Home Remedies For Treating Genital Herpes
There are some things you can do at home to relieve symptoms and reduce the discomfort of genital herpes sores and blisters. This includes:
- keeping the affected area clean using salt or plain water, as this can stop your genital herpes blisters from becoming infected
- applying an ice pack to the affected area wrapped in a flannel to soothe burning and itching
- applying lidocaine 5% cream to numb the area
- applying petroleum jelly such as Vaseline to reduce pain when peeing
- washing your hands before and after touching your genitals when applying creams or cleaning
- peeing while pouring water over your genitals to reduce pain
- avoiding tight clothing as this can irritate your skin further
- avoiding sex until the sores have gone away
- taking over the counter painkillers regularly, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
Details On Valtrex Indications For Use
Your healthcare provider may write you out a prescription for Valtrex to treat herpes manifestations. The drug is highly efficacious in the therapy of:
- Herpes simplex virus
- Severe Epstein-Barr virus symptoms
- Viral infections in people with the suppressed immune system due to chemotherapy or diseases.
Valtrex is a prodrug. This means that after getting to the human body, it is converted into acyclovir, and only then, the medication works to treat cold sores and other manifestations of herpes. The preparation acts by inhibiting the viral DNA replication. Besides, the metabolites of the active substance incorporate into the DNA of the virus, thus making it less active.
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 athletes 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.
How And When To Use It
Always read the instructions that come with your medicine first.
Wash your hands before and after using the ointment, gel or liquid.
Ointment, gel, liquid or spray for mouth ulcers
After 3 hours you can use it again, if you need to.
Gel for teething
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How Does Aciclovir Work
If you begin to take Aciclovir 400mg as soon as symptoms appear, the outbreak will often disappear within 1-2 days. Recurrent outbreaks are usually preceded by a tingling or itching sensation.
Aciclovir targets the enzyme that is necessary for the HSV to replicate and grow. By stopping further production of this enzyme, the virus cannot reproduce and create more blisters. This allows the immune system to fight the remaining virus and end the outbreak.
After taking Aciclovir, you should wait until the affected area has healed before resuming sexual activity. Once the virus has fully gone into remission, it will no longer be contagious.
How Far Away Is A Cure For Herpes
Theres currently no cure for herpes, but that might change in the future.
According to 2020 research published in Nature, scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center removed 90 percent of the HSV-1 virus from cells in mice using gene editing.
However, it takes time to transition potential treatments from animals to humans. In a 2020 news article, one of the researchers that authored the Nature paper estimated that it would be at least 3 years before human trials.
Scientists are also researching the possibility of creating a vaccine to prevent herpes. A 2022 study outlined a new approach to developing an mRNA vaccine for herpes. The vaccine mentioned in the study worked well in mice and guinea pigs.
The researchers say that theyre aiming to conduct human trials before the end of 2022, and the vaccine could be available within the next 10 years.
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Why Does Herpes Come Back
Once you get the herpes virus, it can stay in your body and cause outbreaks. Some people can have herpes for years before they know they have it, as an outbreak does not always happen straight away. The herpes simplex virus lays dormant in your body and can hide from your immune system, so it cannot fight it.
When you get herpes, it will only cause blisters in the same place. This means if you have genital herpes you will not get a cold sore. You can have recurrent outbreaks which means you get symptoms again. This might happen once every few years or more often. You can get suppressive treatment if you keep getting outbreaks, which can stop the number of outbreaks you get and the length of your outbreaks.
Herbs Supplements And More For Genital Herpes
Scientists have studied herbal extracts and nutritional supplements based on some herpes patients claims that they help relieve symptoms. Some study results have been promising, others discouraging.
Many people say that an extract of the echinacea plant helps boost the immune systems ability to fight infection. Some say it decreases the frequency and severity of genital herpes outbreaks. Researchers in the U.K. compared the effect of echinacea with that of a placebo. They gave echinacea to 50 people with genital herpes for six months and a placebo for another six months. There was no significant difference in the number of herpes outbreaks during the two periods.
