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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.

Eutectic Mixture Of Local Anesthetics Cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.

A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, theres not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and 90s.

A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.

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Rule #: Dont Touch It

Touching the sores can increase the chance that you spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Also, you can use a cotton swab or a finger cot to apply cream or ointment to the affected area instead of your fingers to avoid spreading the virus to other regions .

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What Are The Treatment Options For Genital Herpes

Treatment with antiviral medication is a good idea the very first time people have an outbreak of genital herpes. Later outbreaks are often milder, and then medication isnt always needed. Preventive treatment may be considered if the outbreaks are frequent.

Genital herpes may clear up on its own. But the symptoms are often more severe the first time you have an outbreak. Most people then use antiviral medication to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications. These medications include aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir.

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.

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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:

• Famciclovir tablets

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.

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How To Read Your Results

Your HSV test results will likely be reported as negative or positive :

• Negative. The herpes virus was not found. However, you may still have an HSV infection if your results were negative. It may mean the sample didnt have enough virus to be detected. If you still have symptoms of herpes, you may need to order another test.
• Positive. HSV was found in your sample. It may mean you have an active infection or contracted the virus in the past .

If your test results are positive for HSV, talk with a doctor about your next steps.

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New Product From Femiclear Brand Now Available At Cvs

September 30, 2020 by Chain Drug Review

AUSTIN To help women suffering with genital herpes, the FemiClear brand has released new FemiClear for Genital Herpes Symptoms to relieve the symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks. This innovative new product is backed by both an in vitro and in vivo study and is now available at CVS stores nationwide.

New FemiClear for Genital Herpes Symptoms was tested by an independent accredited U.S.-based laboratory using ASTM standards. These studies demonstrated that FemiClear for Genital Herpes Symptoms kills 99.9% of both the herpes simplex I & II viruses. Next, in an IRB-approved study of over 50 women who were diagnosed and actively experiencing a genital herpes outbreak, over 90% of the participants reported less severe symptoms: less itching, pain and burning compared to their typical outbreak.

This pioneering new product is made from a proprietary process that uses oxygenated olive oil and other natural and organic ingredients to create a highly antiviral substrate. FemiClear is the first widely-available over-the-counter option for genital herpes symptoms.

Goodner says, The FemiClear brand is committed to destigmatizing taboo topics in womens health by bringing effective solutions that are backed by science and are made with all-natural and organic ingredients. Genital herpes, for example, is far more prevalent than most people realize, with 1 in 6 women having it. Lets stop being ashamed to talk about it.

When To Contact A Doctor

A person should consider contacting a doctor if their cold sores are large, feel painful, and keep coming back.

The AAD recommends that people seek medical help if they have other health conditions, such as cancer or HIV, or take medications that suppress the immune system. This is because cold sores may not clear without treatment, and they may spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor can advise on treating cold sores and whether or not prescription medications are most suitable for the persons needs.

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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%.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bleeding Ulcer

Bleeding ulcers dont always cause pain. Sometimes the first signs of a bleeding ulcer are signs of anemia. These include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

You might have a heavier bleed if you notice:

• Blood in your poop, or black poop that resembles tar.

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Acyclovir Ointment

Topical acyclovir ointment is usually well tolerated. When you use a topical ointment to treat herpes labialis, you may experience adverse effects, including burning, itching, and tingling where you apply the treatment or dry, flaky skin in that area . These side effects typically go away quickly.

In rare instances, some people may experience an allergic reaction to acyclovir. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when using other antiviral medications . Signs of an allergic reaction include sudden swelling in the lips, face, or mouth, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Topical acyclovir ointment is for external use only . Keep this product out of reach of children and only use this product according to the medical advice youve received from a healthcare professional.

How To Treat A Cold Sore With Home Remedies

While prescription and OTC cold sore medication can promote healing and relieve pain, home remedies may also improve your symptoms and possibly reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

These remedies wont fight the virus, but they can help you feel better until a cold sore heals.

