Herpes Treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are around 560,000 new cases of herpes each year.

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the virus HSV-1 or HSV-2. While this condition can sometimes be mild, it can often be painful and make everyday life difficult. It is a condition that can be managed, but will never truly be cured.

However, there are herpes treatment options to look into if you have herpes. Keep reading to learn more about them.

Home Remedies

One option as a treatment for herpes is by going about a home remedy.

You can use a cold compress and put it on the affected area for about 10 minutes several times a day. This can reduce swelling or help with the pain from blistering if you are suffering from that.

Be sure to also keep the area as clean as possible by washing with gentle soap and water a few times per day. Do not touch the area either.

One other way to reduce your pain during an outbreak is to reduce your stress. Stress can actually make the pain worse, so finding ways to relax like doing yoga, meditating, and journaling can help.

Herpes Medications

There is also medication for herpes. These antiviral medications can help treat the symptoms associated with herpes while you are having an outbreak or prevent you from getting one.

Topical Creams

One option for treating the pain associated with a herpes outbreak is by rubbing a topical cream on the affected areas. Before you do, make sure to wash your hands well with soap so you do not spread further infection or make the outbreak worse.

Docosanol and Penciclovir are two types of cream that can help during an outbreak.

Antiviral Tablets for Outbreaks

Some people only take medication when they are dealing with an outbreak. This is called intermittent therapy.

A doctor will prescribe a medication for you to take if you experience an outbreak. The pills last for two to five days, and you should start taking them as soon as you notice the first symptoms of an outbreak.

Famciclovir and Valacyclovir are two medications to use during an outbreak.

Suppressive Treatment

Another option for herpes treatment is suppressive treatment. If you have outbreaks often, a doctor may prescribe you a medication that you take every single day – even if you are not in the midst of an outbreak.

This can significantly reduce the amount of times per year that you have a herpes outbreak.

Acyclovir is one example of a medication you can take for suppressive treatment. However, your doctor will prescribe whichever medication they believe is best for you.

Herpes Treatment Options

If you get herpes, it may feel like your life is over, especially your sexual life.

But it doesn’t need to be that way. There are many herpes treatment options that can help you manage your outbreaks to keep your life in your control.

If you believe medication could help you, book an appointment online so we can talk through treatment options! 

Cold sores are a common viral infection of the lips and mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. They can be unsightly, painful, and just plain annoying. At some point in their lives, over 3.7 billion people will suffer from cold sores on their lips.

While most people have at least some familiarity with cold sores, many don’t know how to treat them. In this article, we’ll cover some general tips for managing your discomfort with cold sore medication. Read on to learn more.

Antiviral Medication for Cold Sores

The most common medications for cold sores are acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. These medications work by blocking the activity of a protein called viral DNA polymerase, which is required for the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

When you take an antiviral medication to treat a cold sore infection, the medication stops or slows down this process and prevents further growth of the virus.

Home Remedies for Treating Cold Sores on Your Lips

Prescriptions are usually required to purchase cold sore medications that contain an antiviral agent. If you need immediate pain and swelling control, start off with an ice pack.

Ice will bring down swelling and reduce pain, as well as keep bacteria from spreading. Apply an ice cube wrapped in a thin towel for 20 minutes at a time as needed throughout the day.

If there is no swelling or redness around your cold sore, then dab a small amount of petroleum jelly on it every few hours to help keep the area moisturized and prevent cracking.

Many people find that the best cold sore medication in your kitchen is honey. It has a similar effect as acyclovir but is less potent. Applying it to your cold sore every day will help speed up the healing process and soothe itching.

Never Touch Your Cold Sore

Touching your cold sore will increase the risk of spreading the virus to other people. To keep your hands clean, wash them with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching your lips.

When treating a breakout, avoid touching any other areas of your face so that you don’t spread it elsewhere on your body.

How Long Does a Cold Sore Last?

Cold sores typically last for 7-10 days. They usually start with tingling, itching, or burning on your lip. Once the blisters appear, they tend to go through various stages of development until they finally heal completely.

Get Cold Sore Medication Online

The best way to treat cold sores is by using an antiviral medication, but you’ll need a physician’s prescription to get one of these. But there’s no need to make a trip to the doctor, where you’ll probably run into people who will find your swollen lip unsightly. At Swell Clinic, we provide virtual sexual wellness services for those who want to heal in private.

Reach out to one of our medical professionals for advice on the right cold sore medication.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are over 570,000 new cases of genital herpes each year in the US. While there is no cure for genital herpes, there are ways to prevent the spread. Realizing you have genital herpes may make you feel ashamed, but you shouldn’t.

We want you to feel safe in understanding and treating this sexually transmitted infection. We will go over what causes genital herpes and what the symptoms are. We will also help you through the diagnosis process and treatment options.

Read on to learn more about a genital herpes diagnosis.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes (or Herpes simplex virus type 2, HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is contagious. This infection causes painful blisters on the genitals. These symptoms can clear up and return later.

HSV-1 is the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. It can be transferred to the genitals through oral sex. It is often spread through saliva when kissing someone with open sores.

HSV-2 is a common virus found in about 13% of the world’s population. HSV-1 is found in around 67% of people around the globe.

Causes

HSV-1 and HSV-2 enter the body through mucous membranes and broken skin. Once the virus has entered your body, it mixes with your cells.

HSV spreads via vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone infected with the virus. You can also get HSV from close contact with someone who has open sores. It is also transferred in bodily fluids.

Symptoms

Many people infected with HSV don’t know they have it. Signs and symptoms may not be present or may be mild. If you have symptoms they will appear 2-12 weeks after exposure.

Common genital herpes symptoms include:

• Pain or itching in the genital area
• Small red bumps or white blisters
• Ulcers from ruptured blisters
• Scabs can form as the ulcers heal
• Blisters around the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches, body aches, or fever
• Diagnosis

You should talk to your healthcare provider if you suspect you have genital herpes. Your doctor will be able to give you a genital herpes diagnosis by looking at or testing the sores if they are there. If not, they can take a blood test for diagnosis.

There are even options to get tested right from your own home. Swell Clinic will set up a virtual consultation with a licensed medical provider. They will work with you on the best plan of care for your situation.

Treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatment options for those who have this STI. Suppression therapy uses antiviral medications to speed up the healing time of an outbreak. You should take these at the first signs of a herpes outbreak.

Other ways to ease outbreaks from home are to keep the affected area clean and dry. Use warm water and mild cleansers during an outbreak. You can also take anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve pain.

Book an Appointment Today

If you are presenting with symptoms of genital herpes, don’t wait to make an appointment. The sooner you get treatment, the less likely you are to spread this virus to others.

Book a virtual appointment with us today to discuss your symptoms and treatment for genital herpes.