Conditions Hydrocortisone Creams Cannot Treat
Hydrocortisone is not usually useful as a treatment for hives . This is because hives are caused by histamine, not chronic skin inflammation.
Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system in response to allergens, which are allergy-causing substances. An reaction can sometimes cause a rash.
In this case, an oral antihistamine may be the best treatment choice.
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.
When To Call A Doctor
Check in with your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice or experience any of the following:
- Worsening outbreak symptoms in spite of medicine or proper management
- Sores that do not heal after 2-4 weeks
- Frequent outbreaks
- An outbreak during pregnancy
If you have never had genital herpes before, see a medical provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Subsequent outbreaks of herpes do not always require medical care unless you notice any complications, problems healing, or become pregnant.
While there is no cure for genital herpes, a medical provider can recommend OTC and other treatments that may speed the healing time of sores, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and relieve discomfort.
Genital herpes may feel like an embarrassing problem, but you deserve to be comfortable.
A medical doctor will not shame you, but will help you to get proper care and find relief.
You can even chat with a K Health doctor right in the app, without leaving your home.
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.
Recommended Reading: Do Herpes Hurt To Touch
Can You Cure Herpes
Unfortunately, theres no cure for herpes. The virus stays inactive in your body and activates from time to time to cause outbreaks, months or even years after youre first infected. This is when you get symptoms. Antiviral medication for herpes can only help control the outbreaks or suppress the virus.
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Protect Against Herpes
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.
Where Can I Get Medications For Herpes
The most common antiviral medications used to manage herpes simplex symptoms are available by prescription. If you have symptoms such as a cold sore or genital herpes, call your doctors office. They will first diagnose if you have herpes simplex. Then they will prescribe an appropriate medication to manage your symptoms.
Only docosanol is an antiviral medication available over the counter as a cream to manage oral symptoms such as cold sores or fever blisters.
If you have mild symptoms from a recurring oral herpes infection, you may be able to use nonprescription methods or some home remedies to manage your symptoms.
Examples include:
- pain relievers such ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain
- cold compress or ice to soothe burning or itching
- zinc oxide topical cream, which may help soothe itching or burning
Before trying over the counter medications or supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms.
You May Like: Lysine Is Good For Herpes
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. “A strong, healthy immune system can keep herpes under control, prevent outbreaks, and reduce the duration of symptoms,” she says. “Supplements like zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea are vital to increasing your immune function and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.” And when it comes to natural remedies, there are several that can provide much-needed relief.
How To Get Rid Of Genital Herpes Outbreaks Quickly & Safely
There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are many over-the-counter treatment optionsas well as supplements, herbs, topical treatments, and even dietary changesthat may help clear up outbreaks faster.
In this article, Ill talk about the early warning signs of genital herpes, outline some medicines and at-home treatments for outbreaks, and information on howto heal herpes sores faster.
Ill help you understand what is safe and backed by reliable evidence.
And Ill tell you when to talk to your doctor.
Read Also: When To Get Tested For Genital Herpes
Can Genital Herpes Be Prevented
Practising safe sex is the best way to help prevent genital herpes infection.
It is safest to:
- always use condoms and dental dams, even when there are no sores or blisters present
- avoid sex when there are sores or blisters present you are most infectious at this time
- avoid sex with someone who has any blisters, sores or other symptoms of genital herpes
- avoid oral sex when there is any sign of a cold sore
Order Herpes Medication On Your Terms
Need a prescription for herpes medication? We make it easy to buy valacyclovir online so you can treat genital herpes at home, safely and privately. It still isn’t possible to get prescription medication for herpes without a doctor or order Valtrex without a prescription. But with wisp, you can message a doctor to get prescription medication for herpes whether you have insurance or not. We also ship the best over the counter herpes meds to help manage the frequency and severity of genital outbreaks.
Tired of waiting rooms?
Get discreet online herpes treatment without the hassle of making a doctor’s appointment.
Extra meds, delivered free
We’ll send you enough antiviral medication to ensure it’s there when you need it. Take Valtrex every day, or at the first sign of an outbreak
Hassle-free, judgement-free
Order herpes medication online whenever you need it. Explain yourself to no one
All natural herpes treatment
Need an over the counter herpes home remedy? Got you covered with wisp’s All Natural AV Herbals
Don’t Miss: Why Won’t My Herpes Outbreak Go Away
What Can Trigger A Herpes Outbreak
A herpes outbreak can be triggered by a number of factors. It is unknown what exactly causes an outbreak, and this can vary from person to person. However, the following are thought to trigger a genital herpes outbreak:
- Weak immune system The common cold, flu, or any other time where your immune system is weaker than normal may trigger an outbreak
- Hormone changes Fluctuating levels of hormones for example during menstruation can trigger an outbreak
- Vigorous sex It has been reported that strong friction can irritate the skin and potentially lead to an outbreak
- Stress Physical or mental stress has proven to have a strong correlation to causing outbreaks of genital herpes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excess exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Tell If You Have Oral Herpes
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.