Another study showed that an ointment containing propolis, a waxy substance that honeybees make, may help herpes sores heal. Sores healed faster for people using the propolis ointment than in those using ointments containing the antiviral drug acyclovir or a placebo. The ointment was applied to herpes sores four times a day. After 10 days, 24 of the 30 people using propolis ointment said their sores healed, compared with 14 of the 30 people using acyclovir ointment and 12 of the 30 using a placebo.
Researchers have also found that the herb Prunella vulgaris, and an edible mushroom, Rozites caperata , contain chemicals that fight both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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How To Use Cream For Cold Sores
Wash your hands before and after using the cream.
Put a thin layer of cream on the cold sore 5 times a day. Do this every 4 hours for example, at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.
Use the cream for at least 4 days. If the cold sore has not healed by then, you can carry on using the cream for another 6 days.
If the cold sore still has not healed after a total of 10 days, stop using the cream and tell your doctor.
What Is Oral Herpes Simplex
Of the herpes viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 is usually the cause of oral infection. After primary infection, HSV-1 becomes latent, usually in the dorsal root ganglia of the trigeminal nerve. Rarely, herpes simplex virus type 2 may cause primary infection of the oral cavity, typically in association with orogenital sex however, recurrent oral HSV-2 disease is rare.
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Is Genital Herpes Painful
While many people with the HSV virus experience no symptoms, when sores do develop, they can be painful.
Blisters around the area of infection can itch and tingle, and then turn into open sores when they are ulcerated. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms during their first outbreak, such as fever, muscle aches, headache and swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Prescribed medication for genital herpes, such as aciclovir, valaciclovir and Valtrex, can help to manage the condition and ease symptoms. You may also use over the counter pain medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
How To Choose The Most Popular Topical Creams For Herpes Zoster
The three most crucial criteria to consider are price, quality, and popularity.Price is an obvious factor to consider, as you want to ensure it is acceptable for your needs.Quality should also be examined because buying a low-quality goods will not help you achieve your main aim of obtaining the best product.Finally, while not as obvious as price or quality, popularity can be just as significant as both when it comes to attracting new customers.
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Features To Consider When Buying Cat Eye Drops
One product that cat owners should have on hand is a bottle or two of eye drops for their cats, especially if their furry friends frequently experience allergies or conditions that directly affect their eyes.
Cats that wander in and out of the house may occasionally get some irritants like dirt and dust in their eyes. Hence, even perfectly healthy cats would greatly benefit if their fur parents have readily available eye drops at home.
Since this type of medication often addresses symptoms and is not directly used for a full treatment of any ailment, they are safe to use daily. When buying, find a medication with these features to ensure that you get the best product for your furry friends:
Safe Ingredients. Examine the ingredients list and make sure that the eye drops youre getting are entirely safe to use even without a prescription from a veterinarian. One example of a safe ingredient is hypochlorous acid, a safe antimicrobial agent. Bear in mind that the use of incorrect medication may result in further irritation which we do not want to happen. If you find products that contain alcohol or bleaching agent, its best to avoid them.
Application.Find a product that is easy to apply. Some drops may come with droppers, which make it a lot easier for cat owners to administer the application of eye drops on their fur babies.
How To Use Cream For Genital Herpes
Wash your hands before and after using the cream.
Put a thin layer of cream on the affected area 5 times a day. Do this every 4 hours for example, at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.
Use the cream for at least 5 days. If the genital herpes sore has not healed by then, you can carry on using the cream for another 5 days.
If the affected area has still not healed after a total of 10 days, stop using the cream and tell your doctor.
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Can Genital Herpes Be Cured
There is no known cure for the herpes simplex virus, but using genital herpes medication – such as antiviral drugs – can reduce outbreaks of genital herpes.
Once the virus enters your body, it remains inactive in your nerve cells until a trigger activates it. Once the virus has been activated, you will experience symptoms such as blistering around the genital, thigh, groin or buttock area.
Herpes Tablets such as aciclovir, valaciclovir and Valtrex can also reduce symptoms and shorten the healing time of sores, while home care such as wearing loose-fitting clothing and using mild cleansers can make you more comfortable.
When Should I See My Doctor
You may need to see a doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system if, for example, you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment.
