Thursday, March 21, 2024

Can I Get Herpes Medication Over The Counter

To Use Acyclovir Cream Follow These Steps:

An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms
  • Wash your hands.
  • Clean and dry the area of skin where you will be applying the cream.
  • Apply a layer of cream to cover the skin where the cold sore has formed or seems likely to form.
  • Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.
  • Leave the skin where you applied the medication uncovered. Do not apply a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you that you should.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any cream left on your hands.
  • Be careful not to wash the cream off of your skin. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying acyclovir cream.
  • Avoid irritation of the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream.
  • You May Like: Can You Get Herpes Cream Over The Counter

    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.

    What Causes Cold Sores

    Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 . This virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore.

    You may not know if you have been infected with HSV-1 because symptoms of exposure to HSV-1 are generally mild. Children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths when they are first exposed to HSV-1.

    Also Check: How Long Is Herpes Contagious

    Don’t Miss: What Over The Counter Cream Is Good For Herpes

    How To Treat Cold Sores

    There are many that you can do at home to soothe the sting of a cold sore, such as:

    Ice. You can numb the pain if you apply a cold compress to the sore. Donât put ice directly on your skin — that could damage it.

    Pain relievers. When a cold sore really stings, you may get some relief from an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen.

    Over-the-counter creams. There are products available at the drugstore that can help reduce the pain of a cold sore or help keep the skin soft while it heals.

    Prescription drugs. Because cold sores are caused by a virus, doctors may suggest an antiviral medication to help you heal more quickly. The antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores include acyclovir , valacyclovir , famciclovir , and penciclovir .

    Sunscreen. Getting a sunburn may trigger a cold sore. Using sunscreen when youâre out in the sun may prevent it.

    Aloe vera gel. The same gel used for sunburn may help a cold sore to heal. Lab research has shown the gel may help fight viruses, including herpes simplex.

    Lysine. This supplement may be used sometimes to treat cold sores. It comes in a cream or in capsule form.

    Propolis. This is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. It may be used like an ointment to treat cold sores.

    Lemon balm. Some research has shown that lemon balm extract can help cold sores get better, too.

    Tea tree oil. Some research has shown that this strong-smelling oil helps a cold sore heal more quickly.

    What Helps Herpes Sores Heal Faster

    Genital Herpes Medicine Over The Counter  Herpes Free Me

    Keeping the sores clean, cool, and dry is beneficial to the healing process. Bandaging, heating, or picking at sores will irritate them and can extend their duration. The most effective method for shortening herpes outbreaks is a prescription antiviral medication like valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir.

    Dont Miss: Can Herpes Heal On Its Own

    Read Also: Can You Get Herpes From Oral Herpes

    What Is Suppressive Treatment For Genital Herpes

    Suppressive treatment involves taking medication on a daily basis to reduce the chance of a genital herpes outbreak.

    Taking antiviral medicines on a daily basis also reduces the amount of virus that is shed, both when sores are present and in between outbreaks, when the skin looks normal.

    Suppressive treatment does not guarantee that you will not get a herpes outbreak, but should reduce the severity and frequency of herpes outbreaks.

    Over time, your immune system tends to exert better control over the herpes virus, so your doctor may suggest stopping treatment every 6 months to see whether you have any further outbreaks. Treatment can be re-started if you do have a recurrence.

    How To Get Rid Of Herpes The Conventional Way

    For most people with herpes, the virus typically represents nothing more than an inconvenience however, the real risk is for immuno-compromised patients who cant easily manage infections. In these patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, herpes simplex infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

    As of 2017, there is not currently a herpes vaccine available to prevent HSV-1 or HSV-2.

    Doctors sometimes prescribe medications to help keep the herpes virus suppressed or to speed up healing of cold sores by reducing bacteria that can cause infections. Some medications that are now used to control herpes include:

    • Nucleoside analogues and antiviral medications
    • Creams/ointment to help lower pain and inflammation near the site of sores
    • Over-the-counter painkillers to reduce aches, tenderness or fever

    However, its important to understand that even with early detection and prescription medications, either form of the herpes virus cannot be totally cured so transmission is always still possible. Medications for viruses dont always work long term and are not a cure-all.

    Recommended Reading: Can Herpes Break Out Anywhere On The Body

    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

    Dont Miss: Can You Use Acyclovir Cream On Genital Herpes

    Otc Herpes Treatment Today

    INVESTIGATION: Lawsuit alleges woman contracted herpes at makeup counter

    Over the counter herpes treatment can be effectively used for controlling the Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is highly contagious virus. The virus cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be managed to avoid suffering from them. There are many options to deal with the virus including medications and ointments.

    It is well known that the Herpes Virus can be in two major states: active and inactive, or dormant. When flare-ups come in the virus active state, it is very important to keep a good hygiene. Avoid touching the sores, keep the area clean and dry. You can wash the area in lukewarm water and use cornstarch on it. There are other handy things that can be used to bring some relief: ice, wearing sun block and cotton loose clothing .

    The most unpleasant thing with the herpes besides its bad look is pain and itching sensation. So the main treatment here is the one that simply brings the relief. OTC or over the counter medicines for herpes and cold sores are widely available. They are fall into three main groups: one group gives relief to pain and itch and is applied in the tingling stage of cold sores other two groups prevent or slow down the cold sore lesion from aggravating. The result may vary though, since everybody has the unique health conditions and different stage of the cold sore severity.

    You May Like: How To Minimize Herpes Outbreaks

    What Are The Causes Of Genital Herpes

    Genital herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the HSV virus, usually during genital or oral sex. It can also be spread through kissing, foreplay or non-penetrative sex.

    • HSV1 commonly causes cold sores on the lips or face.
    • HSV2 causes most genital herpes.

