Medication For Herpes Simplex 1

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.

Herpes And Newborn Infants

Herpes infection in a newborn can cause a range of symptoms, including skin rash, fevers, mouth sores, and eye infections. If left untreated, neonatal herpes is a very serious and even life-threatening condition. Neonatal herpes can spread to the brain and central nervous system, causing encephalitis and meningitis. It also can lead to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and death. Herpes can also spread to internal organs, such as the liver and lungs.

Infants infected with herpes are treated with acyclovir, an antiviral drug. They usually receive several weeks of intravenous acyclovir treatment, often followed by several months of oral acyclovir. It is important to treat babies quickly, before the infection spreads to the brain and other organs.

When To See A Doctor

Because a person might not have symptoms even if they have herpes, it can be difficult to know when to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Planned Parenthood recommends that a person see a healthcare professional as soon as they notice sores on or around their genitals. Other STIs, such as syphilis, can have similar symptoms but require different treatment. The American Sexual Health Association also recommends seeing a doctor to get a culture of any lesion or cold sore a person notices.

People may wish to take an at-home STI test before seeing a doctor. However, at-home tests should not replace professional diagnosis and treatment.

• applying aloe vera gel to sores
• applying petroleum jelly to the affected areas
• wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation
• refraining from sexual activity, even with protection, until symptoms have gone
• applying a cream or lotion to the urethra before urinating, such as one that contains lidocaine

Some people find that using ice packs help. However, never apply ice directly to the skin wrap it in a cloth first.

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Can I Treat Herpes Simplex At Home

Avoiding known triggers, such as illness or stress, can help reduce how often you have herpes outbreaks.

How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-1 ?

• Over-the-counter creams such as L-lysine, benzocaine or docosanol .
• Applying ice to blisters or sores.

How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-2 ?

• Apply an ice pack to your genitals. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth or apply it over your underwear.
• Keep your genitals dry. Wear cotton or other nonsynthetic underpants and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Moist sores take longer to heal.
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
• Topical 1% or 2% lidocaine may be used as a topical analgesic.

Does Sleep Help Herpes

Sleep loss can negatively affect the immune system and may make someone more susceptible to a herpes infection. While a person sleeps, their body works to fight bacteria and viruses they may have been exposed to during the day.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that people aged 1864 years get 79 hours of sleep per night.

A person should try to get the recommended amount of sleep to help their body recover from a herpes infection, and they should consider speaking with a doctor if their symptoms are severe or persistent.

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Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv

Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.

Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR

Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days

*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.

Valacyclovir Penciclovir And Famciclovir

Besides ACV, there are other alternatives to treat skin lesions caused by herpes simplex viruses, such as valacyclovir, penciclovir, and famciclovir, which are also considered first-line drugs to treat HSV-1 and HSV-2 and thus, are frequently used .

These drugs are nucleic acid analogs, similar to ACV with a shared mechanism of action that interferes with the function of the viral DNA polymerase . These compounds differ from each other mainly in their bioavailability, half-life in the body and dosing , yet similar to ACV they reduce herpetic lesions and associated pain in approximately 13 days, as compared to untreated groups when used topically .

To increase the bioavailability of acyclovir, an L-valine ester of acyclovir was developed. Valacyclovir is a prodrug of ACV with enhanced absorption at the intestinal level . Later, penciclovir was developed with the aim of being phosphorylated more rapidly than ACV, and consequently has a higher half-life than acyclovir . While acyclovir has a half-life of 0.7 h for HSV-1 and 1 h for HSV-2, penciclovir has a half-life of 10 h for HSV-1 and 20 h for HSV-2 . Famciclovir is a prodrug that derives into penciclovir and has increased oral bioavailability . Clinical benefits granted by these drugs have also generated discussions on the recommendation of their use to treat skin lesions caused by herpes simplex virus infections .

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What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to acyclovir injection.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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 .

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Current Antivirals And Novel Botanical Molecules Interfering With Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

• 1Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
• 2Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
• 3Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile

Is There A Link Between Genital Herpes And Hiv

It is easier for a person with genital herpes to get or transmit HIV infection.

If a person with a herpes infection is genitally exposed to HIV, their risk of acquiring HIV is than someone without genital herpes. This is because genital herpes can cause breaks in the skin and make a person more vulnerable to HIV infection.

