Thursday, March 21, 2024

Herpes Over The Counter Medication

Results Speak For Themselves

INVESTIGATION: Lawsuit alleges woman contracted herpes at makeup counter

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

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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Important Information About All Medicines

This preparation is for use on the skin only. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of it by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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Which Herpes Medication Is Best

In the war between valacyclovir vs. acyclovir vs. famciclovir, the truth is, there is no best herpes medication. All three of the drugs are safe and proven to be effective as treatments for HSV-1, HSV-2, shingles and other forms of the herpes virus.

If you think you might have herpes, the best approach is to speak to your doctor about treatment options. Your doctor will be able to provide advice on the most effective drug for treating herpes based on your symptoms, immune system, lifestyle and overall health.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standardshere.

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Treating A First Outbreak Of Herpes

Otc Herpes Treatment Cvs

A first outbreak of genital herpes can cause a long illness with severe genital sores and can also affect the nervous system. Even if your first episode of herpes is mild, you may have severe or prolonged symptoms later. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone who has a first episode of genital herpes take antiviral drugs.

Almost everyone who has one episode of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 also has later breakouts of sores. Later episodes are less common if your case of genital herpes is due to an HSV-1 infection.

The frequency of genital herpes outbreaks slows down over time in many people.

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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. It’s 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 don’t provide any relief, but they can increase the risk of viral resistance. Experts advise against using topical treatments for genital herpes.

What Causes Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is a common condition. Many people know it as cold sores or fever blisters. This condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus . There are two different types of HSV. Type 1 HSV is most often associated with oral herpes and can cause sores on or around the mouth. Type 2 HSV typically causes genital herpes. Well only be talking about oral herpes in this article.

HSV, commonly referred to as herpes, is a virus that can be spread from person to person. Oral herpes is usually spread through saliva or by touching another persons active cold sore. Theres currently no cure or vaccine for herpes, but outbreaks typically resolve within a few weeks.

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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:

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Many people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. If you are sexually active you should be aware of the risk and take steps to reduce it.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should be vigilant about preventing genital HSV infection because it can be transmitted to your baby during vaginal delivery, potentially causing serious problems.

The following are specific prevention and treatment strategies for HSV-1 and HSV-2:

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How Herpes Outbreaks Occur

Once it enters a human cell, the HSV virus penetrates the cell’s nucleus and begins the process of replication. Even though cells may be infected, you probably will not experience any symptoms at this stage.

During the initial infection, the virus is transported through nerve cells to nerve-branching points, known as ganglia. There, the virus will stay in an inactive, dormant state, neither replicating nor presenting any signs that it’s even there.

On occasion, the dormant virus may suddenly reactivate, starting the replication process anew. When this happens, the virus will travel back through the nerve to the surface of the skin. With this, many of the infected skin cells are killed, causing blisters to form. The eruption of these blisters creates the characteristic ulcers that are recognized as cold sores or genital herpes.

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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.

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How To Treat Outbreaks

Herpes is an extremely common infection caused by the transmission of the Herpes Simplex Virus. Once acquired, individuals will experience genital or oral ulcers for the rest of their lives. The severity of outbreaks changes over time, with the initial episode generally being the most painful and emotionally difficult. Prescription antiviral medication, Valacyclovir helps decrease the severity and frequency of herpes outbreaks. Keep meds on hand, and take what you need as soon as you need it to avoid painful outbreaks.

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How Can I Get An Acyclovir Prescription

Cold Sores &  Herpes: Your Safe and Complete Herpes Solution with ...

You can make an appointment with a doctor or healthcare provider to get a prescription for acyclovir. If it is your first herpes breakout, you should see a doctor to ensure you have the right diagnosis.

Alternatively, you can book anonline health assessment with a medical advisor at an online pharmacy. This is a convenient way to buy acyclovir to manage recurring symptoms or suppress symptoms in the long-term. Your online pharmacist will help you determine the best course of treatment.

You wont need a prescription from a doctor to buy acyclovir online. Acyclovir tablets start at $8.50 for 15 tablets.

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How To Use Abreva Cream

Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Use this medication at the first signs of a cold sore . Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication. Clean and dry the affected areas. Apply a thin layer of medication to completely cover the area of the cold sore or the area of tingling/itching/redness/swelling and rub in gently, usually 5 times a day every 3-4 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply to skin only. Do not apply this medication in or near the eyes since this medication can irritate the eyes. If you do get medication in your eyes, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose.

Remove any cosmetics from the affected area before applying. You may apply cosmetics after applying but use a separate applicator on infected areas to prevent spreading the infection. If you accidentally wipe off the medication, reapply as soon as possible.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, type of infection, and response to treatment. Do not use this drug more often or for longer than directed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best when the amount of drug absorbed by the skin stays at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a cold sore outbreak, when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but the cold sore has not yet formed. Acyclovir ointment is usually applied six times a day for 7 days. It is best to begin using acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after you experience the first symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your symptoms should improve during your treatment with topical acyclovir. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Acyclovir cream and ointment are for use only on the skin. Do not let acyclovir cream or ointment get into your eyes, or inside your mouth or nose, and do not swallow the medication.

Acyclovir cream should only be applied to skin where a cold sore has formed or seems likely to form. Do not apply acyclovir cream to any unaffected skin, or to genital herpes sores.

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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.

How To Treat Cold Sores

Herpes Simplex 1 & 2: Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

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.

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How Do I Choose The Best Over

Herpes is a medical condition caused by a virus and can lead to the development of painful blisters. Some forms of herpes may be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. An over-the-counter treatment is any type of medical treatment that does not require a prescription by a doctor. Over-the-counter herpes treatment options may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or herbal treatments. There is no actual cure for herpes, so any over-the-counter herpes treatment methods are aimed at reducing symptoms of the disease.

Over-the-counter herpes treatment options may include the use of pain relievers or topical preparations. Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help to ease the pain and discomfort when an outbreak occurs. Topical preparations such as creams, ointments, or gels may be useful in treating painful outbreaks as well. It is important to note that many of these products have not been FDA approved and may not be safe for all patients. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of such treatment options with a doctor.

How To Take Valtrex

Valtrex is a tablet that should be swallowed. You can take Valtrex with or without food. It is important to stay hydrated when using Valtrex.

If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, chicken pox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Initial signs of infection may include tingling, itching, or burning, or when the sore appears.

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Key Benefit: May Help To Clear Cold Sore Scabs More Quickly

How Neosporin works:

The active ingredients in Neosporin ointments are primarily antibiotics.

Hate that ugly cold sore scab? Agghh so do we! Well although Neosporin ointment is usually recommended for healing minor cuts and infections, we found it can sometimes help get the scab stage annoying moving a little quicker if applied toward the end of an outbreak.

Directions:

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