What Types Of Herpes Are There
There are two types of herpes: herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. Both can cause genital herpes. The virus is passed from person to person by physical contact. Usually, people get infected with genital herpes by having sex . Even if someone has no symptoms, they can still pass on the virus. This is known as asymptomatic shedding. Often people carry the virus for a while, before their first outbreak is triggered. After the first outbreak, the virus retreats into your system and stays dormant, until something triggers a recurrent outbreak.
How Is Genital Herpes Diagnosed
If you have a herpes sore, your dermatologist can often diagnose you by looking at the sore and taking a swab from the sore. A lab test can tell whether the sore contains the herpes simplex virus , which is what causes genital herpes.
If you dont have a sore or any symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control doesnt recommend testing for most people. You can learn whether you should be tested if you dont have symptoms at:
Can I Treat Herpes Simplex At Home
Avoiding known triggers, such as illness or stress, can help reduce how often you have herpes outbreaks.
How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-1 ?
- Over-the-counter creams such as L-lysine, benzocaine or docosanol .
- Applying ice to blisters or sores.
How can I ease my symptoms during an outbreak of HSV-2 ?
- Apply an ice pack to your genitals. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth or apply it over your underwear.
- Keep your genitals dry. Wear cotton or other nonsynthetic underpants and avoid tight-fitting clothes. Moist sores take longer to heal.
- Soak in a warm bath.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.
- Topical 1% or 2% lidocaine may be used as a topical analgesic.
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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.
Is There A Cure For Herpes Simplex
There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, its a lifelong infection.
What is the outlook for people with herpes simplex?
For many people, the first herpes outbreak is the most severe. Many outbreaks are less frequent and milder after the first year of infection. Some people may have only one outbreak and never have another again.
Herpes infection doesnt usually pose a serious health risk. The risk of a health complication due to herpes is higher in infants and if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer or an organ transplant.
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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 .
Home Care Measures For Genital Herpes
First, simple self-care may be enough to relieve most discomfort caused by genital herpes. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, can help ease the pain of herpes symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend soaking the affected area in warm water. But the area should be kept dry most of the time. If toweling off after bathing is uncomfortable, try using a hair dryer. Then put on cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs moisture better than synthetic fabric does.
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Best For Skin Barrier: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
- Price: $3.2917.70
- Pros: available in a range of sizes, suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons: reports of product hygiene issues from online sellers
A person can purchase Vaseline online through Amazon.
Vaseline states it is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive, dry skin.
It also claims that its product helps seal in moisture, which may help the skin heal naturally. Additionally, petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and outside elements.
This Vaseline product may be best suited to people with cold sores.
Vaseline costs between $3.2917.70, depending on the tub size.
Pros: suitable for smaller budgets, high volume per bottle, third-party testedCons: limited research into the effectiveness of L-lysine for herpes
These caplets are suitable for vegetarians and free of allergens such as yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, and lactose. They are also free of sugar.
CVS Pharmacy claims these caplets may help support healthy skin, collagen production, and tissue maintenance.
CVS states it requires third-party testing for all supplements.
The company recommends taking one caplet a day on an empty stomach. Each pill contains 1,000 mg of L-lysine.
CVS Pharmacy L-Lysin Caplets cost $11.29.
What Are The Different Types Of Herpes
There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV I and HSV II. HSV I commonly causes oral herpes, or cold sores. This virus can show up as an upper respiratory tract infection during early childhood. HSV II is the cause of most cases of genital herpes. However, it is possible for HSV I to cause genital herpes and HSV II to cause oral herpes.
Clinicians cannot tell the difference between the two types by physical examination alone, but there are differences between the two viruses. For example, genital herpes caused by HSV II is much more likely to recur. This diagnosis can be helpful in establishing a health care plan.
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Herbs And Natural Remedies Useful For Genital Herpes
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the leading cause of cold sores in the mouth and lips. It is transmitted through saliva, for example when kissing or sharing utensils and cutlery. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, although the main cause is HSV-2 .
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Otc Herpes Treatment Today
Over the counter herpes treatment can be effectively used for controlling the Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is highly contagious virus. The virus cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be managed to avoid suffering from them. There are many options to deal with the virus including medications and ointments.
It is well known that the Herpes Virus can be in two major states: active and inactive, or dormant. When flare-ups come in the virus active state, it is very important to keep a good hygiene. Avoid touching the sores, keep the area clean and dry. You can wash the area in lukewarm water and use cornstarch on it. There are other handy things that can be used to bring some relief: ice, wearing sun block and cotton loose clothing .
The most unpleasant thing with the herpes besides its bad look is pain and itching sensation. So the main treatment here is the one that simply brings the relief. OTC or over the counter medicines for herpes and cold sores are widely available. They are fall into three main groups: one group gives relief to pain and itch and is applied in the tingling stage of cold sores other two groups prevent or slow down the cold sore lesion from aggravating. The result may vary though, since everybody has the unique health conditions and different stage of the cold sore severity.