You May Like: How Do You Test For Herpes Simplex
One Option For Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly
Some people with genital herpes choose to take antiviral medication daily to reduce the number of symptom outbreaks they have. In some cases, daily therapy prevents outbreaks completely.
Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of all three of the approved antivirals used to treat genital herpes.
Studies have also shown that daily antiviral therapy reduces the rate of transmission from an HSV-2 infected person to an uninfected partner of the opposite sex.
Daily therapy also lowers the odds of infecting other people if you have multiple sex partners or if you are a man who has sex with men.
The drugs work both for people who have had herpes symptoms and for those whose blood tests show they have an HSV-2 infection but who have never had symptoms.
Some people choose to take antiviral drugs only as needed, for outbreaks that occur after the first one. For this to work, you need to start taking the medicine within one day of sores cropping up or during the time period that comes before some outbreaks.
During the prodrome, you may feel
- Burning in the area where the virus first entered your body
- Itching or tingling in that area
- Pain in your back, buttocks, thighs, or knees
Your doctor will probably give you a prescription you can fill and keep handy for timely use, and tell you to start taking the drugs just as soon as symptoms begin.
Read Also: How Long Does Vaginal Herpes Last
Best For Sensitive Skin: Aidance Over The Counter Medicine For Herpes
Next on the list, weve got yet another medicine that manages to win our hearts. Its the Aidance Over The Counter Medicine For Herpes and its widely considered as medicine that has the most suitable features. Further, the medicine is best for fast acting and it can get with active ingredients. Natural, organic pain free ingredients for sensitive skin mean that you dont have to worry about harsh chemicals irritating your skin or slowing down healing. Above all, the aidance over the countermedicine for herpes comes with soothing essential oils and patented activated minerals that deliver fast, targeted relief, Terragen hg formula combines the latest science with the finest natural ingredients for a truly unique and effective outbreak therapy.
Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the medicine is a very nice and softening salve but cant attest to itssssss medicinal effects. Moreover, a few also found that the medicine is used during a full blown episode. With no doubts, this medicine passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This takes a tiny amount and lasts for a while.
- This does facilitate healing much faster than not using it.
- Delivers what they promise.
Yup. this product does what it. says, one customer. Overall, for most customers, Pro Se product was just what they wanted.
Why We Like This:
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.
You May Like: Does Planned Parenthood Check For Herpes
Recommended Reading: How To Get Genital Herpes Without Intercourse
Best For Mouth Ulcer: Durhams Bee Farm Inc Over The Counter Medicine For Herpes
Next on the list, weve got yet another medicine that manages to win our hearts. Its the Durhams bee farm, inc. over thecounter medicine for herpes and its widely considered as medicine that has the most suitable features. The Durhams bee farm, inc. over the counter medicinefor herpes stays in place and it has baking soda. . In addition, this helps to prevent it and it works as advertised.
The medicine works for big ones, is great for home remedies and it worked great. And, the medicine is best for customer service and it has to follow the directions. Finally, the Durhams bee farm, inc. overthe countermedicine forherpes works great and it hurts like hell.
Most customers found that the medicine is the best stuff ever for canker sores. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the medicine does not expire but the best by date is 3 years from the date manufactured. Also, they also found that this is zilactin without the numbing medication in a bigger bottle.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This will go away quickly and works for all aphthous ulcers.
- This is going to require 8+ drops.
- This can be and how much the pain affects daily life.
- This will not take a lot of canker-rid to apply to the affected area.
Can You Buy Acyclovir Over The Counter
When youve got a herpes breakout, you want to heal as quickly as possible. And whilst some treatments are available over-the-counter, others require a prescription.
In the U.S., you cannot buy acyclovir cream or ointments over-the-counter. The only topical treatment approved for over-the-counter sales is Abreva which contains docosanal as its active ingredient.
The following medications require a prescription form a doctor or an online consultation:
- Acyclovir cream/ointments
Acyclovir cream is available to purchase over-the-counter in the European Union.
You May Like: When Do Herpes Symptoms Appear
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.