Specifics About Herpes Medication
- Scientifically speaking, Valacyclovir & Acyclovir are both equally effective. Valacyclovir stays in your body longer so you only have to take it once a day, whereas Acyclovir must be taken twice a day
- Valacyclovir & Acyclovir are the most effective prescription antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for herpes treatment both to treat and prevent outbreaks that occur on the mouth and/or genitals
- There are two ways to take these antiviral medications:
Herpes Simplex Eye Infections
Herpes simplex eye infections are a potentially serious type of eye infection.
They’re caused by a virus called herpes simplex usually the herpes simplex virus type 1 , which also causes cold sores.
It’s important to get medical help if you think you may have the infection, as your vision could be at risk if it’s not treated.
What Causes Ocular Herpes
The type 1 herpes simplex virus that causes eye herpes is typically transmitted by oral-to-oral contact such as kissing or sharing food, eating utensils or a toothbrush.
HSV-1 infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s, according to the National Institutes of Health . An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 have HSV-1 infection globally, says the World Health Organization .
The original HSV-1 infection often causes no symptoms, but for some, the herpes virus produces painful cold sores in or around the mouth that usually last a week or longer. The symptoms gradually fade as the virus retreats into the facial nerves beneath the skin and becomes inactive .
The virus can remain dormant within the nerves for a lifetime, without causing any apparent problems. But months or even years after infection, certain stressors can reactivate HSV-1, causing cold sores or eye infections .
These stressors can include:
Ocular herpes usually affects only one eye, but both eyes can be affected.
Left untreated, eye herpes can cause a corneal ulcer and scarring of the cornea that can cause permanent vision loss.
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Eye Herpes Vs Pink Eye
An ocular herpes simplex virus infection shares common signs and symptoms with another common eye infection called conjunctivitis , caused by bacteria, a virus, or allergies.As many as 25% of eye herpes cases go misdiagnosed as pink eye.6
While the two conditions are similar, there are slight differences that include:
- Conjunctivitis usually occurs in both eyes
- HSV eye infections typically only occur in one eye
- Eye culture that is positive for an HSV infection
- An adenovirus causes pink eye
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
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Where To Get Medical Help
Get medical help as soon as possible if you have these symptoms. They could be caused by a herpes simplex infection or another eye condition that needs to be treated quickly.
If it’s not treated, there’s a chance your vision could be affected.
You can get help and advice from:
- a GP or NHS 111 they can advise you about services in your area and refer you to an eye specialist
If you wear contact lenses, take them out and do not use them again until you’re advised by a medical professional that it is safe to do so.
Treatment Of Feline Herpes Virus
After a proper diagnosis that involves blood tests and laboratoryanalysis, cats suffering from FHV-1 are treated with antibiotics andantiviral medicines. Antibiotics are effective to kill all bacterialinfection present in the upper respiratory tract. Pet’s that are unableto consume food or water are given IV fluids in order to preventelectrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Pet owners are also encouragedto provide pets with highly palatable food. Cats suffering from FHV-1often experience nasal problems. In order to keep the cat morecomfortable, nasal decongestants and vaporizers are used. Pet ownersshould prevent the use of over the counter eye or nasal drops as it’sbest to determine the severity and type of disease before administeringany medication.
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How Does Someone Get Eye Herpes
HSV-1 and VZV are both common infections, with 90% of the general population exposed during childhood. Since most herpes cases are asymptomatic, many people are unaware they are infected.5
Type 1 herpes is transmitted through saliva or skin-to-skin contact with someone who is shedding the virus.
After the initial infection, the viruses that cause eye herpes can lay dormant in the body for long periods. Most cases of eye herpes are a reactivation of a dormant infection that can be triggered and reactivated by:
- Certain medications
Herbs Vitamins And Other Supplements
It isnt always possible to eat foods containing the high levels of nutrients your body needs to fight genital herpes, but herbs, vitamins, and supplements can help. The following choices are known to boost immune system function and help the body combat herpes outbreaks.
Zinc. Chickpeas, pork, lamb, and wheat germ all contain high levels of zinc. Research shows that zinc ions are active against the herpes simplex virus and may even extend the time between outbreaks.
Lysine. Research is still ongoing, but recent reports suggest that daily lysine supplementation may reduce the recurrences of herpes outbreaks. Though lower doses of lysine show little effect, high doses of up to 3,000 mg a day may be beneficial.
Probiotics. Probiotics are well known for their immune-boosting abilities. Now research also shows that certain probiotic strains can limit herpes infections as well.
Vitamin B Complex. The full range of B vitamins serves many critical roles in your body, including healthy cell growth, metabolism, and energy. You need all of these functions in full force to respond to an active outbreak of herpes.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera isnt just for sunburn! Pure aloe vera offers antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound healing properties that soothe herpes symptoms and encourage rapid healing.
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Examination By The General Practitioner
In ophthalmic zoster, diagnostics in general practice is restricted to history taking and a physical examination. The diagnostic possibilities during the prodromal phase are manifold until the typical skin signs become manifest. Doctors should always be on the alert for involvement of the eye. The appearance of skin lesions along the side of the nose, which represents the dermatome of the nasociliary nerve, is a useful prognostic factor for subsequent ocular inflammation in patients with acute ophthalmic zoster .16 General practitioners are often advised to focus their attention only on the tip of the nosethe dermatome of the external branch. The nasociliary dermatome, however, is more extensive and also affects the skin at the inner corner of the eye and the root and side of the nose .17
How Should I Use Zovirax Topical
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Start using acyclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms .
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
Apply only enough cream to cover the cold sore or tingly area.
