Topical Relief For Genital Herpes

Treatment Of Primary Infection

Antiviral therapy is recommended for an initial genital herpes outbreak, especially if the patient has systemic symptoms or is immunocompromised.2 Oral acyclovir is effective in reducing symptoms1 . Intravenous administration may be required in immunocompromised patients and those with severe disseminated infection.1 Topical acyclovir reduces the duration of viral shedding and the length of time before all lesions become crusted, but this treatment is much less effective than oral or intravenous acyclovir.1

Effect of Acyclovir Treatment on Primary Genital Herpes

*Dosage = 200 mg five times daily for 10 days, given within six days of lesion onset.

Information from Mertz GJ, Critchlow CW, Benedetti J, Reichman RC, Dolin R, Connor J. Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral acyclovir in first-episode genital herpes simplex virus infection. JAMA 1984 252:114751.

Effect of Acyclovir Treatment on Primary Genital Herpes

*Dosage = 200 mg five times daily for 10 days, given within six days of lesion onset.

Information from Mertz GJ, Critchlow CW, Benedetti J, Reichman RC, Dolin R, Connor J. Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral acyclovir in first-episode genital herpes simplex virus infection. JAMA 1984 252:114751.

Famciclovir is not FDA-labeled for this indication.

Results Speak For Themselves

Im a 23-year-old softball player. I had a HPV culture that came back positive. It was so painful to pee while having warts, especially at night. And when I did finally pee, it would run over the lesions, and it was so painful.

I used VidaroX, and it all disappeared after less than a week. I also learned that its very important to wear loose clothing, so everything can breathe. No second outbreak yet. Its been about 8 months since the first wart symptom, and Im fine so far.* Emily T, San Francisco

* These are actual customer comments about their experience with VidaroX. Names have been changed for their privacy. Your results may vary.

1. Traditional creams are onlyactive on the surface

2. HPV viruses hiding underneathare not reached

3. HPV viruses are re-activated

4. Recurrence of HPV outbreak

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Perfect For Easy & Pain

The Luminance RED is quick and easy to use in the privacy of your home. Treatments are painless and only take a few minutes. The device is sleek, ergonomic, and easily stored for discreet usage.

My doctor told me to check out the Luminance RED to for frequent genital outbreaks. He said that it helps with healing and may prevent outbreaks from happening down the road. I agree and have seen this for myself.

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How Do You Get Herpes Causes And Risk Factors

• How to Know If You Have Herpes

Herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. These contagious viruses are spread through skin-to-skin contact with a person who is having a herpes outbreak.

You get herpes by touching a herpes sore or the skin, lips, genital fluids, or saliva of a person with an oral or genital herpes infection. Herpes can be spread even when there are no visible blisters or sores.

This article discusses how herpes is spread. It also explains who is at high risk for herpes and how you can protect yourself.

What Happens At A Sexual Health Clinic

The doctor or nurse at the sexual health clinic will:

• ask about your symptoms and your sexual partners
• use a small cotton bud to take some fluid from 1 of your blisters or sores for testing

The test cannot:

• be done if you do not have visible blisters or sores
• tell you how long you have had herpes or who you got it from

Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you’re infected with the herpes virus.

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Herpes Symptoms Can Go Unnoticed

Many people with HSV-2 have no symptoms. If you are sexually active you should be aware of the risk and take steps to reduce it.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should be vigilant about preventing genital HSV infection because it can be transmitted to your baby during vaginal delivery, potentially causing serious problems.

The following are specific prevention and treatment strategies for HSV-1 and HSV-2:

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Why Genital Herpes Comes Back

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Triggers can include:

• surgery on your genital area
• a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer

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Is There Anything I Can Do To Relieve The Symptoms Myself

In some women, genital herpes blisters cause pain when urinating . Many of them find it soothing to pee while sitting in warm, shallow water . You can do this using special tubs that fit into toilet bowls. They are available at a reasonable price, for instance from pharmacies or on the internet. It’s best not to use soaps or bath additives because they can irritate the affected area even more. Other things you can do to avoid irritating it further include wearing loose-fitting clothes and underwear made out of fabrics that have a smooth surface.

