Can I Get Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes

What If I Am Pregnant

It is important to tell your obstetrician that you or a partner have had genital herpes, so that they can monitor you for symptoms and manage your pregnancy safely. There is a risk you can pass the virus on to your baby if you have a vaginal delivery during a first attack of genital herpes. If this happens you may be recommended to have a caesarean delivery.

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When And How Are Later Outbreaks Treated

Later outbreaks with only mild symptoms dont necessarily need to be treated. The blisters can then simply heal on their own.

But antiviral medication can also shorten the duration of later outbreaks by an average of about two days. If you decide to have treatment, its important to start it within the first 24 hours of the outbreak ideally, as soon as you notice the first symptoms. So its a good idea to always have a few tablets at home or to take them with you when you travel so they are ready to use. You can get a prescription from your doctor.

In later outbreaks you can take them for a shorter time. The WHO recommends the following:

• aciclovir: 400 mg three times per day or 800 mg two times per day for five days, or 800 mg three times per day for two days,
• famciclovir: 250 mg two times per day for five days, or
• valaciclovir: 500 mg two times per day for three days.

A different dose and treatment duration may be a good idea for people who have immune system disorders, such as an HIV infection.

Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md

Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.

Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.

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What Happens If You Dont Get Herpes Treatment

The good news about herpes is that its not deadly or even very dangerous. It might be annoying, but herpes doesnt get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can.

If you dont get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.

There are a few reasons people may decide not to get treatment. They might not have that many outbreaks, or their outbreaks dont really bother them. Or maybe theyre not having sex, so theyre not that worried about having herpes right now. Whatever your situation is, getting treatment for herpes is your choice.

Having herpes can make it easier to get HIV, because the sores give HIV an open pathway into your body. So always use condomsto help prevent the spread of both herpes and HIV.

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How Is Genital Herpes Spread

Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sexual contact with someone who carries HSV. You can get genital herpes through direct contact with an infected blister or sore, usually through sexual contact. You can also transmit or get the virus when you or your partner have no symptoms present .

Most people who infect others don’t realise they are putting their partners at risk.

• Around 80% of people with genital herpes don’t know they have the virus because they have very mild symptoms or none at all.
• More than 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from people who are entirely unaware that they have it themselves.

Using condoms reduces your risk of passing on the virus by about 50%, but does not remove it completely.

You cannot catch genital herpes by sharing cups, towels or bath water, or from toilet seats. It can only be spread by close skin-to-skin contact.

HSV that causes genital herpes does not cause cervical cancer.

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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

Using Hydrocortisone Cream For Skin Rashes

• Frequently Asked Questions

Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid used to treat mild inflammatory skin conditions, commonly referred to as dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, similar to a hormone produced naturally in your adrenal glands. It works by easing the swelling, itching, and redness caused by dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in a number of antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as in athlete’s foot creams and diaper ointments.

This article explains the conditions that hydrocortisone cream can treat, those it cannot, how to use the cream, and the possible side effects.

Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images

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What Is Episodic Treatment Of Genital Herpes

Episodic treatment of genital herpes involves starting a course of antiviral tablets as soon as you notice symptoms of an outbreak, such as tingling or redness on an area of genital skin.

Taking medication at the first signs of an episode will help to reduce the length and severity of symptoms. It may also ward off an outbreak if you start taking the medicine as soon as you notice warning signs of a recurrence.

This type of treatment is often the preferred treatment for people who dont have genital herpes outbreaks very often.

Recurrent Episodes Of Genital Herpes

Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode of genital herpes. Over time, episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Infections caused by HSV1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV2.

Recurrences may be triggered by:

• no apparent reason noted.

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What Can I Do If I Have Herpes Simplex 2

Many people who find out they have herpes feel depressed knowing they’ll always have the virus and can give it to others. But you arent alone. Herpes is one of the most common STIs, both in the U.S. and worldwide. If you have herpes, you should:

• Learn all you can about it. Information will help you to manage your disease and feel better about yourself.
• Talk about your illness with your doctor.

If you have herpes, you can still:

• Have sex if you use a condom or dental dam , and you tell your partner about your illness. Some couples, who have sexual relations only with each other, may choose not to use condoms even though one partner has herpes. Because each situation is different, you should ask your doctor if this is the right choice for you in your relationship.
• Have children. People with herpes can still give birth to healthy babies. If you have herpes and plan to have children, discuss your illness with your healthcare provider.

If you have herpes, you should also get checked for HIV and other STIs .

Genital Herpes Is Spread By Skin

The virus can be spread when someone with HSV has an episode or an outbreak characterised by having a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split . It can also be spread between episodes, when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present called asymptomatic viral shedding.

During viral shedding the virus is on the skin surface and can be spread through genital skin-to-skin contact, or from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes vary a lot. Most people have very mild symptoms or none at all.

Symptoms can vary from a mild area of irritation to more painful blisters or sores and generally feeling unwell. Common symptoms may include:

• sometimes sores on the cervix

If you are having a first episode of genital herpes, you are more likely to also feel generally unwell and have fever, headache and general bone and muscle aches.

