Friday, March 22, 2024

Genital Herpes Ointment Over The Counter

Best For Early Relief: Zilactin Cold Sore Gel

An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms
  • List price: around $11
  • Dose: apply no more than 34 times per day
  • Pro: this product has a more affordable price than some options
  • Con: some reviewers mention difficulty removing the protective layer

This gel dries, forming an invisible protective layer over a cold sore. According to the manufacturers, the patented bioadhesive formula promotes healing.

People should not remove the film layer before they apply more product, as doing so may cause skin irritation.

The gel contains 10% benzyl alcohol, which may help relieve the pain of a cold sore for 6 hours.

As with the other products, a person should use this when they first notice symptoms of a cold sore.

  • Pro: the company claims it is safe for both children and adults
  • Con: does not contain any medicated ingredients

The company states that while it has designed this product for children, it is also suitable for adults. It is in chapstick form, so a person can easily carry it around and apply it as necessary.

The product does not contain medicated ingredients making it suitable for children. Most of the ingredients are certified organic. However, it contains beeswax, so it is not suitable for vegans.

The company recommends applying the product during early symptoms. The formula may tingle after application.

  • Active ingredients: menthol 0.1% and L-lysine
  • Dose: apply every 2 hours
  • Pro: can moisturize lips as well as relieve pain from cold sores
  • Con: contains beeswax, so not suitable for vegans

How Effective Are Medications For Herpes

Prescription antiviral medications have proven effectiveness in managing HSV symptoms.

A 2017 study comparing the antiviral medications acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir to treat herpes simplex labialis found all antiviral medications were effective to shorten healing time for lesions and reducing pain. The comparison study found valacyclovir had the fastest healing time and pain reduction.

Acyclovir For Genital Herpes

Your healthcare provider will usually prescribe acyclovir tablets or an oral suspension to treat genital herpes.

It is recommended that you begin treatment as soon as symptoms occur to speed up recovery. In most cases, patients are prescribed 200 mg of acyclovir to be taken 5 times a day, at 4-hour intervals for 5 days.

Genital herpes has a fairly high recurrence rate. One study found that 38% of patients had at least 6 outbreaks a year. Suppression therapy is usually recommended for people who suffer from genital herpes frequently.

To suppress herpes outbreaks, your doctor may ask you to take 200 mg of acyclovir up to 4 times a day, or 400 mg 2 times a day, 12 hours apart.

Common side effects of oral acyclovir include:

Serious side effects that require urgent medical attention include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat, eyes

If your immune system is very weak or this is your first genital herpes outbreak, your doctor may prescribe acyclovir cream in addition to tablets to treat the blisters.

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Keep The Area Clean And Dry

Its important to keep dry any areas affected by genital herpes sores. Moisture triggers irritation and can make outbreaks even worse. Try drying outbreaks with a hairdryer on low heat settings instead of a towel. It also helps to wear cotton underwear, since cotton is gentle and absorbs moisture much better than synthetic fabrics.

When You Must Not Take Them

Type 1 Cold Sores &  Type 2 Genital Herpes Treatment by Serex
  • Do not take Valtrex tablets if you have ever had an allergic reaction to valaciclovir, aciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be mild or severe. They usually include some or all of the following: wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hay fever, lumpy rash or fainting.
  • Do not take Valtrex tablets if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor says you should.
  • Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Valtrex tablets when pregnant and during breast-feeding.
  • Do not take Valtrex tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
  • If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
  • Do not take Valtrex tablets if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
  • If you are not sure whether you should be taking Valtrex, talk to your doctor.

Also Check: When Your Partner Has Herpes

Key Benefit: Fda Approved And Available Over

How Abreva works:

The active ingredient in Abreva is Docosanol 10%, also known as behenyl alcohol. This is a type of alcohol traditionally used as an emollient, emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics and supplements.

Abreva has been shown in clinical study to shorten the healing time of cold sores. When Abreva is applied to cold sores it helps to soothe any irritation and strengthens the cell membranes to prevent the infection becoming worse.

Directions:

Apply 5 times a day for up to 10 days.

More Information:

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.

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Learn How To Get Rid Of Herpes With Natural Ways

Why Choose Natural Treatments for Herpes?

