Thursday, March 21, 2024

What Is The Treatment For Genital Herpes

What Are The Treatment Options For Genital Herpes

Herpes (oral & genital) – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

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.

How Can You Avoid Genital Herpes

Most women get genital herpes through sexual contactwith a person who has herpes sores. You can get thevirus without having sex. To avoid infection:

  • Avoid skin-to-skin and sexual contact.
  • Have safer sex:
  • Reduce the number of sexual partners.
  • Condoms, when used correctly, can reduce therisk of getting genital herpes. Each time you have sexuse a condom :
  • Before vaginal sex
  • Before oral sex
  • Have sex with only one partner who does not have sex with others and does not have herpes.
  • Know that other forms of birth control do not protect against herpes infection.
  • For more information, see Safer Sex.

    What Can I Do To Prevent Frequent Herpes Recurrences

    There is no need to change your lifestyle or take steps to prevent recurrences until you know whether or not you are going to get any. You will see plenty of internet sites offering dubious treatments that are unnecessary and probably have no effect for treating herpes.

    These suggestions to help control outbreaks come from people with genital herpes, based on their own experiences. The HVA cannot confirm that any of them will work for you, but we believe they are worth considering:

  • Try not to worry: worry or stress is known to affect the immune system and lower our ability to fight infections. As you learn more, you will be able to put your diagnosis in perspective and worry less. Your immune system will benefit from this and you may get fewer outbreaks.
  • Get enough sleep and avoid getting too tired.
  • Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  • Take a modest vitamin E supplement . This has been shown to boost immune response.
  • Give up smoking and cut down on excessive drinking.
  • Take regular exercise: 20 minutes brisk walk each day is a good start.
  • Try taking one soluble low dose aspirin each day with food.
  • Try to avoid causing soreness to genital skin. Skin trauma caused by waxing, shaving, thongs, tight trousers, horse or bike riding or even sexual activity may trigger outbreaks. Talk to the helpline on 0845 123 2305 if you need advice about these.
  • If sex is a trigger try using silicone based lubricant .
  • Recommended Reading: How To Treat Genital Herpes Naturally

    Who Might Get Herpes Simplex

    People of any age can contract herpes simplex. You are more likely to get the virus if you:

    • Were assigned female at birth.
    • Have had multiple sex partners.
    • Started having sex at a young age.
    • Have a history of any sexually transmitted infection .
    • Have a weakened immune system.
    • Dont use condoms for intercourse and dental dams for oral sex.

    Who gets HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes?

    Anyone can get HSV-1. Most people contract HSV-1 during childhood. It spreads when an adult who has the virus has close contact with a child, such as when a family member kisses a child.

    Who gets HSV-2, commonly known as genital herpes?

    Genital herpes affects sexually active teens and adults of all genders and races. It can spread if you have multiple sexual partners and dont use condoms or dental dams.

    People assigned female at birth are more at risk. Delicate vaginal tissue can tear, making it easier for the infection to get in. Black people who were AFAB are especially vulnerable, with an estimated 1 in 2 people AFAB between the ages of 14 and 49 infected with HSV-2.

    Risks And Side Effects

    Home Remedies for Genital Herpes

    The three main treatments for herpes acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are all FDA approved, though there are side effects and interactions to be aware of.

    Common side effects of these antiviral medications include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness or sleepiness, and confusion is predominantly seen in elderly patients.

    Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications may interact with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , which may weaken kidney function.

    Also Check: What Are The Side Effects Of Herpes

    Don’t Miss: How Accurate Are At Home Herpes Tests

    How Is Genital Herpes Spread

    • Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection
    • Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection
    • Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes or
    • Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes.

    You also can get genital herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or is unaware of their infection. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a partner with oral herpes.

    You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects, such as silverware, soap, or towels.

    If you have more questions about herpes, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.

    Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

    Many people who have genital herpes may not be aware they have the infection, because they may not have any symptoms.

    The first episode of herpes can cause considerable pain and distress. Symptoms of the first episode may include:

    • flu-like symptoms such as feeling unwell, headaches and pains in the back and legs, with or without enlarged glands in the groin
    • small blisters around the genitals these break open to form shallow, painful ulcers, which scab over and heal after one to two weeks
    • small cracks in the skin with or without an itch or tingling
    • redness or a distinct rash
    • some people also have considerable pain and swelling in the genital area, and hence may have additional pain and difficulty passing urine.

    Read Also: How To Tell If You Have Genital Herpes

    Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Genital Herpes

    There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.

    Though several clinical trials have tested vaccines against genital herpes, there is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection. One vaccine trial showed efficacy among women whose partners had HSV-2, but only among women not infected with HSV-1. Efficacy was not observed among men whose partners had HSV-2. Another trial testing the same vaccine showed some protection from genital HSV-1 infection, but none from HSV-2.

    Recurrent Episodes Of Genital Herpes

    Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes. Symptoms and Treatment. Herpes Simplex Virus

    Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode of genital herpes. Over time, episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Infections caused by HSV1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV2.

    Recurrences may be triggered by:

    • no apparent reason noted.

    Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Genital Herpes

    How Do You Prevent Genital Herpes In Women

    Herpes can be spread from one part of the body to another during an outbreak. It is also possible to spread the herpes virus infection even if you are not having an outbreak, so no prevention method is 100% effective. Still, certain preventive techniques can reduce your chances of spreading the infection to others.