A person with HIV and genital herpes is more likely to transmit HIV to sex partners.

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How Herpes Is Treated

There is no cure for herpes.

• The health care provider may prescribe antiviral medicine to help speed up the healing process. It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores.
• Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
• If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
• The infected area should be kept clean and dry.
• Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus.
• It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.

How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Herpes Simplex

During an outbreak, a dermatologist often can diagnose herpes simplex by looking at the sores. To confirm that a patient has herpes simplex, a dermatologist may take a swab from a sore and send this swab to a laboratory.

When sores are not present, other medical tests, such as blood tests, can find the herpes simplex virus.

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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.

Risk For Genital Herpes

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 6 Americans ages 14 to 49 years have genital herpes. While HSV-2 remains the main cause of genital herpes, HSV-1 has significantly increased as a cause, most likely because of oral-genital sex. Except for people in monogamous relationships with uninfected partners, everyone who is sexually active is at risk for genital herpes.

Risk factors for genital herpes include:

• History of an STD
• First sexual intercourse at an early age
• High number of sexual partners
• Low socioeconomic status

Women are more susceptible to HSV-2 infection because herpes is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men. About 1 in 5 women, compared to 1 in 9 men, have genital herpes. African-American women are at particularly high risk.

People with compromised immune systems, such as those who have HIV, are at very high risk for genital herpes. These people are also at risk for more severe complications from herpes. Drugs that suppress the immune system, and organ transplantation, can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk for contracting genital herpes.

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Transmission Of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease spread by skin-to-skin contact. The risk of infection is highest during outbreak periods when there are visible sores and lesions. However, genital herpes can also be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms. Most new cases of genital herpes infection do not cause symptoms, and many people infected with HSV-2 are unaware that they have genital herpes.

To help prevent genital herpes transmission:

• Use a condom for sexual intercourse.
• Use a dental dam for oral sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Be aware that nonoxynol-9, the chemical spermicide used in gel and foam contraceptive products and some lubricated condoms, does not protect against STDs.

How Can I Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

If you have lots of herpes outbreaks, your doctor may tell you to take medicine every day this is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future herpes outbreaks, and lower your chances of giving herpes to your partners.

Whether or not you take medicine to treat herpes, taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress might help keep future outbreaks from popping up.

No one knows for sure what triggers genital herpes outbreaks. Other infections, surgery, sex, your period, skin irritations, and stress may cause outbreaks. Sunburns, injuries to your lips, or other infections can cause oral herpes flare-ups. Try to avoid getting sunburned if you have oral herpes.

Genital herpes outbreaks usually happen less often and become shorter and weaker after a few years whether or not you get treated.

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Can The Virus Be Transmitted During Childbirth

According to

• lack of appetite
• shooting pain at the site of the infection

You may notice some tingling, burning, or itching at the site of the infection before small, painful blisters appear. There could be one blister or a small cluster. These blisters will eventually burst and crust over before they begin to heal.

The blisters that develop during a primary infection may take to fully heal. These blisters can still transmit the virus until theyve healed completely.

Sores often itch, and genital sores may cause pain during urination.

Is Medication Necessary For Herpes

Medication can shorten herpes flare-ups, ease symptoms, and reduce a persons chance of passing herpes on to other people. As such, doctors typically recommend that a person with herpes get treated.

However, people with no or very mild symptoms may not feel it is necessary.

A person should talk with a doctor about the benefits of getting medication for herpes.

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Is There A Cure For Herpes Simplex

There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, its a lifelong infection.

What is the outlook for people with herpes simplex?

For many people, the first herpes outbreak is the most severe. Many outbreaks are less frequent and milder after the first year of infection. Some people may have only one outbreak and never have another again.

Herpes infection doesnt usually pose a serious health risk. The risk of a health complication due to herpes is higher in infants and if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant.

Types Of Antiviral Drugs

There are three oral antivirals recommended for the treatment of oral or genital herpes:

Preventing genital herpes recurrence is important as it reduces the risk of HIV. According to the CDC, having an active genital herpes infection increases the risk of HIV by 200% to 300%.

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How Is Genital Herpes Spread

• Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection
• Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection
• Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes or
• Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.

You also can get genital herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with oral herpes.

You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects, such as silverware, soap, or towels.

If you have more questions about herpes, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.