Over The Counter Drugs For Herpes

How To Treat Ocular Cold Sores

Depending on the severity of your case, there are several different treatment options.

In some cases, your eye doctor may be able to scrape away some of the infection. However, for herpes keratitis, an antibiotic will most likely be prescribed. This can be in the form of a tablet, a gel or ointment, or even medicated eye drops.

The best eye drops for a cold sore of the eye are antiviral drops. These drops will need to be prescribed by a doctor. However, there are over-the-counter eye drops that can help with the symptoms of ocular herpes.

Dealing with those symptoms is important as it prevents the spread and growth of the virus. The less likely you are to touch your eye, the less likely it is that youll touch another area of your body and cause it to spread.

Lets take a look at some of the most popular eye drops.

Clear Eyes Maximum Strength Redness Relief

The active ingredients are Glycerine, for lubrication, and Naphazoline hydrochloride, to help with redness. While ocular herpes doesnt usually cause dryness of the eye, the lubricating properties can help you to find relief.

As a trusted brand, Clear Eyes markets this extra-strength solution as a way of getting rid of redness, itching, and burning. It also acts as a barrier, to decrease the chances of the infection spreading to other areas.

Check Pricing for Clear Eyes Maximum Strength Eye Drops on Amazon!

Visine Sterile Advanced Redness + Irritation Eye Relief

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Home Care Measures For Genital Herpes

First, simple self-care may be enough to relieve most discomfort caused by genital herpes. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, can help ease the pain of herpes symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend soaking the affected area in warm water. But the area should be kept dry most of the time. If toweling off after bathing is uncomfortable, try using a hair dryer. Then put on cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabric does.

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.

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How Much To Take

Your doctor will decide what dose you should take, how often you should take it and what strength Valtrex tablets you should use. The dosage may vary depending on your medical history.

Acute treatment of genital herpes:If you have had a herpes infection before, you should start to take Valtrex tablets as early as possible if you think you are about to have another recurrence . Dosing should ideally start just before, or straight after the first signs of HSV infection appear.

If you have been prescribed Valtrex 500 mg tablets for the treatment of HSV infection, the usual dose to take is one tablet with water twice daily.

Suppressive treatment of genital herpes:If you have been prescribed Valtrex 500 mg tablets to prevent the herpes infection appearing again, the usual dose to take is 500 mg once daily. Your doctor may recommend that you take this as a divided dose .

If you previously have had more than 10 recurrences in one year, your doctor may recommend that you take 1000 mg of Valtrex once daily to prevent recurrences.

If you think you have been advised to take a different dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Herpes Simplex Related To Herpes Zoster

Herpes simplex and the varicella-zoster virus are related, but they arent the same. VZV causes chickenpox and shingles.

Like HSV-1 and HSV-2, shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash. The shingles rash usually shows up on the back, side, abdomen , neck and face. It is often only on half of your body, following the pattern of your nerves. See your healthcare provider if you have a new rash and suspect you may have shingles.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Herpes simplex is a virus. Once you have herpes, its a lifelong condition. A herpes infection can lead to outbreaks , but youll also have times when you have no symptoms. The main sign of herpes is sores that appear on the infected skin. Some people choose not to treat herpes, especially if symptoms are mild. Others take antiviral medications to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/17/2022.

References

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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.

What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes Simplex

Many people with the infection never experience any herpes symptoms. If you do notice symptoms, youll experience them differently depending on whether youre having your first herpes outbreak or a repeat outbreak. Recurring symptoms are usually milder than the first outbreak. Symptoms dont last as long with later outbreaks. Some people may only have one or two outbreaks during their lifetime. Others may have as many as four or five outbreaks a year.

People who do have herpes symptoms may experience:

• Cold sores around their lips, mouth or tongue. They may look crusty or like fluid-filled blisters.
• Tingling, itching or burning.
• Pain while urinating.

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How Long Can Herpes Go Undetected

Once youve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears.

The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days. For most people, the symptoms begin to show up in about 3 to 6 days.

However, according to the

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Is It Time To Get A New Over The Counter Medicines For Herpes

Youre looking for a new over the counter medicines for herpes. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.

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What Is Episodic Treatment Of Genital Herpes

Episodic treatment of genital herpes involves starting a course of antiviral tablets as soon as you notice symptoms of an outbreak, such as tingling or redness on an area of genital skin.

Taking medication at the first signs of an episode will help to reduce the length and severity of symptoms. It may also ward off an outbreak if you start taking the medicine as soon as you notice warning signs of a recurrence.

This type of treatment is often the preferred treatment for people who dont have genital herpes outbreaks very often.

Reasons Not To Get A Herpes Test

Should you take a herpes test if you have no symptoms of this STI? Heres what experts advise.

If you think you have genital herpes because you have a sore on or near your genitals, a doctor or nurse can test the sore and diagnose you. But how do you test for herpes if you have no symptoms and are simply worried youve been exposed to the virus? There is a blood test available, but experts disagree about whether its worth the trouble. Here are a few arguments for not bothering with the herpes test.

