HSV II infection is more common in women and in people who have had more than five sexual partners. Most people with HSV II do not know they have it, because it does not always cause symptoms.

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When To Talk With A Doctor

Herpes isnt curable, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can reduce the severity of an outbreak.

If you suspect you have herpes, make an appointment with a doctor. Its also a good idea to talk with your doctor about a herpes screening if:

• your current or previous sexual partner has herpes
• youre planning to have sex with a new partner
• you had a risky sexual encounter

If youve already been diagnosed with herpes and youre currently experiencing an outbreak, the outbreak might go away without causing complications and without treatment.

However, its wise to make an appointment with your doctor if:

• the outbreak is particularly painful or unbearable
• youre experiencing symptoms of other STIs
• youre experiencing frequent, severe outbreaks

If youre sexually active, its a good idea to have regular STI screenings. You can book appointments for STI screenings with your doctors office. You could also try a local clinic, certain pharmacies, or Planned Parenthood.

Genital Herpes And Pregnancy

Its really important to speak to a healthcare worker if you have herpes during pregnancy, especially if its your first outbreak. Theres a risk that your baby can develop neonatal herpes which can be very dangerous or even fatal for the baby. If you have herpes, your healthcare provider will be able to prescribe antiviral treatment to keep your baby safe and help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Speak to a healthcare worker for more information or if you have any concerns.

References

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Aciclovir 5% W/w Cream Boots Antiviral Cold Sore Cream

This information is intended for use by health professionals

Aciclovir 5% w/w Cream

Boots Antiviral Cold Sore Cream

1g of Cream contains 50mg aciclovir.

For excipients, see 6.1.

The treatment of Herpes Simplex virus infections of the lips and face . This product is not recommended for use in immunocompromised patients.

Do not use in eyes.

Method of Administration

For cutaneous use.

Adults and Children:

Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after the start of the infection, ideally during the prodromal period or when the lesions first appear.

A thin film of cream should be applied to the infected and immediately adjacent skin areas 5 times daily at 4 hour intervals during the day omitting the night time application.

Treatment should be continued for 5 days, followed by a further 5 days treatment if healing has not occurred.

Patients should wash their hands before and after applying the cream, and avoid unnecessary rubbing of the lesion or touching them with a towel, to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection.

Use in elderly:

No special comment

Hypersensitivity to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any other ingredients of the preparation listed in Section 6.1.

In severely immunocompromised patients oral dosing should be considered. Such patients should be encouraged to consult a physician concerning the treatment of any infection,

Cold Sore sufferers must avoid transmitting the virus particularly when active lesions are present.

Pregnancy:

Rare:

Treatment For Itching Caused By Herpes

Herpes can affect either the genitals or the mouth area. In each case the symptoms are similar: red patches that itch or tingle, followed a day or two of blisters that last a few days and then break open. The open lesions left following the blisters can be painful or itchy. Outbreaks may recur from time to timeanywhere from once every few weeks to once a decade or sowith symptom-free periods in between. Herpes is not curable, so your best hope is to keep itchiness and other symptoms under control. Fortunately, there are many options.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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What Are The Treatments For Cold Sores

You cant cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore. It must be used many times a day to speed the healing.

If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir . These oral medications are more effective when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak. Valacyclovir is more expensive, but is better absorbed in the digestive tract and therefore more reliable. Acyclovir and another antiviral medication called penciclovir also come in a topical form.

Cold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection, so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed.

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Are Canker Sores Caused By The Herpes Virus

Canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus or by any other virus. In fact, the cause of canker sores is unknown, although they may be triggered by a minor injury in your mouth from dental work or brushing too hard, an allergy, a vitamin B deficiency, stress, or a food intolerance. Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may also cause canker sores, and they often occur in families, so it’s possible genetics or environment play a part, too.