Antibiotics wont relieve herpes symptoms or prevent outbreaks. The most common prescription-strength treatments are therefore oral medications which are antibiotic, as well as creams which are applied topically. While these medications and creams do work for some sufferers, they tend to trigger side effects which may be rather unpleasant.

To help you understand why prescription-strength medications arent perfect treatment options, lets look at one popular prescribed medication for herpes and explore its pros and cons

Valtrex is the name of this medication, although it may also be referred to as Valacyclovir. Its an anti-viral medication which was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in summer of 2009.

For natural or homeopathic ways to rid yourself of herpes, you can look into various things such as vitamin B supplements added to your daily routine or even consuming foods such as seaweed, nutritional yeast, whole grains and bee pollen. A lot of people have also had great success while using tea tree oil and aloe vera to help lessen the onset of outbreaks or getting rid of some of the discomfort that can come along with it.

This medication works pretty well on herpes simplex outbreaks. It gets results by decreasing the virus asymptomatic shedding. It also helps to reduce the risk of the virus being transmitted. While these pros are good, the cons are pretty bad.

This medication increases the risk of renal failure.

Are Antiviral Medications Safe

How Do I Treat Nasal Herpes

Antiviral medications are considered to be very safe. They are nearly always well tolerated because the active ingredients only have an effect in cells that have been infected by the virus.

People who have kidney failure may need to take a lower dose because the medication is removed from the body through the kidneys.

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What Are The Alternative Treatment Options For Oral/genital Herpes

Theres an over-the-counter medication known as docosanol thats FDA-approved for the treatment of cold sores on your lips and nose. One study showed that it shortened the duration of outbreaks from five days down to about four days and even was a little more effective than a placebo at preventing outbreaks in people who applied it at the first symptoms of a cold sore coming on .

There are some reports that light therapy can help reduce herpes outbreaks. But so far, only a few small studies have been done to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments. While the only adverse effects reported were pain or a burning sensation at the site treated, there werent enough people evaluated to be able to say for sure that the treatment worked .

There have been claims that all kinds of herbal products, including everything from echinacea and zinc, to the bee-derived product propolis and aloe can reduce your chances of having a herpes outbreak or reduce the duration or severity of an outbreak once you get one. Unfortunately, the research into these alternative options doesnt suggest that they work .

Luckily there are some things you can do, though, that might reduce your chances of having an outbreak.

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.

Also Check: How To Keep Herpes Dormant

Treatment For Oral Herpes

The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. However, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to prescribe the antiviral drugs to those who have frequent or severe outbreaks of oral herpes.

A recent study found valacyclovir to be effective for treating oral herpes in a one-day treatment of 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, and then again about 12 hours later.

There are two topical antiviral medications prescribed for the treatment of oral HSV symptoms: acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. Both work to speed up the healing process and reduce the viral activity. These topical drugs are put directly on the lesions themselves, but can also be used at the onset of prodrome.

Other topical treatments for oral herpes are available over-the-counter , but are not antiviral compounds like acyclovir and penciclovir. Some also contain ingredients that numb the area and induce temporary relief from the discomfort of an outbreak. Unfortunately, some OTC treatments may actually delay the healing time of symptoms because they can further irritate the area with repeated applications. There is only one OTC FDA-approved cream, called Abreva®, which has been clinically proven to help speed the healing process.

Talk With Your Doctor About Herpes Medications

Buy Genital Herpes Antivirals Online

Its important to first talk with your doctor before using over-the-counter products like docosanol or other home remedies.

If this is the first time you have symptoms of HSV with blisters or sores, your doctor will first diagnose if you have HSV, the type and discuss options to manage your condition. They will tell you about prescription and nonprescription alternatives to treat your HSV infection.

Tell your doctor if you have any serious health conditions including if you have a weakened immune system.

Your doctor will also tell you what you can expect with an HSV infection, how long it may last, and what do to prevent spreading HSV to others while you have an active infection.

Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about herpes simplex virus.