Painkillers such as ibuprofen are an option if the blisters become very painful.

Topical antiviral treatments such as creams or ointments don’t provide any relief, but they can increase the risk of viral resistance. Experts advise against using topical treatments for genital herpes.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Valtrex

If you take too much Valtrex, it can lead to acute kidney damage. This is a medical emergency that can cause toxicity in your body and the inability to make urine.

Hemodialysis is a procedure that helps your body eliminate toxins and balance fluidthis may be necessary until your kidney function is restored.

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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.

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.

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How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Valtrex

There are several considerations that you must keep in mind to stay healthy while you are taking Valtrex:

• Maintain hydration: Valtrex is more likely to cause kidney damage if you are dehydrated.
• Pain control for shingles: Shingles can cause substantial pain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a pain-control medication for you as your condition is resolving.
• Rest and fever control for chicken pox: Chicken pox infection can cause high fevers and sometimes fatigue. If your child has this infection, maintain rest, and follow their providers advice regarding management of fevers.

Herpes viruses are highly contagious, so its important to avoid infecting others while you are recovering.

Tips to avoid the spread of the following infections:

• Cold sores: Dont share cups, utensils, lipstick, or kiss others while a cold sore is present
• Genital herpes: Practice safe sex.
• Chicken pox and shingles: Avoid contact with people who are immunosuppressed , people who are pregnant, and babies until your infection has fully resolved.

How Long To Take Them

For the treatment of herpes infections, the usual course of treatment is five days. However in some instances your doctor may want you to take your tablets for ten days.

For prevention of herpes infections, you should continue to take this medicine every day as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets just because you feel better. The herpes outbreak may not be completely over.

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What Is The Usual Treatment For Genital Herpes

The doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets to speed up healing and reduce the severity of a first episode. Aciclovir is the most commonly used antiviral drug for treating genital herpes. You dont need the tablets if the first episode is mild, or if you have almost recovered before you see the doctor.If you get more episodes later on, you will be less likely to be offered with antiviral tablets as outbreaks clear up without treatment.To prevent a recurrent outbreak with antiviral tablets, you need to start taking them within 24 hours of noticing the beginning of the outbreak. When you start after 24 hours, it is unlikely that the tablets will have much effect. This is why you should have a prescription or tablets ready, so that you can start to take them as soon as possible see dosing information below. Members can ask for our antiviral drug fact sheet see subscription form. And we offer self-help suggestions too.

Orange And Red Vegetables

Orange and red vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that can strengthen the immune system and promote overall health. Theyre also rich in antioxidants, which are often touted as playing a key role in wound healing.

For this reason, youll often find orange and red vegetables like carrots, pumpkins and red bell peppers featured on lists of the best foods for treating herpes outbreaks.

The reality is that while orange and red vegetables often are rich in nutrients, theres no proof that they play any role in treating herpes. Theres also little substantial proof that antioxidants play a key role in wound healingright now, studies claim that the science is in its infancy.

Like most home remedies and alternative treatments, this tactic isnt completely devoid of any merit. Nutrient-rich vegetables are good for your immune system, making a herpes diet rich in healthy foods a good lifestyle choice if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2.

However, you shouldnt rely on carrots or pumpkin puree to speed up the healing process for herpes sores. Instead, make a healthy, balanced diet a normal part of your lifestyle, but make sure you’re treating your herpes with stuff prescribed to you by your doctor.

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What Is The Best Over The Counter Topical Treatment For Genital Herpes

There are a number of over-the-counter topical treatments for genital herpes on the market. These treatments can be used for the initial outbreak and can also be used to treat recurrent outbreaks. However, not all of them can be used for a single outbreak, and some may interfere with the healing process. Below are some of the most popular topical treatments for genital herpes.

