What Is Life Like For Someone Who Has Genital Herpes
The virus that causes genital herpes stays inside your body forever. While many people carry this virus, some dont know that they have it because they never have an outbreak.
If you have an outbreak, taking an antiviral medicine can shorten the outbreak and relieve symptoms. Some people have several outbreaks. For most people, the outbreaks become less severe and occur less often with time.
Anyone who has been infected with the virus, however, can spread the virus to others during sex. Even if you never have an outbreak, you can still spread the virus.
Related AAD resources
Centers for Disease Control. Genital Herpes CDC Fact Sheet . Last accessed December 19, 2016.
Fatahzadeh M and Schwartz RA. Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007 57:737-63.
Madkan V Sra K, et al. Human herpesviruses. In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. . Mosby Elsevier, Spain, 2008:1075-6.
Marques AR, Straus SE, Herpes simplex. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008: 1199-1204.
US Preventive Task Force. Serologic screening for genital herpes infection: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2016 316:2525-30.
How Do Herpes Drugs Work
Herpes medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir belong to a class of medications called antiviral drugs.
Antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit the multiplication of viruses in the body. Unlike antibiotics, which eliminate the bacteria that cause infections, antiviral drugs simply control viral proliferation, rather than completely eliminating the target virus from the body.
None of the antiviral drugs on the market today can cure herpes. However, consistent use of an antiviral drug can make living with herpes much easier by speeding up healing after an outbreak and reducing your risk of transmitting the virus to other people.
Herpes drugs are taken for several reasons. People with active HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections can take them during outbreaks to control and treat their symptoms. Antiviral drugs are also used as part of suppressive therapy for herpes to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Even people with asymptomatic herpes can benefit from using antiviral drugs to lower their risk of spreading the virus to other people through sexual or oral contact.
The Virus And Pathogenesis
HSV is a double-stranded DNA virus that may enter the host through abraded skin or intact mucous membranes.1 Epithelial cells are the initial targets. Once infected, these cells die, releasing clear fluid intradermally to form vesicles and merging with other cells to create multinucleated giant cells.
Retrograde transport through adjacent neural tissue to sensory ganglia leads to lifelong latent infection.1 Reactivation of the virus is triggered by local or systemic stimuli such as immunodeficiency, trauma, fever, menstruation, ultraviolet light and sexual intercourse.13 Although emotional stress is assumed to trigger HSV recurrence, recent research fails to show a definite causative role.4 Once reactivated, the virus is transported by the neuron back to the epithelium, where more replication occurs, and another outbreak ensues.
HSV exists as two separate types, labeled 1 and 2, which have affinities for different body sites.2 Ninety percent of infections caused by HSV-2 are genital, and 90 percent of those caused by HSV-1 are oral the reason for this division is unknown.5 In addition, oral HSV-1 infection recurs more frequently than oral HSV-2, and genital HSV-2 recurs more often than genital HSV-1.
You May Like: What Test Do You Take For Herpes
Acyclovir The First In Its Class Of Antiherpetic Drugs
Many of the antiherpetic nucleoside analogs primarily in clinical use are based on the core structure of deoxyguanosine . Acyclovir is one of the most commonly used of these it is activated by TK and inhibits both TK and DNA polymerase activities. ACV itself is a competitive inhibitor of the viral TK , whereas ACV-triphosphate acts as a competitive suicide inhibitor for the viral DNA polymerase . Although ACV is known as a chain terminator, the nucleotide after ACV can be added to the growing DNA chain, but this forms a suicide inhibitor complex in which the exonuclease activity of the DNA polymerase cannot excise ACV to restore activity HSV DNA polymerase then gets caught in an ever-cycling trap of adding a few nucleotides, excising those nucleotides back towards the ACV, and repeating the cycle. Thus, the inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase prevents the complete replication of the viral genome and subsequently the formation of mature virions .
Nucleoside analogs.
ACV toxicity in the host is generally low because of the requirement of viral TK for the first phosphorylation. Nonetheless, host TKs are able to perform the first phosphorylation of ACV at an extremely low level typically, ACV-TP is found at a 40100× greater concentration in infected cells than in uninfected cells , reflective of a measured selectivity index of 869 . Furthermore, the toxicity of ACV is also abrogated because ACV-TP is a poor inhibitor of host DNA polymerase .
What Are The Best Natural Remedies For Herpes
When experiencing a herpes outbreak, one of the most important things someone can do is keep the area clean, cool, and dry, since heat and dampness can irritate the sores. Maintaining a healthy immune system can go a long way too, according to Dr. Hayag. âA strong, healthy immune system can keep herpes under control, prevent outbreaks, and reduce the duration of symptoms,â she says. âSupplements like zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea are vital to increasing your immune function and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.â And when it comes to natural remedies, there are several that can provide much-needed relief.
Also Check: Can You Test For Herpes At Home
You May Like: How To Dry Up Herpes
Is There Anything I Can Do To Relieve The Symptoms Myself
In some women, genital herpes blisters cause pain when urinating . Many of them find it soothing to pee while sitting in warm, shallow water . You can do this using special tubs that fit into toilet bowls. They are available at a reasonable price, for instance from pharmacies or on the internet. Its best not to use soaps or bath additives because they can irritate the affected area even more. Other things you can do to avoid irritating it further include wearing loose-fitting clothes and underwear made out of fabrics that have a smooth surface.
Painkillers such as ibuprofen are an option if the blisters become very painful.
Topical antiviral treatments such as creams or ointments dont provide any relief, but they can increase the risk of viral resistance. Experts advise against using topical treatments for genital herpes.
How Long Does It Take For The Medication To Work
All antiviral herpes medications begin to work quickly, which is why they should be taken as close as possible to the first emergence of symptoms.
This will give the medications the best chance to reduce the severity of the outbreak, and to speed up the resolution of an outbreak .
When taken within the first three days of an initial genital herpes outbreak, antiviral medications can shorten the lifespan of the outbreak by two to four days.
During later occurrences, these medications can shorten the lifespan of these outbreaks by 1-2 days.
Many people with HSV-2 do not experience regular genital herpes outbreaks.
But for people who do experience several episodes per year, preventative treatment can make a big difference.
In clinical studies, many patients who begin daily preventative treatment, go on to experience zero genital herpes outbreaks over the course of the following year.
Preventative antivirals can even help those patients who experience especially frequent and painful outbreaks of genital herpes.
In one study of this population, for instance, preventative antivirals were shown to reduce the average number of yearly outbreaks from 11 to 2.
Its important to remember, though, that none of these medications can completely cure herpes or eliminate the HSV virus from the body.
While preventative medicines, especially, can make it less likely that youll pass on the infection to sexual partners, it cannot completely eliminate this risk.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Tested For Herpes At Urgent Care
Treatment For Genital Warts
It is possible to have a genital wart and not be aware of its presence. Most of the times, these warts clear up on their own. Due to the risk of transmission and cancerous growth that it entails, visible genital warts should be treated appropriately. Visible genital warts can be treated by the following methods and procedures:
- Topical treatment: This is the direct application of a chemical agent in the form of a cream, lotion, or liquid on warts until warts wear off. It is a time-consuming process.
- Surgical therapy: This procedure involves excising the wart by using different techniques, namely, cryotherapy, surgical excision, electrocoagulation, and laser treatment. There are chances of recurrence in surgical therapies.
Caution:
Drug For Rare Disorder Shows Promise For Treating Herpes Viruses
A drug currently prescribed to treat a rare enzyme deficiency can help cells clear the herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 viruses, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances.
The new data shows that the antiviral activity of the drug called phenylbutyrate, or PBA was even better when used along with acyclovir, a common HSV-1 treatment. When used in combination, less acyclovir is needed to effectively suppress the virus compared to acyclovir alone this is important because acyclovir is also known to have toxic side effects in the kidneys.
There are very few drugs available to treat herpes simplex viruses, so when new drugs become available, especially drugs that enable fewer side effects, it is a welcome discovery, said Dr. Deepak Shukla, the Marion Schenk Professor of Ophthalmology and UIC professor of microbiology and immunology at the College of Medicine and corresponding author on the paper. Acyclovir can have very toxic effects on the kidneys, especially when it is given in higher doses for HSV-induced encephalitis, which is rare but can be deadly. By combining acyclovir with PBA, we need less acyclovir to effectively treat HSV-1.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex 1, which infects the eyes and mouth and is a leading cause of blindness, and herpes simplex 2, a genital infection that may cause painful sores and can seriously impair quality of life.
Also Check: Can You Have Kids With Herpes
Nucleotide Analogs: Cidofovir Adefovir And Brincidofovir
Resistance to the drugs previously described is primarily acquired through mutations to the TK . As previously noted, all the nucleoside analogs require TK for phosphorylation to initiate their antiviral activity, and TK mutants can no longer activate those drugs. Hence, without phosphorylation, none of the nucleoside analogs are active against herpesviruses. One way to overcome this requirement for TK is to use a nucleotide analog that already has a monophosphate attached, such as ones based on deoxycytosine monophosphate , like cidofovir . None of these nucleotide analogs require activation by TK.
Nucleotide analogs.
CDV is di- and tri-phosphorylated by cellular kinases, much like nucleoside analogs . The resulting cidofovirtriphosphate binds to the HSV DNA polymerase and is incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, which reduces the speed of elongation. Furthermore, if two cidofovirs are incorporated adjacently in a growing HSV DNA chain, elongation is terminated . Resistance to CDV occurs through mutations in the HSV DNA polymerase, typically with substitutions of amino acids that occur in less conserved regions of the enzyme . Likewise, these mutations may allow the virus to become resistant to other drugs that are nucleoside analogs. A major drawback to the use of CDV is higher host toxicity, primarily in the kidneys .
Education Is An Integral Part Of Herpes Treatment
If you have genital herpes, its important for you to get educated about herpes and have the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Becoming informed will help you learn to cope with the illness. It will also help you prevent sexual transmission of the illness, or transmission to an infant during a pregnancy.
Herpes has a tremendous psychosocial overlay. But knowledge about it and understanding about how well it can be managed can reduce that, says Handsfield.
Your doctor may be able to provide you with all the information you need, or you may choose to seek counseling from a mental health professional or at a clinic that specializes in sexual health, such as Planned Parenthood.
If you have a regular sexual partner, that person should also have the chance to learn about herpes and ask any questions they may have about it.
Don’t Miss: What Will Kill Herpes Virus
Is There An Over
Yes, but OTC medications are generally less effective in treating herpes than prescription ones. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical drug that many people use to treat cold sores from HSV-1, but not HSV-2. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Tylenol are OTC drugs that reduce pain and discomfort, but they do not treat herpes directly.
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.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Have Sex With Herpes
What Drug Is Used To Treat 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.
Can You Test For Herpes At Home
Yes, there are at-home sexually transmitted infection tests for herpes.
LetsGetChecked is a health and diagnostic company that offers home laboratory testing services. The home Herpes Test checks for HSV-1 and HSV-2 by taking a blood sample from your finger.
Read more about at-home herpes tests here.
Recommended Reading: Can Herpes Virus Cause Nerve Pain
Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Herpes Type 2 Medication
How To Use Famciclovir
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking famciclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your doctorâs approval.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
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.
You May Like: How Did I Get Herpes
How To Take Aciclovir
- Swallow your aciclovir tablets with a glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, the tablet can be dissolved in a small glass of water. Stir until dissolved. Drink all the water to make sure you get the full dose.
- Timing: Separate your doses out evenly during the day. For example, if your dose is to be taken 5 times a day, take a dose about every 4 hours such as 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm. You can take aciclovir with or without food.
- Drink plenty of water while taking aciclovir. Itâs important todrink plenty of water so you donât get dehydrated while taking aciclovir.This could affect your kidneys.This is especially important for older adults.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember but, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking aciclovir until the course is finished. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better after a few days. Your doctor will advise you on how long to take aciclovir for .
- Wear sunscreen when outside. Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with aciclovir. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen when outside. Do not use sunbeds.