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Education Is An Integral Part Of Herpes Treatment
If you have genital herpes, its important for you to get educated about herpes and have the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Becoming informed will help you learn to cope with the illness. It will also help you prevent sexual transmission of the illness, or transmission to an infant during a pregnancy.
Herpes has a tremendous psychosocial overlay. But knowledge about it and understanding about how well it can be managed can reduce that, says Handsfield.
Your doctor may be able to provide you with all the information you need, or you may choose to seek counseling from a mental health professional or at a clinic that specializes in sexual health, such as Planned Parenthood.
If you have a regular sexual partner, that person should also have the chance to learn about herpes and ask any questions they may have about it.
One Option For Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly
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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What Is Zovirax Topical
Zovirax Topical is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus.
Zovirax Topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face.
Zovirax 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.
Zovirax Topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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Risks And Side Effects
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 mainly seen in older adults.
Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney issues, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. These medications can interact with other medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. This may weaken kidney function.
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How Effective Are Medications For Herpes
Prescription antiviral medications have proven effectiveness in managing HSV symptoms.
A 2017 study comparing the antiviral medications acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir to treat herpes simplex labialis found all antiviral medications were effective to shorten healing time for lesions and reducing pain. The comparison study found valacyclovir had the fastest healing time and pain reduction.
I Sometimes Get Tingles And Pains Around My Buttocks Or Down One Leg What Does This Mean
Occasionally, herpes simplex virus can cause burning skin sensations, deep aches or sudden twinges in the genital area. When they occur in the thighs or buttocks, they are sometimes compared to sciatica. These symptoms are called prodromes or prodromal symptoms. They are a sign that the virus is trying to reactivate and there may be virus on the skin surface. Sometimes sores will follow, but very often your immune response overcomes the virus before visible signs appear. For email version or posted version of more information on treating genital herpes, select tips to prevent recurrences on the subscription form.
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Is Genital Herpes Related To Shingles
Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus , which causes chickenpox earlier in life. The natural history of varicella zoster infection is similar to genital herpes infection in that VZV also becomes latent in the sensory nerve roots. Later in life the virus may exit, causing shingles.
Recurrences in shingles cause blister lesions in a single area of skin called a dermatome. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection and is independent from genital herpes.
Are There Side Effects From Treating Genital Herpes With Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are very well-tolerated by most people because they target the virus, not healthy cells. Side effects are rare. Specialist guidelines state that regular kidney function tests for people taking aciclovir long-term are no longer required. The drug has now been used for without problem for over thirty years treating genital herpes. It can be used in pregnancy, indeed it is even recommended that women take it from week 36. See our pregnancy page.
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Antiviral Medicine Can Be Taken Daily
For some people, taking an antiviral medicine every day works best because they have:
-
Frequent outbreaks
-
A partner who doesnt have the virus
Frequent outbreaks
Even if you treat an outbreak, you can have new outbreaks. Some people have several outbreaks a year. If you have six or more outbreaks a year, your dermatologist may recommend taking an antiviral medicine every day.
Taken daily, this medicine can reduce how often you have an outbreak. Studies show its safe to take daily and can reduce outbreaks by 70% to 80%.
A partner who doesnt have the virus
If your partner doesnt have the virus that causes genital herpes, taking an antiviral medicine every day can decrease the risk of passing the virus to your sexual partner.
Even when taking medicine, you can still give your partner the virus. You can reduce this risk by skipping sex when you have sores and wearing a condom when you dont.
If you decide to take medicine daily, youll likely take it every day for at least one year. At the end of one year, your dermatologist should re-evaluate you to see if you still need to take an antiviral every day.
Oregano Oil Can Treat Herpes
Oregano oil is very beneficial in many areas, included the treatment of illnesses. It is an immune system stimulant, an anti-inflammatory as well as an analgesic.
Studies have confirmed that Oil of Oregano, an extract from the herb, also has anti¬viral, anti¬fungal, and anti¬parasitic properties.
A study published in 1996 in Medical Sciences Research, showed that this potent herb fought viruses RNA and DNA .
Applied topically, Oil of Oregano has been found to stop the progression of cold sores very effectively. A thin coating of the oil applied during the prodromal stage often prevents the outbreak altogether.
Maybe youve wondered about how to make oregano oil. You dont have to worry about it because you can .
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Is It A Cold Sore
Cold sores are a symptom of herpes, a viral illness.
The herpes virus can lie dormant for long periods. When it is active, it can cause cold sores in response to certain triggers, such as stress or exposure to sunlight.
People may confuse cold sores with other lesions, such as canker sores. Canker sores are ulcers that form inside the mouth and may look like white circles with reddish halos. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on the lips or around the mouth. They go through these stages:
Cold sores can resemble other skin lesions, so it is a good idea to get a diagnosis from a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before considering a treatment.
the symptoms and slightly speed up healing.
Effective cold sore creams may include:
A cold sore cream works best if a person applies it as soon as they notice any symptoms.
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