This may last for several days, during or after which reddened areas may appear on your genitals. These may develop into painful blisters. The blisters then burst, generally to leave sores that gradually heal, usually without scarring.

The severity of this first episode varies between people, but for some it may be severe and last for up to 3 weeks if not treated. These symptoms should quickly resolve with treatment. There is effective treatment available if symptoms are problematic.

Conditions Hydrocortisone Creams Cannot Treat

Hydrocortisone is not useful as a treatment for hives . This is because hives are caused by histamines, not skin inflammation.

Histamines are chemicals produced by the immune system in response to allergens, which are allergy-causing substances. An overreaction can sometimes cause a rash.

In this case, an oral antihistamine may be the best treatment choice. At the same time, hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed to relieve itchiness and swelling.

Hydrocortisone cream has its limits. Don’t count on it to relieve:

• Acne. In fact, the cream could make it worse.
• Broken skin, including blisters, boils, ulcers, or chancre sores.
• Rosacea and impetigo. The cream can upset both conditions.

The point should be clear: Using hydrocortisone cream on these problems would be a little like using a shop vac on a small kitchen fire. It’s a fine tool but the wrong one for the job.

You may use hydrocortisone cream on children. But be careful, especially with infants and toddlers. Speak with your pediatrician before using hydrocortisone cream to treat eczema or diaper rash. Other products may be gentler and work just as well on little ones.

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Treatment For Genital Herpes

There are three antiviral medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of genital herpes:

• Acyclovir: The oldest antiviral medication for herpes is acyclovir. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form and sold since 1985 in pill form. Acyclovir has been shown to be safe in persons who have used it continuously for as long as 10 years.
• Valacyclovir: A newer drug, valacyclovir, actually uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. This medication delivers acyclovir more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug, which has the advantage of taking the medication fewer times during the day.
• Famciclovir: Famciclovir uses penciclovir as its active ingredient to stop HSV from replicating. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.

Antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for patients having a first episode of genital herpes, but they can be used for recurrent episodes as well. There are two kinds of treatment regimens: episodic therapy and suppressive therapy.

Boosting Your Immune System

Another way to potentially speed up healing for herpes outbreaks and reduce the frequency of future outbreaks is to strengthen your bodys natural immunity. When your immune system is strong, it will be more capable of suppressing the virus.

Some of the recommended ways to boost your immunity include:

• Minimize stress.
• Eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
• Drink in moderation and avoid smoking.

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How To Cope With Side Effects

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.

Can I Treat Herpes Simplex At Home

Avoiding known triggers, such as illness or stress, can help reduce how often you have herpes outbreaks.

How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-1 ?

• Over-the-counter creams such as L-lysine, benzocaine or docosanol .
• Applying ice to blisters or sores.

How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-2 ?

• Apply an ice pack to your genitals. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth or apply it over your underwear.
• Keep your genitals dry. Wear cotton or other nonsynthetic underpants and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Moist sores take longer to heal.
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
• Topical 1% or 2% lidocaine may be used as a topical analgesic.

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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.

Support And Advice For Genital Herpes

If you have just found out you have genital herpes, you may feel shocked and may have a lot of questions. It may help you to gather as much information as you can about herpes. This can help you to make fully informed decisions about your treatment, safe sex and preventing further recurrences. Talking to a counsellor about your concerns may also help.

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What Are The Top Treatments For Genital Herpes

The most common prescriptions for herpes are: Acyclovir , Famciclovir , Valacyclovir . In addition to prescription medication, at-home treatments and over-the-counter medications can be used to help with genital herpes symptoms. These include: Painkillers , icing the area that are affected , getting sufficient rest, air circulation , rinsing with warm saltwater.

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How Does Genital Herpes Affect Pregnancy

Herpes simplex virus doesnt affect fertility or your ability to conceive. Pregnant women diagnosed with HSV-2 should start a daily antiviral at 36 weeks of pregnancy as prescribed, to prevent outbreaks during delivery. If you have an active infection at the time of childbirth, you can pass the herpes virus to your baby. Neonatal herpes puts a baby at risk for blindness, brain damage, skin infections and death. Your healthcare provider will perform a cesarean section to lower this risk.

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Order Antiviral Treatments For Herpes

If you have genital herpes, you can get an online prescription for antiviral herpes medication discreetly and easily. Our doctor’s prescribe aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir via our online service.

Order for a herpes outbreak: if you have a flare-up of symptoms, you can get a short course of medication to help control the outbreak.

Order to prevent outbreaks: if you get outbreaks more than 6 times a year or find your symptoms are hard to deal with, you can have suppressive treatment. This is where you take a low dose of antiviral medication every day to help prevent outbreaks.

Order a herpes test: if you need to check if youre a carrier of herpes, you can order a herpes test online now.

Click & Collect: free Next Day Delivery: £3.99Dispensing and standard delivery included.