    The HSV virus is most easily spread when there are blisters or sores, but it can still be passed even if a person has no current blisters or sores or other symptoms.

    You cannot get genital herpes from things like hugging, swimming pools or toilet seats.

    Perfect For Easy & Pain

    The Luminance RED is quick and easy to use in the privacy of your home. Treatments are painless and only take a few minutes. The device is sleek, ergonomic, and easily stored for discreet usage.

    My doctor told me to check out the Luminance RED to for frequent genital outbreaks. He said that it helps with healing and may prevent outbreaks from happening down the road. I agree and have seen this for myself.

    Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Herpes Inside The Mouth

    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:

    Risks And Side Effects

    Heres What You Need To Know About Cold Sores And Herpes

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

    Common side effects of these antiviral drugs include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness.

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

    Recommended Reading: Can You Live With Herpes Without Medication

    Targets Herpes Virus On The Skins Surface And Lower Layers

    ProsurX is the ONLY topical that can target HSV1 & HSV2 both on the surface and lower layers of your skin. It is the first topical remedy for outbreaks that utilizes the power of nanomedicine.All other topical products are limited to killing only the virus on your skins surface. Our anti-viral agents solve that problem and eliminate any chance of recurrent outbreaks.By using only FDA-approved ingredients, we deeply care about becoming your best and only need for outbreak treatment. Your satisfaction is guaranteed we will promptly refund the entire purchase price if you are not completely satisfied.

    Recommended Reading: How Long Does Herpes Take To Clear Up

    How Can I Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

    If you have lots of herpes outbreaks, your doctor may tell you to take medicine every day this is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future herpes outbreaks, and lower your chances of giving herpes to your partners.

    Whether or not you take medicine to treat herpes, taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress might help keep future outbreaks from popping up.

    No one knows for sure what triggers genital herpes outbreaks. Other infections, surgery, sex, your period, skin irritations, and stress may cause outbreaks. Sunburns, injuries to your lips, or other infections can cause oral herpes flare-ups. Try to avoid getting sunburned if you have oral herpes.

    Genital herpes outbreaks usually happen less often and become shorter and weaker after a few years whether or not you get treated.

    Recommended Reading: Is Herpes Contagious Without Sores

    Rule #: Use Medication

    At the very first onset of signs of an outbreak, you can use antiviral medications like acyclovir. Before the blisters even become visible, you might notice a tingling or burning sensation on your skin. Your healthcare provider can prescribe topical medications to apply to the lesion area . If you have had herpes before, a prescription should be readily available .

    Its important to note that acyclovir ointment can be used to treat genital herpes but doesnt typically reduce the length or severity of outbreaks. You should not apply acyclovir cream to the genitals because it may irritate these parts of your body.

    If you suffer from frequent or severe outbreaks, your healthcare provider may recommend trying prescription drugs to take by mouth. There are multiple options, including acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir . Studies have shown that oral antiviral drugs for herpes can shorten the duration of lesion episodes and pain by approximately one day . Your healthcare provider will choose the option thats best for you.

    What Not To Do With Cold Sores

    How to treat cold sores

    Certain habits or behaviors could trigger a cold-sore outbreak or make new cold sores appear elsewhere on your body.

    Avoid triggers. This means that if you know a hot, sunny day at the beach or a lot of stress makes you break out in cold sores, try to stay out of those situations when you can. You may be able to stop it in its tracks, or at least keep it from getting worse.

    Donât touch. If you pick at your cold sore, you may spread the virus to another part of your body. That will just make your outbreak worse. Keep your hands away from your mouth, and wash your hands often, especially when you touch your face.

    Donât pop sores. The virus is most likely to spread after a cold sore appears and before it heals. Popping the sores may spread the virus to other parts of your body.

    Donât give or receive oral sex. When you have a cold sore, you can spread it to other parts of the body, including the genitals.

    Don’t Miss: How To Ease Herpes Pain

    Treatment Options + Pricing

    If you experience outbreaks often, a daily dose of valacyclovir can prevent them and make it less likely that you’ll pass herpes to partners. If your outbreaks are less frequent you might choose to only take valacyclovir when you feel an outbreak coming on this will lessen the outbreak’s severity and help it heal faster. We bill insurance if you have it, and out-of-pocket prices are detailed below.

    $0 + applicable co-pays or deductible $45 for a 3 month supply
    Valacyclovir for Daily Prevention $0 + applicable co-pays or deductible $75 for a 3 month supply*
    Medical Consultation $15

    *For a 90-day supply of daily valacyclovir the out-of-pocket price is 83 cents per pill.

    About Genital Herpes Treatment

    • Taking genital herpes treatment

      Start taking Aciclovir as soon as you feel an outbreak starting.

      Take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days. Complete the course of treatment.

      If you haven’t been diagnosed with herpes previously but think you may have herpes, use our .

    • Side effects of Aciclovir tablets

      A small number of people will experience some side effects when taking Aciclovir, however these are generally mild and should pass quickly. These may include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea or tiredness.

      For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

    • Effectiveness of Aciclovir tablets

      This treatment is for acute outbreaks of genital herpes only.

      If taken within 5 days of the start of an outbreak, Aciclovir should shorten your outbreak by 1-2 days and make the symptoms less severe. It might even prevent the outbreak if taken early enough.

      There is no cure for herpes, so it may return. This treatment does not affect how often you get future outbreaks, or how severe they will be. However, you can minimise the inconvenience and discomfort of the outbreaks by considering herpes suppression treatment.

    • How genital warts treatment works

      Aciclovir is an antiviral that works to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying. This reduces the severity of the infection.

    Recommended Reading: Why Do You Get Herpes Outbreaks

    Protecting Your Partner And Preventing Herpes Transmission

    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.

    Also Check: How Do You Know You Have Herpes

    Popular Articles
    Related news