Monday, April 15, 2024

Best Over The Counter Medicine For Genital Herpes

Why Genital Herpes Comes Back

Herpes Simplex 1 & 2: Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Triggers can include:

  • surgery on your genital area
  • a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer

Drug Treatment For Genital Herpes

If you are infected with genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe oral antiviral drugs to help ease your symptoms during both a first episode and recurrent episodes. Your doctor may also suggest taking antiviral drugs daily as a suppressive therapy to reduce symptoms and protect partners.

Remember, though, that antiviral drugs do not wipe out the virus completely. It continues to live in your body, so if you stop taking the drugs that suppress it, you may have more frequent or more intense symptom outbreaks, and the risk of your transmitting the virus to others rises.

Three antiviral drugs, all taken by mouth, are used to treat genital herpes:

Recommended Reading: What Is Herpes Simplex Virus 1

How To Treat A Cold Sore With Home Remedies

While prescription and OTC cold sore medication can promote healing and relieve pain, home remedies may also improve your symptoms and possibly reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

These remedies wont fight the virus, but they can help you feel better until a cold sore heals.

To self-treat a cold sore:

  • Opt for cool foods that you apply to your mouth area. For example, suck on ice chips or a popsicle to reduce pain in or around the lips.
  • Apply a cold or warm compress to painful areas. This can help ease inflammation.
  • Avoid trigger foods that may irritate a cold sore. These can include hot beverages, citrus fruits, spicy food, and salty foods.
  • Turn to your medicine cabinet. Apply a skin protectant, such as petroleum jelly, to a cold sore and the skin around the sore.
  • Wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. This protects your lips until a cold sore heals. Applying balm year-round can also help stop recurrent cold sores.
  • Tend to your dental health. Use an antiseptic mouthwash when brushing your teeth to relieve pain.
  • Drink water. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

A few alternative therapies might also promote healing and relieve cold sore symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these remedies.

For example, applying synthetic beeswax to a cold sore might shorten the duration of an outbreak and get rid of the blister sooner.

You May Like: How To Help Herpes Breakouts

Over The Counter Cream For Herpes Is Effective

The most common OTC for herpes is a cream. An over the counter cream for herpes is quite effective remedy which is not very costly. Creams and topical ointments can reduce the intensity of the sores and accelerate the healing process. There are anesthetic cold sore ointment such as Dynamiclear and Herpecil-L which protect his lip area, and reduce the chance of possible outbreak. To relieve pain Neosporin and Polysporin are used. An antiviral medication, Docosonal, is even available without prescription it helps greatly to those suffer from oral herpes to recover.

If you need more choice for the herpes cream over counter, there are some other names:

Penciclovir heals HSV-1 sores, and it take like a half a day faster than if they are healed without treatment. It stops viral shedding and reduces the duration of pain. It is good to apply the cream during the first hour since the symptoms appeared. The treatment usually takes four days, and should be reapplied every 2 hours while awake.

The only FDA-approved non-prescription ointment for oral herpes is Docosanol cream . It is used 5 times a day from the first sign of symptoms.

Best Over The Counter Herpes Cream

Best Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes

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

Famvir, 250 mg Twice daily

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%.

Read Also: What Does Herpes Zoster Look Like

Who Should Not Take Valacyclovir Tablets

Do not take valacyclovir tablets if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to acyclovir. The active ingredient is valacyclovir.Before taking valacyclovir tablets, tell your healthcare provider: About all your medical conditions, including:

Certain people should not take valacyclovir and others should use decreased doses of valacyclovir. Below are some important examples.

Sensitivity or Allergies: Patients with sensitivity or an allergy to any of the following medications should not use Valacyclovir: Acyclovir, Famciclovir, ganciclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir, or valganciclovir.

Kidney Issues: Dose adjustments should be made for those with kidney impairment or issues. Decreased doses are needed as kidney impairment slows the clearing from the body of valacyclovir. The degree of impairment determines the decrease in the dosage. The PDR states, Acute renal failure and CNS toxicity have been reported in patients with underlying renal dysfunction who have received inappropriately high doses of valacyclovir for their level of renal function. Patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic drugs together with valacyclovir may have an increased risk of renal dysfunction .

Dehydration: When patients are dehydrated acyclovir can reform as a solid in the kidney leading to kidney damage. Patients should all remain well hydrated when taking valacyclovir.

See here for other special groups, warnings, and precautions

Risks And Side Effects

The three main treatments for herpes acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are all FDA approved, though there are side effects and interactions to be aware of.

