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!