Apply only enough ointment to cover the genital lesion completely. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use a cotton swab when applying the ointment to avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other people.
Zovirax Topical cream is usually applied 5 times daily for 4 days. This medicine ointment is usually applied 6 times daily for 7 days. Follow your doctorâs dosing instructions very carefully.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of A Herpes Simplex Eye Infection
Most episodes of active infection are due to a reactivation of the virus at some point, often years after a primary infection. Symptoms include:
- Redness of the eye – mainly around the transparent front part of the eye .
- Ache or pain in the eye.
- Discomfort when opening the eyes in bright light.
- Watering of the eye.
- Blurring of vision.
You may also notice a blistery skin rash around the eyelids . It is usually one eye that is affected.
This photo shows someone with herpes simplex eye infection:
How Does Herpes Simplex Virus Affect My Eye
The common situation is for the transparent front part of the eye to become infected. Infection of the cornea is called keratitis.
In most cases, the infection is just in the top layer of the cornea. This is called epithelial keratitis. Sometimes deeper layers of the cornea are involved. This is called stromal keratitis. This is more serious, as it is more likely to cause scarring of the cornea.
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What Happens If Herpes Is Left Untreated
Without treatment, sores and outbreaks usually heal on their own. Oral herpes is usually considered a mild infection, but complications may appear in people with weakened immune systems.
The risk of complications with genital herpes is also low, though these include inflammation, swelling, and pain. Passing HSV-2 to a newborn can be dangerous, however. Doctors may recommend a cesarean delivery to mothers with genital herpes, according to the .
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Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately Or Get Emergency Medical Treatment:
- hives, itching, rash, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- new or worsening red, watery eyes, eye sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or pain around the eye
Ophthalmic acyclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
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Is There A Cure For Herpetic Eye Disease
At present, there is no “cure” for the infections caused by herpes viruses, only treatments to suppress the infection and reduce inflammation. When treated properly, vision loss can usually be avoided, but it is important to continue to follow up with your doctor at the recommended intervals. In some cases, long-term antiviral pills may be recommended to reduce the chance of repeated episodes of infection. These medications are usually well-tolerated and have very few side effects. Only your doctor can tell you if long-term medication is recommended for your condition.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir .
To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
-
an infection in any part of your body or
-
low levels of platelets in your blood .
It is not known whether Zirgan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Ganciclovir can decrease sperm count and may affect a man’s fertility . It is not known whether ganciclovir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Zirgan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Zirgan gel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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To Use Acyclovir Cream Follow These Steps:
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Ophthalmic acyclovir comes as an eye ointment to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied five times a day until the eye heals, and then 3 times a day for another 7 days. Apply acyclovir eye ointment at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use acyclovir eye ointment exactly as directed. Your doctor will tell you when you can start using ophthalmic acyclovir 3 times a day. Do not use more or less of it, or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should expect your symptoms to improve during your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not go away, or if you develop other problems with your eyes during your treatment.
How To Treat Ocular Cold Sores
Depending on the severity of your case, there are several different treatment options.
In some cases, your eye doctor may be able to scrape away some of the infection. However, for herpes keratitis, an antibiotic will most likely be prescribed. This can be in the form of a tablet, a gel or ointment, or even medicated eye drops.
The best eye drops for a cold sore of the eye are antiviral drops. These drops will need to be prescribed by a doctor. However, there are over-the-counter eye drops that can help with the symptoms of ocular herpes.
Dealing with those symptoms is important as it prevents the spread and growth of the virus. The less likely you are to touch your eye, the less likely it is that youll touch another area of your body and cause it to spread.
Lets take a look at some of the most popular eye drops.
Clear Eyes Maximum Strength Redness Relief
The active ingredients are Glycerine, for lubrication, and Naphazoline hydrochloride, to help with redness. While ocular herpes doesnt usually cause dryness of the eye, the lubricating properties can help you to find relief.
As a trusted brand, Clear Eyes markets this extra-strength solution as a way of getting rid of redness, itching, and burning. It also acts as a barrier, to decrease the chances of the infection spreading to other areas.
Check Pricing for Clear Eyes Maximum Strength Eye Drops on Amazon!
Visine Sterile Advanced Redness + Irritation Eye Relief
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An Inside Look At The Eye
The herpes simplex virus Herpes Simplex Virus Infections Herpes simplex virus infection causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, mouth, lips , eyes, or genitals. This very contagious viral infection… read more never leaves the body after an initial infection. Instead, the virus remains in a dormant stage in the nerves. Sometimes, the virus reactivates and causes a recurrence and further symptoms.
Primary herpes simplex eye infections usually occur in children and cause a mild keratoconjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the cornea and of the conjunctiva .
The primary infection resolves without treatment and the inactivated virus hides in the nerve roots. Several types of stress can reactivate the virus:
-
Exposure to intense light
-
Significant physical stress
-
Immunosuppression
-
Use of corticosteroids
If the infection reactivates, it can affect the cornea more seriously and may result in temporary or permanent visual loss.
Herpes simplex keratitis is a major cause of blindness worldwide.
Take A Look At The Top Eye Drops Solutions For Herpes Simplex Eye Infection
The cornea, which is the clear front section of your eye, is affected by the Herpes Simplex Virus . Pain, inflammation, redness, and tearing of the ocular surface are some of the symptoms of eye herpes. Antiviral medicine can be used to treat both mild and severe cases of eye herpes. Eye herpes symptoms include eye pain, light sensitivity, hazy vision, tears, mucous discharge, red-eye, and more. So well look at the Best Eye Drops for Herpes Simplex Eye Infection in this article.
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