Common side effects of these antiviral medications include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness or sleepiness, and confusion is mainly seen in older adults.

Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney issues, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications can interact with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. This may weaken kidney function.

Don’t Miss: Is There Any Cure For Herpes

Is Genital Herpes Related To Shingles

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus , which causes chickenpox earlier in life. The natural history of varicella zoster infection is similar to genital herpes infection in that VZV also becomes latent in the sensory nerve roots. Later in life the virus may exit, causing shingles.

Recurrences in shingles cause blister lesions in a single area of skin called a dermatome. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection and is independent from genital herpes.

Protecting Your Partner And Preventing Herpes Transmission

Herpes Simplex, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Research shows that the single greatest fear is the fear of transmission to partners, says Dr. Handsfield.

The main ways to avoid transmitting herpes are:

  • Learn to recognize how you feel when an outbreak is on the way, and stop having sex immediately.
  • Dont have sex during active outbreaks.
  • Always use condoms but dont rely on them during outbreaks. They dont completely cover infectious areas.
  • Only after all sores have scabbed over and healed should you have sex again.
  • Avoid touching your herpes sores, because you can spread them to other places on your body that way. Whenever you touch a sore, wash your hands immediately.
  • Dont kiss people or have sex if you have a cold sore.
  • Tell potential partners about having herpes before having sex with them, even though it may be hard.
  • Ask your doctor about taking antiviral drugs regularly.

Don’t Miss: What Does Female Genital Herpes Look Like

How To Manage Genital Herpes With Compresses

Warm and cold compresses are the simplest natural treatment for genital herpes. Though the idea of a compress might sound old fashioned, research shows that topical therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks and even contribute to the prevention of outbreaks when used promptly.

Here are a few tried-and-true natural compress ideas to get you started:

  • -Dry, warm compress using warmed rice in a sock
  • -Cold compress using an ice pack or soft washcloth filled with ice
  • -Baking soda paste
  • -Crushed garlic cloves mixed with olive oil
  • -Topical apple cider vinegar using one-part ACV and three-parts warm water

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bleeding Ulcer

Bleeding ulcers dont always cause pain. Sometimes the first signs of a bleeding ulcer are signs of anemia. These include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

You might have a heavier bleed if you notice:

  • Blood in your poop, or black poop that resembles tar.

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Recommended Reading: What To Put On Genital Herpes Sores

Don’t Miss: How To Test For Herpes Std

Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

Many people who have genital herpes may not be aware they have the infection, because they may not have any symptoms.

The first episode of herpes can cause considerable pain and distress. Symptoms of the first episode may include:

  • flu-like symptoms such as feeling unwell, headaches and pains in the back and legs, with or without enlarged glands in the groin
  • small blisters around the genitals these break open to form shallow, painful ulcers, which scab over and heal after one to two weeks
  • small cracks in the skin with or without an itch or tingling
  • redness or a distinct rash
  • some people also have considerable pain and swelling in the genital area, and hence may have additional pain and difficulty passing urine.

What Causes Cold Sores

Can I Get Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 . Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes most cases of genital herpes. However, both viruses can cause either cold sores or genital herpes.

About 80 per cent of adults are infected with HSV-1. Most people are infected when they are young and the infection lasts for life. However, the virus can remain dormant in many people, meaning that cold sores may never appear.

Various factors can cause the virus to become active resulting in one or more cold sores. They can include:

  • tiredness and fatigue

Also Check: Is Neosporin Good For Herpes

Read Also: Can You Masturbate With Herpes

Can Genital Herpes Be Prevented

Practising safe sex is the best way to help prevent genital herpes infection.

It is safest to:

  • always use condoms and dental dams, even when there are no sores or blisters present
  • avoid sex when there are sores or blisters present you are most infectious at this time
  • avoid sex with someone who has any blisters, sores or other symptoms of genital herpes
  • avoid oral sex when there is any sign of a cold sore

Also Check: How Long Is Herpes Contagious

Results Speak For Themselves

Im a 23-year-old softball player. I had a HPV culture that came back positive. It was so painful to pee while having warts, especially at night. And when I did finally pee, it would run over the lesions, and it was so painful.