Its also a good idea to see your doctor if:
- there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and a fever
- you arent sure you have a cold sore
- the cold sore isnt healing, its spreading or you have more than one cold sore
- your cold sore has spread to near your eyes
- you get cold sores often
Antibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected.
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How Do I Treat Genital Herpes
For most people antiviral medicine is not necessary either because their body prevents recurrent symptoms or because they find that adopting a healthier life style makes a difference. See What can I do to prevent frequent recurrences? For people who are unlucky and get frequent recurrences, there are two ways that antiviral tablets can be used.
The detailed dosages below are taken directly from the experts guideline on the website of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV.
What Is Valtrex Used For
The Food and Drug Administration approved Valtrex for the following indications:
- Genital herpes, usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2
- Prevention of transmission of HSV
- Suppression of HSV
- Suppression of HSV for people who are immunosuppressed due to human immunodeficiency virus
- Shingles, which is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster and produces a painful rash
The dosing of Valtrex differs for children and adults and is based on weight for the treatment of chicken pox. Valtrex is used short term for the treatment of chicken pox, shingles, and cold sores.
It can also be used for the short-term treatment of genital herpes or long term to suppress the virus and prevent transmission to a partner. However, it is important to remember that Valtrex will not cure your herpes infection completely.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
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How To Use Over The Counter Genital Herpes Treatment
While over-the-counter medications can help suppress the herpes virus, they dont cure the disease. They only control outbreaks by making the symptoms less severe and decreasing the pain. Acyclovir is one of the oldest antiviral medications for herpes and has been available for over 30 years, though its not recommended as a first course of treatment for genital herpes. A newer drug, valacyclovir, is available on the market and delivers the same antiviral in a more efficient way.
Both acyclovir and famciclovir contain the active ingredient penciclovir, which prevents the HSV from replicating. Both medications reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks, and famciclovir is absorbed better by the body and can be used less frequently than acyclovir. Typically, antiviral medications are prescribed for people with the first outbreak of genital herpes, but they can be used to prevent recurrent outbreaks as well.
Topical treatments for genital herpes can help reduce the discomfort caused by an outbreak. Topical applications of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin may relieve the pain. Keeping the outbreak dry is another way to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Moisture triggers irritation and inflammation. A hairdryer can be used to dry the area. It is also important to wear cotton underwear, which is more absorbent and gentle. You should consider supplements for herpes for yourself.
What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes
Some people will not experience symptoms, or they will be very mild it usually takes several days after contact with the virus for any symptoms to become apparent, although in some people it can take much longer.
The symptoms of a Genital Herpes episode can include:
- Pain when urinating
- Stinging, tingling, or itching in the genital area
- General feelings of malaise flu-like symptom
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How Is Genital Herpes Treated
Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus . The virus causes an outbreak of blisters which are common herpes symptoms. Treatment is with antiviral medication to help prevent and control outbreaks.
If youre unsure if you have herpes, you can take a genital herpes test at home.
There are 3 main types of treatment for genital herpes:
Aciclovir tablets are used for outbreaks of genital herpes or cold sores to treat the symptoms. They can also be used to prevent outbreaks from happening if you get them often. How much you take and how long you take them for can vary depending on what youre using it for whether youre using it to treat an outbreak or to prevent future outbreaks.
Valaciclovir tablets are known as a pro-drug, which means your body converts it into aciclovir after you take them. Like aciclovir tablets, they can be used to treat symptoms or to prevent outbreaks.
A doctor may prescribe famciclovir tablets if you find that aciclovir or valaciclovir havent worked for you.
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.
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What Are The Causes Of Oral Herpes
The virus that causes oral herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, and infects the skin that lines your mouth. You can catch it by coming into close contact with a person who has oral herpes for example, by receiving a kiss on the face.
Oral herpes is caused by the same virus as genital herpes . For this reason, its possible to catch oral herpes by having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes, however this is rare.
The best way to prevent oral herpes is to avoid contact with people who have visible sores on their face. Just be aware that oral herpes can be contagious even before a sore appears, so its not always easy to avoid.