To self-treat a cold sore:

• Opt for cool foods that you apply to your mouth area. For example, suck on ice chips or a popsicle to reduce pain in or around the lips.
• Apply a cold or warm compress to painful areas. This can help ease inflammation.
• Avoid trigger foods that may irritate a cold sore. These can include hot beverages, citrus fruits, spicy food, and salty foods.
• Turn to your medicine cabinet. Apply a skin protectant, such as petroleum jelly, to a cold sore and the skin around the sore.
• Wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. This protects your lips until a cold sore heals. Applying balm year-round can also help stop recurrent cold sores.
• Tend to your dental health. Use an antiseptic mouthwash when brushing your teeth to relieve pain.
• Drink water. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

A few alternative therapies might also promote healing and relieve cold sore symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these remedies.

For example, applying synthetic beeswax to a cold sore might shorten the duration of an outbreak and get rid of the blister sooner.

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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.

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What To Expect During An Appendectomy

Before your appendix is taken out, youâll take antibiotics to fight infection. Youâll usually get general anesthesia, meaning youâll be asleep for the procedure. The doctor removes your appendix through a 4-inch-long cut or with a device called a laparoscope . This procedure is called laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, the surgeon will also clean out your belly and drain the pus.

Continued

You can get up and move around within 12 hours after surgery. You should be able to go back to your normal routine in 2 to 3 weeks. If you had a laparoscopy, recovery is faster.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled vomiting

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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.

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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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex

Preventing HSV-1

You can reduce your risk of contracting HSV-1 by avoiding physical contact with someone who has a cold sore. People can still spread HSV-1 when cold sores arent present, but its less likely.

If someone has an active HSV-1 infection, avoid:

• Sharing utensils, cups, lip balms or other personal care products.
• Touching the skin near their mouth.

Preventing HSV-2

If youre sexually active, you can take these steps to protect yourself and others from the herpes virus and other STIs:

• Be monogamous with one sexual partner or limit your number of partners.
• Get tested for STIs and complete any prescribed treatment.
• Tell your sexual partners if you have genital herpes so they can get tested.
• Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.

Wash your hands often if you have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.

If your sexual partner has genital herpes, these actions can lower your risk of getting the virus:

• Dont have sex when your partner has active symptoms. Condoms may not cover all sores, so you may still get the virus.
• Make sure your partner takes antiviral medication as prescribed.
• Wait to have sex until scabs fall off active lesions.

How To Choose The Best Best Cream For Genital Herpes

Each person is different, so you may have unique requirements. While there may be some variation between different shoppers, you should consider the following factors before making any purchase. These factors can help you figure out which seller is the right one to choose when you buy your next best cream for genital herpes.

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When Should I Get Tested

The best time to get tested for herpes if you havent had an initial outbreak is 12 days after exposure. This is because your body will have had time to produce antibodies that can be detected on a test.

A blood test can determine whether you have these antibodies.

Swabs, on the other hand, can detect the virus directly from an active herpes lesion.

What Should I Do If My Test Results Are Positive

Many at-home services have independent physicians or nurses reach out to people with positive test results. Theyll discuss your results with you and suggest a plan of action, possibly including medication.

If your results are positive, its important to let any recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested.

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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 .

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Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Some people use natural therapies to treat herpes, either on their own or to support standard medical care. The research supporting their use is generally weak, with little evidence that they can reduce either the severity or duration of an outbreak. Even so, many people swear by their effectiveness and consider them a vital part of managing herpes outbreaks.

Complementary and alternative therapies sometimes used to treat herpes include:

• Propolis: This is a sticky substance produced by bees that may help speed the healing of genital herpes. A 2017 study found that people who used propolis ointment experienced better healing by the 10th day of treatment compared to those who used a sham ointment.
• Algae extract: Lab studies suggest that algae extract can inhibit the growth of HSV-2 in test tubes. Whether it can do so in humans has yet to be proven.
• Acupuncture: A 2011 study concluded that acupuncture was mildly effective in reducing pain caused by the herpes zoster virus , the type of herpes virus that causes shingles. While this suggests that acupuncture may be useful in easing genital herpes pain, this has yet to be proven.

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