Monday, March 25, 2024

What Cream Can I Use For Genital Herpes

What Happens During An Outbreak

An All Natural OTC Topical Product for Genital Herpes Outbreak Symptoms

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. You catch it by having intimate contact with someone who has the virus.

In between episodes, most people don’t know they have been infected by it. The virus remains in your nervous system and can be reactivated from time to time to give you symptoms. Outbreaks can occur in the genital area if the first infection was in the genitals. They cause crops of small painful blisters in the genital area and back passage . Herpes can also cause recurrent cold sores if the primary infection was around the mouth.

No one knows why outbreaks occur, although sunlight, physical illness, excess alcohol, and stress are all thought to be trigger factors. They often do become less frequent over time.

Recurrent episodes of genital herpes generally don’t last as long as the first outbreak. They are sometimes preceded by itching or tingling in the genital area. Recurrent outbreaks usually last about 7-10 days, shorter than the primary infection which can last up to two weeks. They are also often milder than a primary infection but as R35506 found, the shallow ulcers left when the blisters break can still be quite painful.

Can Herpes Be Cured By Antibiotics

No. However, antibiotics may be helpful if you have both an infection caused by bacteria as well an infection with the herpes virus.

In this case, an antibiotic will treat the bacterial infection and may make those symptoms go away, but the herpes virus will remain in your body. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

What Triggers Herpes Outbreaks

If youve had herpes for a while, you might have identified things that cause your herpes to crop up. Some of the most well-known triggers for herpes are things that stress your body, like lack of sleep or even a common cold. While your body is off dealing with some other stress, your immune system is essentially distracted, allowing your herpes to wake up. Thats why theyre called cold sores or fever blistersbecause they often appear when you have a cold or fever.

Other common triggers include:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Reduced immune function

And while herpes viruses might be best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, theres a whole range of herpes viruses. Different ones are responsible for causing various diseases. These include chickenpox and shingles, eye infections, mono , and more. Classic cold sores and genital herpes are typically caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2 .

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Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir does not cure cold sores or genital herpes, does not prevent outbreaks of these conditions, and does not stop the spread of these conditions to other people.

Prevention Of Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes Medicine Cost  Herpes Free Me

The best protection against STIs is to always use barrier protection such as condoms, female condoms and dams . Because herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact, condoms will reduce the risk of transmission, but it will not protect sexual partners completely as condoms do not cover the entire genitals.

Using lubricant with a condom during sex will also reduce the risk of trauma to the genital skin. This has been shown to reduce HSV transmission, especially in the first six months of a sexual relationship. Silicone-based lubricants are recommended.

Remember that herpes transmission can occur when symptoms are present , but may also occur even if there are no genital symptoms through asymptomatic viral shedding.

For people who have frequent episodes of genital herpes, antiviral medication, taken daily, helps to reduce transmission of herpes to a sexual partner.

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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.

Does Cold Sore Cream Work On Genital Herpes

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. Also know, can you use Zovirax on genital herpes?

BRAND NAME: Zovirax. USES: This medication is used to treat “cold sores/fever blisters” . This medication may also be used to treat genital herpes. Other medications taken by mouth may be more effective for genital herpes.

Additionally, what can I put on genital herpes sores? To ease symptoms: Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve pain. Apply cool compresses to sores several times a day to relieve pain and itching. Women with sores on the vaginal lips can try urinating in a tub of water to avoid pain.

Also know, can I use cold sore cream for genital herpes?

Acyclovir topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face. Acyclovir topical ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions. There is no cure for herpes and acyclovir will not prevent you from developing symptoms in the future.

Can abreva be used for genital herpes?

CAN ABREVA BE USED TO TREAT GENITAL HERPES, CANKER SORES OR SHINGLES? Abreva cream is indicated only for the treatment of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

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Treatment If The Blisters Come Back

Go to a GP or sexual health clinic if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes and need treatment for an outbreak.

Antiviral medicine may help shorten an outbreak by 1 or 2 days if you start taking it as soon as symptoms appear.

But outbreaks usually settle by themselves, so you may not need treatment.

Recurrent outbreaks are usually milder than the first episode of genital herpes.

Over time, outbreaks tend to happen less often and be less severe. Some people never have outbreaks.

Some people who have more than 6 outbreaks in a year may benefit from taking antiviral medicine for 6 to 12 months.

If you still have outbreaks of genital herpes during this time, you may be referred to a specialist.

One Option For Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly

Can Abreva® Treat Other Sores? | Abreva® FAQ

Some people with genital herpes choose to take antiviral medication daily to reduce the number of symptom outbreaks they have. In some cases, daily therapy prevents outbreaks completely.

Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of all three of the approved antivirals used to treat genital herpes.

Studies have also shown that daily antiviral therapy reduces the rate of transmission from an HSV-2 infected person to an uninfected partner of the opposite sex.

Daily therapy also lowers the odds of infecting other people if you have multiple sex partners or if you are a man who has sex with men.

The drugs work both for people who have had herpes symptoms and for those whose blood tests show they have an HSV-2 infection but who have never had symptoms.

Some people choose to take antiviral drugs only as needed, for outbreaks that occur after the first one. For this to work, you need to start taking the medicine within one day of sores cropping up or during the time period that comes before some outbreaks.

During the prodrome, you may feel

  • Burning in the area where the virus first entered your body
  • Itching or tingling in that area
  • Pain in your back, buttocks, thighs, or knees

Your doctor will probably give you a prescription you can fill and keep handy for timely use, and tell you to start taking the drugs just as soon as symptoms begin.