The FDA-approved medications are Abreva, famciclovir, and acyclovir. Topical antivirals do not cure herpes, but they can help with the outbreak duration and severity. Often taken daily, antivirals can also prevent outbreaks. Some patients have found relief from their symptoms using antiviral drugs. Although they are not a cure, these drugs can help people manage their outbreaks and lessen their pain.

Herpes outbreaks can be painful for days or weeks. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Another solution is to use a hair dryer on low heat settings and to wear cotton underwear, which absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabrics. A good method to prevent further outbreaks is to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Best Zinc Supplement: Thorne Zinc Picolinate

• daily allowance of zinc, larger bottles are expensive

These zinc capsules are gluten, dairy, and soy-free.

Thorne claims that these supplements may support immune and reproductive health. Each capsule contains 30 mg of zinc.

The company recommends taking one capsule per day.

It is important to note that 30 mg of zinc is more than double the daily recommended value, which the National Institutes of Health states is 811 mg for adults.

A person can choose between bottles containing 60 or 180 capsules. They can also choose a bottle that holds National Sanitation Foundation certification for sport, meaning the product has been tested and found to be free of banned substances.

Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30 mg costs $1735.

• the medicinal plant Tripterygium hypoglaucum
• compounds in the oil of cloves and the essential oil of cinnamon and basil

A person can use oils in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil, added to a bath, or massaged on the skin.

People should not consume essential oils, as some are toxic and can cause harm.

When using essential oils for aromatherapy, it is also important to consider anyone else in the area. Some essential oils are harmful to pets and pregnant or nursing people.

Using a carrier oil is important, as the essential oil may cause adverse effects if a person applies it directly to the skin. Carrier oils

Some medications can lower the chance of spreading the herpes virus and reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms.

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What Treatments Are Available For Genital Herpes

The treatment for genital herpes varies between an initial outbreak and a recurrent attack. If you are suffering from a primary infection of genital herpes then it is likely you will be prescribed an antiviral medication, for example, Aciclovir 400mg tablets.

Aciclovir works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from multiplying. Aciclovir, and other antivirals, are unable to completely eradicate the infection from the body. The dose of Aciclovir when treating genital herpes is typically one 400mg tablet, five times a day after your inital outbreak. You will need to take Aciclovir for at least five days or longer depending on whether new blisters are still forming when you start treatment. For subsequent outbreaks of genital herpes, you only need to take one Aciclovir 400mg tablet, three times a day for five days. Other antiviral medications used to treat genital herpes include Valaciclovir, which works in a similar way to Aciclovir.

Lidocaine 5% ointment is an anaesthetic ointment used to know the area of genital herpes to relieve the pain and irritation of blistering during the outbreak. It does not treat the infection itself, however, it helps to relieve the symptoms whilst the outbreak clears on its own.

Recurrent outbreaks may require a course of Aciclovir however, if your symptoms are mild, you may wish to use some self-help techniques to ease the symptoms. These can include:

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.

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When Is Preventive Treatment Considered

Some people have outbreaks of genital herpes very often or experience especially severe symptoms. Then it may be a good idea to take antiviral medication for a longer time including during symptom-free phases. The goal is to prevent further outbreaks and to keep the symptoms from becoming so severe. Also, the antiviral medication reduces the likelihood of infecting others. As preventive treatment, the WHO recommends the following:

• aciclovir: 400 mg two times per day,
• famciclovir: 250 mg two times per day or
• valaciclovir: 500 mg once per day.

Research shows that preventive treatment can considerably lower the risk of further outbreaks. The people participating had four or more herpes outbreaks per year before the start of the studies, and then took an antiviral medication or a fake treatment for up to one year. A comprehensive analysis of the study results shows that

• 96 out of 100 people who took a placebo had at least one further outbreak of genital herpes.
• 46 out of 100 people who were given antiviral medication had at least one further outbreak of genital herpes.

In other words, the medication prevented further outbreaks in 50 out of 100 people within one year.

People with very frequent herpes outbreaks also benefited from preventive treatment: In one study involving people with very frequent outbreaks, the medication lowered the number of episodes in one year from 11 to 2.