I used VidaroX, and it all disappeared after less than a week. I also learned that its very important to wear loose clothing, so everything can breathe. No second outbreak yet. Its been about 8 months since the first wart symptom, and Im fine so far.* Emily T, San Francisco

* These are actual customer comments about their experience with VidaroX. Names have been changed for their privacy. Your results may vary.
1. Traditional creams are onlyactive on the surface
2. HPV viruses hiding underneathare not reached
3. HPV viruses are re-activated
4. Recurrence of HPV outbreak

Recommended Reading: Can You Give Blood With Herpes

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of The Herpes Virus For Good

New To Online Consultations

Just like your local GP, were here to support you with expert, confidential advice and treatment but without the travel and waiting time. You can reach us whether youre relaxing at home or hard at work. With pick up in store or free standard delivery, youll get fast access to the genital herpes treatment you need, if suitable for you.

How To Cope With Side Effects

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of herpes | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

What to do about:

  • headaches make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Paracetamol is safe to take with aciclovir if you need a painkiller. Speak to your doctor if this does not help or your headaches are severe.
  • feeling dizzy if aciclovir makes you feel dizzy, stop what youre doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy.
  • feeling or being sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your medicine after you have eaten. If youre being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
  • diarrhoea drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
  • skin being sensitive to sunlight stay out of bright sun and use a high factor sun cream even on cloudy days. Do not use a sun lamp or sun beds.
  • burning or stinging feeling after applying the cream this usually goes away after a short time. Ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice if it continues to be a problem.
  • itchy, dry or flaking skintry using an unscented moisturiser. Do not apply the moisturiser at the same time as your aciclovir cream.

You May Like: What Does Herpes Do To The Body

Side Effects And Follow

Side effects with these herpes drugs are considered mild, and health experts believe these drugs are safe in the long term. Acyclovir is the oldest of the three, and its safety has been documented in people taking suppressive therapy for several years.

People taking suppressive therapy should see their doctor at least once a year to decide if they should continue. You may find taking the pills every day to be inconvenient, the drugs may not work for you, or you may naturally have fewer outbreaks as time goes on. Your doctor can help you make treatment choices to suit your needs.

How To Choose The Best Best Cream For Genital Herpes

Each person is different, so you may have unique requirements. While there may be some variation between different shoppers, you should consider the following factors before making any purchase. These factors can help you figure out which seller is the right one to choose when you buy your next best cream for genital herpes.

Don’t Miss: How To Detect Herpes Virus

What Can Trigger A Herpes Outbreak

A herpes outbreak can be triggered by a number of factors. It is unknown what exactly causes an outbreak, and this can vary from person to person. However, the following are thought to trigger a genital herpes outbreak:

  • Weak immune system The common cold, flu, or any other time where your immune system is weaker than normal may trigger an outbreak
  • Hormone changes Fluctuating levels of hormones for example during menstruation can trigger an outbreak
  • Vigorous sex It has been reported that strong friction can irritate the skin and potentially lead to an outbreak
  • Stress Physical or mental stress has proven to have a strong correlation to causing outbreaks of genital herpes
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Excess exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light

Best For Cold Sore Outbreak: Simquell Cream For Genital Herpes

Acyclovir Over The Counter â Docosanol: OTC treatment for herpes labialis

The Simquell Cream For Genital Herpes is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily purpose. The simquell cream for genital herpes comes with excess sun exposure and it has followed us on instagram. The triple action, patented formula with lysine, bht and echinacea boosts your immune system before an outbreak with triple action. Also, it is more delicate and very sensitive to the outside environment.

Most importantly, the simquell cream for genital herpes is why the lips dry out faster, and become chapped more easily.

The product really works. says, one customer. To sum up, for most buyers, Simquell product was what they were looking for.

Why We Like This:

  • This will help ease pain while recovering.
  • Made in the USA in a cgmp facility.
  • No need for expensive creams or mutliple pills that leave you nauseous or light-headed.
  • This provides sun protection made in use in a cgmp facility.

You May Like: Can You Get Herpes From Laser Hair Removal

How Our Service Works

  • Start an order by selecting the Start order button above.
  • Fill in a short questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
  • A Superdrug doctor will check your answers and approve the treatment if its right for you.
  • Well then post your order directly to you or you can pick it up the same day at a Superdrug store near you.

What Are The Treatment Options For Genital Herpes

Treatment with antiviral medication is a good idea the very first time people have an outbreak of genital herpes. Later outbreaks are often milder, and then medication isnt always needed. Preventive treatment may be considered if the outbreaks are frequent.

Genital herpes may clear up on its own. But the symptoms are often more severe the first time you have an outbreak. Most people then use antiviral medication to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications. These medications include aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir.

You May Like: Which Virus Causes Genital Herpes

Popular Articles
Related news