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Important Information About All Medicines

This preparation is for use on the skin only. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of it by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

What Are The Side Effects Of Zovirax Cream

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Zovirax cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn’t mean that all people using this cream will experience that or any side effect.

Uncommon side effects

  • Temporary stinging or burning sensation after applying the cream.
  • Mild drying or flaking of the skin where the cream is applied.
  • Itching at the area of application.

Rare side effects

  • Flushing of the skin.
  • Allergic inflammation of the skin .

If you want any more information about the possible side effects of Zovirax cream, read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced side effects from Zovirax cream you can report them using the yellow card scheme.

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Topical Otc Treatments For Genital Herpes

Several over-the-counter topical options are available for genital herpes treatment, but evidence suggests they arent all effective.

Start with a few simple DIY topical compresses. Research shows that topical therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks and even contribute to the prevention of outbreaks when used promptly.

Here are a few tried-and-true natural compress ideas to get you started:

  • -Dry, warm compress using warmed rice in a sock
  • -Cold compress using an ice pack or soft washcloth filled with ice
  • -Baking soda paste
  • -Crushed garlic cloves mixed with olive oil
  • -Topical apple cider vinegar using one-part ACV and three-parts warm water

Over The Counter Cream For Herpes Is Effective

Acyclostad cream for the treatment of herpes simplex type ...

The most common OTC for herpes is a cream. An over the counter cream for herpes is quite effective remedy which is not very costly. Creams and topical ointments can reduce the intensity of the sores and accelerate the healing process. There are anesthetic cold sore ointment such as Dynamiclear and Herpecil-L which protect his lip area, and reduce the chance of possible outbreak. To relieve pain Neosporin and Polysporin are used. An antiviral medication, Docosonal, is even available without prescription it helps greatly to those suffer from oral herpes to recover.

If you need more choice for the herpes cream over counter, there are some other names:

Penciclovir heals HSV-1 sores, and it take like a half a day faster than if they are healed without treatment. It stops viral shedding and reduces the duration of pain. It is good to apply the cream during the first hour since the symptoms appeared. The treatment usually takes four days, and should be reapplied every 2 hours while awake.

The only FDA-approved non-prescription ointment for oral herpes is Docosanol cream . It is used 5 times a day from the first sign of symptoms.

Acyclovir cream is very well know remedy for herpes if is applied early, the best results can be achieved.

The anti viral pills like Acyclovir , valacyclovir and famciclovir are used to cure genital herpes, but can also treat cold sores.

herpes cream over counter

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Generic Name: Acyclovir Cream

BRAND NAME: Zovirax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat “cold sores/fever blisters” . It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms . Acyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication does not cure herpes, and it does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved US professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat genital herpes. Other medications taken by mouth may be more effective for genital herpes. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. This medication does not cure herpes or prevent infection of sexual partners.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Washing The Genital Area Before And After Sex Can Help Prevent The Transmission Of Genital Herpes

Washing the genital area doesnât help prevent any sexually transmitted disease , including genital herpes. The best way to prevent any STD is to abstain from sex or engage in sex only with someone you know is not infected. Condoms are not guaranteed to prevent infection, but research has shown that they provide some protection.

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To Use Acyclovir Ointment Follow These Steps:

  • Put on a clean finger cot or rubber glove.
  • Apply enough ointment to cover all of your sores.
  • Take off the finger cot or rubber glove and dispose of it safely, so that it is out of reach of children.
  • Keep the affected area clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing over the affected area.
  • Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Read this information before you start using acyclovir and each time you refill your prescription.

    Acyclovir Topical Side Effects

    Understanding Genital Herpes

    Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Common side effects may include:

    • dry, cracked, or peeling lips

    • dryness or flaking of treated skin

    • burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine is applied.

    This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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    Where Can I Get Medications For Herpes

    The most common antiviral medications used to manage herpes simplex symptoms are available by prescription. If you have symptoms such as a cold sore or genital herpes, call your doctors office. They will first diagnose if you have herpes simplex. Then they will prescribe an appropriate medication to manage your symptoms.

    Only docosanol is an antiviral medication available over the counter as a cream to manage oral symptoms such as cold sores or fever blisters.

    If you have mild symptoms from a recurring oral herpes infection, you may be able to use nonprescription methods or some home remedies to manage your symptoms.

    Examples include:

    • pain relievers such ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain
    • cold compress or ice to soothe burning or itching
    • zinc oxide topical cream, which may help soothe itching or burning

    Before trying over the counter medications or supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms.

    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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    Genital Herpes Hiv And Sexual Health

    Genital herpes is one of the most common co-infections for people living with HIV and can be a more serious condition if youre HIV positive meaning that outbreaks may last longer and blisters can be more severe. If youre having recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, you should have an HIV test, as this may be a sign of a weakened immune system caused by HIV.

    Having an STI such as genital herpes can increase your risk of getting and passing on HIV, as the blisters and sores provide an easy way for HIV to get into your body and cause an infection. People living with HIV who arent on treatment or who have a lower CD4 count are especially vulnerable to other infections, like herpes.

    If youre taking antiretroviral treatment for HIV, its important to discuss with your doctor how treatment for herpes may interact with your HIV drugs.

    Can You Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

    Over The Counter Cream For Herpes

    Taking good care of yourself can help prevent future herpes outbreaks. Eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can all help outbreaks from occurring.

    If you have frequent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend that you take medicine daily, which is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future breakouts, and lower your chances of sharing herpes with your partner.

    Research has not concluded what causes genital herpes outbreaks whether its sex, your period, stress, skin irritation, or surgery. Oral herpes outbreaks can be caused by sunburn, other infections, or injuries to your lips.

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