Canker sores typically appear as small, round, or oval whitish sores with a red border, according to the Mayo Clinic. They typically occur on the tongue, inside the cheeks, inside the lips, or on the gums. The medical term for a canker sore is aphthous ulcer. Canker sores can be quite painful, but they usually heal within about two weeks without leaving any scarring.

Unlike cold sores, which usually occur outside the mouth, canker sores occur only inside the mouth. Like cold sores, canker sores are recurrent, but they are not contagious: You cant give a canker sore to another person. Canker sores occur more often in teenagers and young adults, and they are more common in women than men.

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Contact Dermatitis Can Be Mistaken For Herpes

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause red, itchy, cracked, dry, or scaly skin, blisters, or a rash. Like herpes, it recurs, and while it’s not an STD, when it appears in the mouth or genital area, it may be mistaken for herpes. However, unlike herpes, contact dermatitis can happen anywhere on the skin and is caused by direct contact with an irritant or something you’re allergic to, per the Mayo Clinic. It’s not caused by a virus.

Contact dermatitis usually occurs within minutes to hours after touching an irritant. Common causes include poison ivy and reactions to medication, cosmetics, detergents, and jewelry. The skin rash from contact dermatitis usually clears up in a few weeks.

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify whats causing it and avoid touching that item or substance again. Allergy testing can help identify the cause.

While contact dermatitis is generally not a serious condition, it can be itchy and uncomfortable. When the rash is present, try using cool, wet compresses or anti-itch creams to soothe it. Antihistamine pills can help reduce the itchiness. Avoid scratching the area: Doing so can make symptoms worse and open the door to a bacterial or fungal infection. If your itching is severe, you should see your primary care provider or a dermatologist for topical steroid medication.

What Are The Side Effects Of Zovirax Cream

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Zovirax cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesnt mean that all people using this cream will experience that or any side effect.

Uncommon side effects

• Temporary stinging or burning sensation after applying the cream.
• Mild drying or flaking of the skin where the cream is applied.
• Itching at the area of application.

Rare side effects

• Flushing of the skin.
• Allergic inflammation of the skin .

If you want any more information about the possible side effects of Zovirax cream, read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced side effects from Zovirax cream you can report them using the yellow card scheme.

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Herbal And Natural Herpes Itch Treatments

Many of those dealing with both herpes types 1 and 2 prefer to avoid pharmaceutical treatments because the side effects can be disruptive and require a prescription. Herbal and natural supplements are known to be side-effect free and do not require a prescription, making them preferable for regular use.

Examples of these types of natural ingredients include:

• L-Lysine Lysine is one of the few amino acids that cannot be created by the body. Research at Indiana University School of Medicine found that Lysine has the potential to reduce the clinical manifestation of outbreaks. Recovery was accelerated, and as a result, symptoms were reduced.
• Lemon Balm Powder Lemon balm is an herb similar to pharmaceutical medicines. It’s believed to have anti-viral properties that inhibit the effects of the herpes virus.
• Propolis Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants have some profound effects on the body. Propolis is no exception an extract from beehives, Propolis is believed to prevent the virus from replicating, which reduces the symptoms of the disease.

Several anti-viral herbs have shown promise with reducing the effects of herpes, but the above three are some of the most valuable herbs and nutrients currently available for stopping the disease from progressing and reducing the herpes itch that can be such trouble during your everyday life.

Some experts also believe that you should combine natural care with medicines to drastically cut down on symptoms and recovery time.

What Happens At A Sexual Health Clinic

The doctor or nurse at the sexual health clinic will:

• ask about your symptoms and your sexual partners
• use a small cotton bud to take some fluid from 1 of your blisters or sores for testing

The test cannot:

• be done if you do not have visible blisters or sores
• tell you how long you have had herpes or who you got it from

Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you’re infected with the herpes virus.

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Types Of Antiviral Drugs

There are three oral antivirals recommended for the treatment of oral or genital herpes:

Preventing genital herpes recurrence is important as it reduces the risk of HIV. According to the CDC, having an active genital herpes infection increases the risk of HIV by 200% to 300%.