There are three types of herpes viruses type 1, 2 and zoster, and herpes treatment methods for each are similar. There are several anti-viral medications that sufferers can take as part of treatment to help outbreaks clear up sooner, reduce the frequency of outbreaks and reduce the chances of passing the virus to partners. Topical creams can also help with the healing process for sores.
Below and on the right side of this page you will find sections on natural cures for herpes, conventional treatments, side effects of treatments, symptoms of herpes, fast facts, and U.S. statistics. There is also a featured video and pictures of genital herpes if you need them for helping recognize the signs of infection. Links, news and blog sections are provided so that you can keep up-to-date on new treatments and research on genital herpes.MayoClinic.com: Gential Herpes Treatments and drugs
Genital Herpes Treatment
It is best to take antiviral medicines as soon as the symptoms appear. Some people take antivirals daily as a form of suppressive therapy, especially in cases where there are frequent outbreaks or there is a compromised immune system, but it is recommended that they take a brief break from this therapeutic routine at least once a year. During pregnancy, both Acyclovir and Valacyclovir are used. Acyclovir is most commonly used during pregnancy. For those people with compromised immune systems, resistance to the common oral medications may develop. If this happens, there are other antiviral medications available which can be injected. http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/tc/genital-herpes-medications
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
- Potentially painful and itchy blisters or ulcers on the genitals and buttocks
- Painful urination
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Flu-like symptoms, including headache, nausea and mild feverMayoClinic.com: Genital Herpes Symptoms
Herpes Treatment Side Effects with Prescription Medications
United States Statistics
- An estimated 45 million, or approximately 20% of American teens and adults are infected with herpesCenter for Disease Control: Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet
- About one in four American women and one in eight American men have herpesCenter for Disease Control: Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet
- Up to 85% of people who have herpes are not aware of their infectionYouTube Video: Genital Herpes (Time: 1:48)
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on herpes.
How to Treat Herpes
About 1 in 5 people in the United States have herpes, and nearly 85% of the people who carry the virus don't know they have it. Sometimes people are infected by the virus and they don't show any symptoms. It is recommended to practice safe sex and to not have sex if you are experiencing an outbreak.
How to Get an AIDS Test
Numerous testing facilities are available across the United States. Testing is available at most medical facilities, including your doctor's office. If you prefer to take a test confidentially, you can use the testing site locator at hivtest.org.
How to Treat AIDS
Treating AIDS requires routine supervision by a medical doctor, preferably an infectious disease specialist. Your doctor may place you on a treatment plan that includes an antiretroviral therapy regimen. The National Institutes of Health says to stick to the medication schedule and obtain routine monitoring of your CD4 counts every 3 to 6 months. This monitoring is needed to ensure the effectiveness of your drug combination.
How to Treat Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States with more than 4 million cases diagnosed yearly according to the Mayo Clinic. The international HIV and AIDS charity, AVERT, states Chlamydia is often referred to as a "silent" disease due to the lack of visible symptoms. Chlamydia can cause reproductive damage that could lead to infertility according to the National Institutes of Health.
How to Treat Gonorrhea
Planned Parenthood suggests you should seek medical attention if you suspect you may have gonorrhea. The common diagnostic process for gonorrhea according to the Mayo Clinic requires your doctor to either swab the area where you are experiencing symptoms or perform a urine test. You will likely be tested for other STDs such as chlamydia at the same time. Once you have been diagnosed with gonorrhea, you will be given an antibiotic treatment. The Mayo Clinic states the antibiotic may be given as a one-time injection or a single pill.
How to Treat Hepatitis
This Mahalo video provides information about how to treat hepatitis. This is part of a wider series of videos on health topics on the Mahalo channel of YouTube.
Natural Cures for Herpes
These are some of the home remedies that have been used for treating herpes simplex:
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) - can interfere with medications for immune system disorders and if taken for a long period of time it can cause a drop in the white blood cell counts.
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) - This herb can lessen the how often outbeaks occur, as well as their severity and duration. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/siberian-ginseng-000250.htm
- Aloe (Aloe vera) and Lemon Balm - Creams with these products help some. http://health.med.umich.edu/healthcontent.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&AEProductID=hw_cam&AEArticleID=hn-1218009
- Bee products with propolis - a small study showed that lesions healed faster with this product. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/herpes-simplex-000079.htm
- Lysine - 1,000 mg, 3 times per day during outbreaks. Don't take if you are taking antibiotics such as gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin. http://www.forces-of-nature.net/topics/herpes/lysine.htm
- Zinc - taken at less than 200 mg/day to prevent stomach disturbances. Creams containing zinc have help lesions heal faster. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/herpes-simplex-000079.htm
References
Fast Facts
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Type of herpes viruses
Herpes Simplex type 1 (HSV-1) - causes cold sores and fever blisters; Herpes Simplex type 2 (HSV-2) - known as genital herpes and is sexually transmitted; Herpes zoster which causes shingles
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Duration
Chronic; outbreaks can last several days to four weeksCenter for Disease Control: Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet
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'''Common antiviral medications'''
Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) Acyclovir
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Cause of genital herpes
Skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Once a person has been infected with herpes, there is no cure and the afflicted person will always run the risk of infecting future partners.MayoClinic.com: Genital Herpes Causes
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Cause of HSV-1
Infection during a viral infection or during times of stress
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Fact:
Herpes can cause a potentially fatal infection in newborn infants if transmitted from the mother to the baby during birthingCenter for Disease Control: Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet