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Dosage: How Much Valtrex Should I Take

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form :
  • For treatment of chickenpox:
  • Adults and children below 2 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • Children 2 to 18 years of ageDose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken three times a day for 5 days. However, the dose is usually not more than 1000 mg three times a day.
  • For treatment of cold sores:
  • Adults2000 milligrams every 12 hours for one day.
  • Children 12 years of age and above2000 milligrams every 12 hours for one day.
  • Children below 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak:
  • Adults1000 milligrams two times a day for ten days.
  • ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of genital herpes, recurrent outbreaks:
  • Adults500 milligrams two times a day for three days.
  • For treatment of shingles:
  • Can You Get Genital Herpes Treatment Over The Counter

    No, you cannot buy genital herpes treatment over the counter. You will need a prescription in order to purchase medication.

    If you have been diagnosed as having genital herpes or had a positive result from a herpes test kit, you can buy herpes treatment online after completing a short medical questionnaire.

    Our process is 100% confidential from start to finish. As long as our clinicians authorise that it is safe for you to be prescribed with a specific course of treatment, we will post the medication out to you in plain, non-identifiable packaging the very next day.

    If you havent found an answer to your question here, why not take a look at our genital herpes FAQ article for more information.

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    Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes

    Taking over-the-counter pain relievers is an effective way to ease the discomfort associated with genital herpes. A sitz bath, available over the counter at pharmacies and online, is another option. These are toilet-bowl-sized tubs that do not contain soap or other bath additives. Loose-fitting underwear is another option, as the skin on such garments absorbs moisture better than synthetic materials.

    Lidocaine gel and ointments are topical medications that can be applied directly to the sores to relieve and reduce the risk of infection. These antiviral medicines are available over-the-counter or by prescription from a healthcare professional. However, the risk of infection increases when these treatments are used too frequently, as they may develop viral resistance. Those seeking over-the-counter treatment for Hsv2 genital herpes should consult a medical professional to determine the best option.

    Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir are also available as over-the-counter treatments for genital herpes. Acyclovir, a powerful antiviral, is the most popular medication for treating the herpes simplex virus. It comes in the topical form under the brand names Zovirax, Cymex Ultra, and Virasorb. These products are safe to use and are available over-the-counter.

    Read Also: Will Antifungal Cream Help Herpes

    Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Valtrex

    Femiclear

    If you take too much Valtrex, it can lead to acute kidney damage. This is a medical emergency that can cause toxicity in your body and the inability to make urine.

    Hemodialysis is a procedure that helps your body eliminate toxins and balance fluidthis may be necessary until your kidney function is restored.

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    Rule #: Dont Touch It

    Touching the sores can increase the chance that you spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Also, you can use a cotton swab or a finger cot to apply cream or ointment to the affected area instead of your fingers to avoid spreading the virus to other regions .

    Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Herpes

    Theres no cure for the herpes virus yet. A herpes vaccine doesnt currently exist, as the herpes virus has more complicated DNA than most infections, creating challenges for researchers.

    However, medication can help with symptoms, like sores, and outbreaks. Medication also lowers the risk of transmission to others. You can take most medications for herpes orally, though you may also apply some as a cream or receive them by injection.

    Read Also: How To Reduce Herpes Flare Ups

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    How To Place An Order

    In order for you to place an order, please click below and fill in the online consultation you will then be given a choice of products before clinically assessed by one of our GMC registered doctors.

    What is genital herpes?

    Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that is easily passed on by sexual contact. Unfortunately, once you have contracted herpes there is no known way to cure it. However, genital herpes can be managed and suppressed effectively if you use the right genital herpes treatment which you can buy online.

    Herpes simplex virus type 2 causes the STI, while herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sore herpes, which is most likely to break out on the lips or face. This condition can be treated with aciclovir tablets and valaciclovir tablets. While type 2 herpes simplex virus usually causes genital herpes and type 1 affects the lips or face, type 1 herpes can also cause genital herpes due to more people having oral sex.

    People who have herpes often report experiencing 4 or 5 different outbreaks a year, so make sure you have measures in place to keep these periods of time as comfortable as possible.

    What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

    When you experience herpes symptoms, the first episode is likely to be the worst. This may include:

    • Fever or flu-like symptoms

    After this initial outbreak, genital herpes symptoms are likely to become less severe as your body builds up more immunity to the herpes virus.

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