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.
Additional Treatment For Oral Herpes
Antiviral pills are often a better choice for treating oral herpes, especially if you have recurrent outbreaks . Theyre typically less expensive than oral herpes creams and are effective options to consider.
If you have persistent oral herpes infections, taking oral antiviral medications may be a better option than creams. Here are three of the most commonly used oral antivirals with their typical cold sore treatment doses:
-
Valacyclovir : 2,000 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 1 day
-
Famciclovir: 1,500 mg by mouth one time only
-
Acyclovir buccal tablets : 50 mg dissolved in the cheek one time only. Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe different doses of oral acyclovir capsules and tablets. This is considered an off-label use, as theyre not FDA-approved for treating cold sores.
There are currently no studies that directly compare all three antiviral medications. But a review of multiple studies found that valacyclovir healed cold sores faster than acyclovir.
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.
You May Like: How To Tell.someone You Have Herpes
Read Also: How Does Herpes Turn Into Hiv
Herbs Vitamins And Other Supplements
It isnt always possible to eat foods containing the high levels of nutrients your body needs to fight genital herpes, but herbs, vitamins, and supplements can help. The following choices are known to boost immune system function and help the body combat herpes outbreaks.
Zinc. Chickpeas, pork, lamb, and wheat germ all contain high levels of zinc. Research shows that zinc ions are active against the herpes simplex virus and may even extend the time between outbreaks.
Lysine. Research is still ongoing, but recent reports suggest that daily lysine supplementation may reduce the recurrences of herpes outbreaks. Though lower doses of lysine show little effect, high doses of up to 3,000 mg a day may be beneficial.
Probiotics. Probiotics are well known for their immune-boosting abilities. Now research also shows that certain probiotic strains can limit herpes infections as well.
Vitamin B Complex. The full range of B vitamins serves many critical roles in your body, including healthy cell growth, metabolism, and energy. You need all of these functions in full force to respond to an active outbreak of herpes.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera isnt just for sunburn! Pure aloe vera offers antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound healing properties that soothe herpes symptoms and encourage rapid healing.
Scientific Evidence For Herpes Supplements
Since scientists generally agree that there is no current cure known for herpes, how did these supplements help consumers? What does the science behind the product say?
Some ingredients in the industry can help with the bodys natural defense against the herpes virus. Even individuals that cannot cure the virus overnight or have long-term results can still help with the severity of an outbreak. Thats why these supplements are so important.
The majority of the herpes supplements on this list contain an amino acid called L-lysine. L-lysine is one of the most studied ingredients to use in herpes supplements now. According to studies, this nutrient may reduce the severity of an outbreak, though it can also reduce the amount of time that the individual has to heal. Consumers do not have the same visible symptoms during an outbreak with the last healing time.
A study in 2017 showed that researchers examine the current evidence on the market for lysine and herpes. The researchers discovered that supplementation wasnt effective as a way to prevent or treat herpes. However, by consuming more than three grams per day, patients seemed to have a less severe encounter with the virus. It could alleviate the symptoms, even if it could not provide a cure.
Don’t Miss: What To Do If You Have Oral Herpes
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.
How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed
Healthcare providers may diagnose herpes simplex based on how the sores look. Your provider may take a sample from the sore. Laboratory analysis of the sample can confirm or rule out the herpes virus.
If you dont have sores, your healthcare provider can use a blood test to check for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody, a marker showing youve been exposed to the virus. The blood test doesnt show an active infection . But it informs your provider whether youve been exposed to the herpes virus in the past. If this is your first infection, you may not test positive for herpes if there hasnt been enough time for your body to develop antibodies. The HSV-1and HSV-2 antibody test may be repeated in eight to 12 weeks.
Recommended Reading: How To Quickly Get Rid Of Herpes
Don’t Miss: Can You Tell How Long You Have Had Herpes
Herpes Outbreaks: How Long Do They Last And How To Treat Them
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Many people have herpes and show no symptoms, which makes the disease very transmittable.
For many men and women, herpes outbreaks can be daunting, embarrassing, and even frustrating. These outbreaks lead to painful sores, embarrassing conversations, and trial and error treatment options.
To best understand how to manage herpes outbreaks, first, you need to be familiar with the STD itself.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is a viral infection that usually causes small, painful blisters on or around the genital or rectal areas. These sores or blisters are commonly referred to as herpes lesions. Herpes lesions can also appear on the mouth or face.
Herpes simplex virus is the most common form of the disease and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected area or through the sharing of contaminated personal items, such as razors, towels, and clothing.
What are the Symptoms of Herpes?
Not everyone with herpes has symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they usually appear within 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. Some people with herpes never have any symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Things that increase your risk of getting genital herpes include:
Having herpes, especially if you have open sores, also increases your risk for becoming infected with HIV if you are exposed to HIV.