    • It is important not to touch the eyes or mouth after touching the blisters or ulcers.
    • Thorough hand washing is a must during outbreaks.
    • Clothing that comes in contact with ulcers should not be shared with others.
    • Couples that want to minimize the risk of transmission should always use condoms if a partner is infected. Unfortunately, even when an infected partner isnt currently having an outbreak, herpes can be spread.
    • Couples may also want to consider avoiding all sexual contact, including kissing, during an outbreak of herpes. It is important to avoid sexual contact from the time the initial symptoms begin until the lesions have crusted over.
    • Since an active genital herpes outbreak during labor and delivery can be harmful to the infant, pregnant women who suspect that they have genital herpes should tell their doctor. Women who have herpes and are pregnant can have a vaginal delivery as long as they are not experiencing symptoms or actually having an outbreak while in labor.

    Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Genital Herpes Naturally

    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.

    Also Check: How To Take Care Of Herpes

    Read Also: Can Herpes Be Treated Naturally

    What Does Genital Herpes Look Like

    While some people with genital herpes will never have any symptoms, other people can develop symptoms within a few weeks of being infected.

    Often, before the lesions appear, patients describe a prodrome, characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the lesions will develop that can be noticed during urination, along with itching or discomfort in the genital area.

    You can also have the following symptoms:

    • Blisters on the mouth or lips
    • Fever, headache or pain in the joints
    • Trouble urinating

    The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks. For most people, the first outbreak is the worst, and can last from two to three weeks. Future flare-ups are often less severe and do not last as long. Still, some people shed the virus regularly. The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur:

    Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on.

    In many cases, anti-herpes medicine can help patients. When a person experiences a prodrome and suspects a recurrence is going to happen, they begin taking anti-herpes medications that lessen symptoms and shorten the time of the outbreak.

    How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Herpes Simplex

    Herplex Homeopathic Supplement 60pcs Oral / Genital Herpes &  Cold Sore ...

    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.

    Also Check: How Does Genital Herpes Start

    What Is Oral Herpes

    More than half of American adults have oral herpes. Some estimates say up to 80% of American adults have oral herpes.

    Oral herpes is primarily caused by HSV-1, although it is also possible to have an HSV-2 infection around the mouth.

    A person with an oral herpes outbreak may first feel itching, burning, or tingling around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Later, cold sores or small blisters may develop in these areas or anywhere on the skin.

    Roughly four to six days after these cold sores start leaking, they start healing by forming a crust. Outbreaks of oral herpes can last for two to three weeks, which can be shorter than the two to six weeks of a genital herpes outbreak.

    People who develop symptoms of herpes may first experience tingling, itching, or burning, then notice sores or blisters forming around the mouth or genitals.

    Symptoms tend to develop 220 days after exposure to the virus.

    Science Bit For Lomaherpan Treating Herpes:

    Melissa officinalis contains molecules that block the receptor sites on the skin cells. This prevents the herpes virus getting into the cells where it multiplies. If you wish, you can use melissa oil or extract from an aromatherapy supplier .

    5 gram tube.

    There is also lemonbalm salve a chapstick formulation might be easier to apply?

    Lemon balm was chosen after the makers tested other oils and found that lemon balm did the job best. So they just use lemon balm. Lomaherpan cream is widely used in Europe where lemon balm mint has an assessment report.

    It used to be sold in UK chemists. Then this ceased. People whod used it and loved it asked us to find it so we added it to our shop. Each year we sell more, just on word of mouth and repeat orders.

    Recommended Reading: Does This Look Like Herpes

    Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

    People with HSV-2 infection have an increased risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus if they have sex with an HIV-infected partner. Taking suppressive therapy does not decrease this risk.

  • How can the herpes virus affect pregnancy?

    If a woman is pregnant and infected with HSV, it can be passed to the fetus during birth while passing through the womans infected birth canal. This is most likely to occur if a woman first becomes infected with HSV during pregnancy and in a woman who has her first outbreak late in pregnancy. But it also can occur during a recurrent outbreak in a woman who was infected before pregnancy, although the risk is much lower.

    If you have sores or warning signs of an outbreak at the time of delivery, you may need to have a cesarean delivery to reduce chance of infection. The decision depends on many factors, including where the sores are on your body and whether the fetus would come into contact with them during delivery.

  • Can I still breastfeed my baby if I have the herpes virus?

    Yes, in most cases. The herpes virus cannot be passed to a baby through breast milk. However, the baby could get infected by touching a sore on your body. Make sure any sores that the baby could come into contact with are covered when you hold your baby or while breastfeeding. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after feeding your baby. If you have sores on your breast, you should not breastfeed your baby from that breast.

  • Article continues below

    Complementary And Alternative Medicine

    Cure for the Herpes Virus ! Herpes oral & genital- Causes, Symptoms,Treatment

    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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    When To See A Doctor

    Because a person might not have symptoms even if they have herpes, it can be difficult to know when to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

    Planned Parenthood recommends that a person see a healthcare professional as soon as they notice sores on or around their genitals. Other STIs, such as syphilis, can have similar symptoms but require different treatment. The American Sexual Health Association also recommends seeing a doctor to get a culture of any lesion or cold sore a person notices.

    People may wish to take an at-home STI test before seeing a doctor. However, at-home tests should not replace professional diagnosis and treatment.

    • applying aloe vera gel to sores
    • applying petroleum jelly to the affected areas
    • wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation
    • refraining from sexual activity, even with protection, until symptoms have gone
    • applying a cream or lotion to the urethra before urinating, such as one that contains lidocaine

    Some people find that using ice packs help. However, never apply ice directly to the skin wrap it in a cloth first.

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