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Antiviral Tablets To Stop The Herpes Virus Multiplying

Antiviral medicines taken by mouth, such as valaciclovir or acyclovir, are the most effective in controlling symptoms, although they cant cure genital herpes. They stop the virus from multiplying in body cells where the virus is present. The medicine only works while you are taking it. The infection can come back when you stop taking it.

Antiviral tablets are used in the following two ways:

• To treat outbreaks as they happen : The aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. This works best when taken as soon as you get symptoms and before the blisters appear.
• To prevent or reduce recurrences : If you get frequent or severe recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend you take antiviral tablets every day to help prevent recurrences. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, every day, for months or years. Suppressive antiviral therapy may help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

Antiviral creams bought over the counter from the pharmacy are not recommended as a treatment for a first episode or recurrent genital herpes as they are of little benefit. Antiviral tablets are the preferred treatment.

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How Can I Best Learn To Cope With Herpes Simplex

Some people feel distressed or embarrassed about their herpes simplex infection. Its important to understand that the herpes virus is common. For most people, herpes doesnt significantly interfere with daily life.

To cope with negative feelings, you may consider:

• Connecting with others through support groups or online forums.
• Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or loved one.
• Speaking with a therapist.

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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.

Over The Counter Genital Herpes Treatment Cream

Several types of over-the-counter genital herpes treatments are available on the market. While traditional treatments may provide a temporary cure, they dont often offer lasting relief. Topical treatments may not be the best choice if you want to prevent future outbreaks. In addition to topical treatments, DIY topical compresses are a good way to alleviate outbreaks. But there are also risks associated with using these creams.

Over-the-counter treatments are only effective if you can prevent future outbreaks. These treatments should be used as directed by your physician, and they are not a cure for the disease. They are designed to minimize the discomfort of outbreaks but do not cure them. While these over-the-counter treatments are not recommended for chronic outbreaks, they can effectively treat a cold sore or prevent an outbreak from developing.

Over-the-counter treatments can help you manage outbreaks while theyre forming. It would be best if you tried to limit your exposure to herpes-infected people and other affected areas. The goal is to reduce outbreaks and prevent the spread of herpes to as many people as possible. Luckily, there are many options for treating herpes, and there are also many things you can do at home to limit the spread of the disease.

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Antiviral Agents Prevent Viral Replication Through Their Competitive Inhibition Of Viral Dna Polymerase In Contrast Docosanol Appears To Inhibit Replication By Blocking Viral Entry Into Cells

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Herpes labialis affects 1 in 5 Americans each year and accounts for the largest reservoir of herpes simplex virus infections. The frequency of recurrence of herpes labialis has been estimated to be approximately 33%. In the United States, penciclovir is the only FDA-approved topical treatment option. Topical acyclovir is also used, but is not FDA approved. Abreva is an over-the-counter alternative to these agents. It is currently the only FDA approved nonprescription medication available for the treatment of cold sores.

Mechanism of action

Antiviral agents such as acyclovir and penciclovir prevent viral replication through their competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase. In contrast, docosanol appears to inhibit replication by blocking viral entry into cells. Incorporation of docosanol into the plasma membrane is believed to alter the normal membrane to inhibit the fusion of virons to the host cell. Unlike the nucleoside analogue agents, acyclovir and penciclovir, docosanol does not block replication shared by the virus and the infected target cell. This may possibly prevent the induction of drug-resistant viral mutant strains that can possible occur with the use of nucleoside analogues

Clinical Trials

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Is There A Generic Of Abreva

The generic version of Abreva cold sore cream is called docosanol. There are also other OTC products indicated for cold sores such as Zilactin-L , Herpecin-L , and Orajel , but the Abreva product is the only cold sore medicine shown to shorten the healing time of cold sores. Ask your pharmacist which cold sore treatment is best for your condition.

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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.

Icipant Who Have Used Viroxyn But Never Used Abreva

The number of cold sores per year is also consistent with the literature values,1,35 and the demographics data are similar as well .

The data demonstrate that the healing time for the Control or untreated lesions in the group that had only used Viroxyn were very similar to the experiences of the untreated lesions reported by participants who had used both drugs. It was also consistent with the literature.5 Relative to the Control group , participants who used Viroxyn experienced a significant reduction in time to healing . For the time to loss of discomfort outcome, the pattern of the data was similarly consistent with untreated controls. Relative to the Control group , participants who used only Viroxyn experienced a significant reduction in time to loss of discomfort .

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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.

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.

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Are Antiviral Medications Safe

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.

When To Get Tested

Consult a doctor about any of the following symptoms:

• tingling or itching around the genitals
• pain when peeing
• unusual vaginal discharge

The World Health Organization describes the risk of the herpes virus passing to a newborn during childbirth. Although this is rare, people who are pregnant and have herpes should let their doctors know.

Using a condom or another barrier method of protection during sex reduces the risk of the virus transmitting. It is also a good idea to avoid sharing sex toys with someone who has herpes.

Several online companies offer STI testing kits, including:

• EverlyWell: This company sells tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV.
• LetsGetChecked: This company sells tests for several common STIs, and it provides prescriptions at no extra cost if a test result is positive.
• PriortitySTD: This company returns results within 3 days.

Anyone with a positive test result should contact a healthcare professional.

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