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
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Herpes In Your Mouth
Also Check: Does Hydrocortisone Help With Herpes
What Is An Over
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â its anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Dont Miss: At Home Remedy For Genital Herpes
Specifics About Herpes Medication
- Scientifically speaking, Valacyclovir & Acyclovir are both equally effective. Valacyclovir stays in your body longer so you only have to take it once a day, whereas Acyclovir must be taken twice a day
- Valacyclovir & Acyclovir are the most effective prescription antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for herpes treatment both to treat and prevent outbreaks that occur on the mouth and/or genitals
- There are two ways to take these antiviral medications:
Read Also: Can You Be An Egg Donor With Herpes
Antivirals That Require A Prescription
- âAcyclovir is a prescription medication used to improve the healing of sores or blisters caused by a number of conditions, including first-time and repeat outbreaks of genital herpes. It works by slowing or stopping the spread of the herpes virus within the body, but it cannot cure genital herpes.
- âValacyclovir is another antiviral prescription drug used to treat genital herpes and shingles. Taken twice a day for five days, Valtrex may decrease uncomfortable symptoms and help sores heal faster. In some cases, this antiviral can also prevent new sores from forming.
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
Also Check: What Medication Treats Genital Herpes
Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated By Over The Counter Medications
Some diseases and annoying symptoms are easy to manage at home without necessarily seeking the help of a doctor. You, however, need to know which medical conditions are manageable using over-the-counter drugs and what treatments are effective. With such knowledge, you can prevent common problems at home.
Note that, for your safety, you need to understand the art of using medicine at home. In some instances, drugs can cause allergic reactions, have side effects or interact with your food. Further, it is advisable that you also know which drugs have been approved by relevant agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration for use over the counter and for which diseases or conditions.
This post explores the most common medical conditions you can treat at home using over-the-counter medications. Read on to learn, so you do not spend money seeking the help of a doctor when you can use over-the-counter medications.
Contents
Cold Sore Treatment Walgreens Cold Sore Medications Oral Healthask A Pharmacist
I then took 2- 500mg tabs of Lysine, and next day took 4 of them throughout the day, the tingling went away, and the outbreak never happened. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by, traci. Best Answer: I am sure you know that there is no cure, but what makes an outbreak go away, or what can prevent one, or what can stop one from happening when you get the first symptoms is L-Lysine. The second time, it actually lasted, in minor form, for about 3 days, but it was easily hidden with lipstick. Home Care Measures for Genital Herpes.
Recommended Reading: Can Herpes Cause Pelvic Pain
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:
Over The Counter Treatment For Genital Herpes Outbreaks
Youve probably tried over-the-counter creams and ointments for genital herpes outbreaks before. While these products can provide temporary relief, they are not the best choice for the long-term treatment of the disease. Some of these treatments may prolong the duration of the outbreak. Here are some tips on treating your outbreaks and avoiding over-the-counter creams and ointments.
For an initial outbreak, take acyclovir. This antiviral medication prevents the virus from growing and causing herpes outbreaks. While it cant fully eliminate the virus, it will stop its replication. The medication is most effective when taken within 48 hours of an outbreak. Valacyclovir, also known as Valtrex, is an antiviral medication that interferes with DNA replication of the herpes virus. The FDA has approved Valacyclovir for Genital Herpes Cure, which is more potent than acyclovir. Valacyclovir can be taken less frequently and lasts longer than acyclovir.
You should also keep your genital area clean and dry. Sitting in warm water for a few minutes can help relieve the pain and itching associated with a cold sore. You can use a bathtub or a special sitz bath designed for this purpose. After the first year, recurrences will be less severe. In addition to over-the-counter treatments, you should avoid having sex with other people during an outbreak. You should also keep the area dry and avoid wearing tight clothing or revealing underwear.
Recommended Reading: Synergy Pharmaceuticals Herpes Cure Review
How Can I Prevent Transmitting Herpes
Although latex condoms can reduce the risk of transmitting most STIs by 98 percent, condoms dont prevent herpes transmission. This is because not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a condom.
If youre experiencing an active outbreak, you can
- avoiding sexual activity until symptoms go away
- washing your hands thoroughly and applying medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores
Taking a daily antiviral herpes medication can also help prevent transmission, shorten outbreaks, and manage symptoms.
Read Also: How To Protect Yourself From Herpes 2
Who Should Consider Taking Suppressive Therapy
Continuous suppressive treatment is particularly useful for people who are experiencing frequent or troublesome episodes of genital herpes.
If you are constantly worried about having another bout of herpes, you may find that suppressive treatment allows you to be less focused on the herpes virus. This emotional break can provide you with time to adjust to living with this infection. You may also find professional support helpful.
If you know that stress triggers a recurrence and you are experiencing significant stress, or your outbreaks tend to occur during specific situations such as holidays, then a course of suppressive therapy may be appropriate on such occasions.
The use of antiviral medicines on a daily basis as suppressive therapy can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a non-infected partner.
Also Check: How To Treat Herpes Mouth Sores
Counselling For Genital Herpes
If you have just found out that you have genital herpes, it is likely you will have a lot of questions. A diagnosis of genital herpes often comes as a shock.
For many people who have genital herpes, the physical symptoms are outweighed by the emotional stress relating to the diagnosis. There are many misconceptions about genital herpes, including the belief that it is associated with promiscuity.
Seeing a counsellor may be a good idea to discuss any concerns you may have. Counselling offers a way of dealing with your concerns.For more information see the NZ Herpes Foundation or talk with one of their trained counsellors on 0508 11 12 13 free call 0508 11 12 13 or 09 433 6526 .
Donât Miss: What Causes Genital Herpes Flare Ups