Genital Herpes Treatment
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Antiviral therapy is indicated whether a person has a primary or a recurrent herpes infection
Genital Herpes TreatmentThere are many different types of treatment available today for patients with genital herpes or oral herpes. For most patients antiviral therapy is indicated whether a person has a primary or a recurrent herpes infection. Treatment in pregnancy is safe. Most of the drug treatment available on the market today helps reduce the frequency of recurrences and can help shorten the duration of symptoms once an active disease state is present. Though antivirals will help suppress recurrences, they do not unfortunately eliminate asymptomatic viral shedding, which can also spread the herpes virus.
Unfortunately this vaccine will not help prevent outbreaks in patients that have already contracted the disease. For patients that have the disease however, there are a wealth of treatment options available.
Primary Treatment Options for Herpes
Antiviral– Antivirals are the most commonly prescribed medication for treating herpes. Antivirals can be topical (applied to the skin) or taken internally to help suppress future outbreaks. Antiviral medications are generally used to shorten the length of an outbreak and reduce the number of outbreaks a person will experience. Antiviral therapy can be taken as “episodic treatment” or as “suppressive therapy.” Episodic treatment involves shortening the time an outbreak lasts and reducing symptoms once an outbreak has started. This is a good treatment option for patients that do not experience frequent outbreaks. Suppressive therapy is a good option for people that have frequent recurrent outbreaks. This requires that you take an oral antiviral medication on a daily basis to help minimize the number and severity of your outbreaks. Some people will take suppressive therapy for several months at a time. Antiviral medications are only available by prescription. The most commonly prescribed antiviral medications for herpes include:
Of these anti viral medications famciclovir and valacyclovir seem to be more well suited to oral herpes, whereas acyclovir is more often prescribed to help treat genital herpes. The exact treatment and dosage prescribed will vary depending on whether you are having a primary episode of herpes or a recurring one, and whether you have HSV-1 or HSV-2. Acyclovir is commonly prescribed for a primary infection in doses of 400 mg taken three times per day or a lower dose of 200 mg taken up to five times per day for approximately one week. Primary outbreaks of herpes are more often than not treated with acyclovir. Famciclovir is typically prescribed in 250 mg doses for a primary infection taken three times per day for up to ten days. Valacyclovir is commonly prescribed in doses of 1000 mg twice daily when a primary infections occurs for up to ten days as well. Randomized trials suggest that both valacyclovir and acyclovir work equally well treating patients that have recurrent genital herpes as long as treatment is begun within 24 hours of when symptoms first appear. Dosing of each of these drugs for recurrent herpes is generally higher for a shorter length of time, typically one to three days. As suppressive therapy, the following doses are commonly prescribed:
Researchers are also working on new medications that might inhibit a key enzyme in HSV-1 and HSV-2, which may present a new avenue for antiviral treatment in the future. Amino Acid Lysine – There is evidence that suggests that supplementing with the amino acid lysine may help control herpes outbreaks. In addition to supplementation with lysine, a diet low in arginine is recommended for patients that have recurrent outbreaks. There are some studies that suggest that arginine can actually contribute to more frequent outbreaks. Foods high in arginine, which should be avoided, include:
Foods high in lysine that help combat herpes include:
There are also a number of topical treatments and antiseptics that can be purchased over the counter to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with herpes. Many people have also used herbal therapies to help minimize there symptoms. There are some people that swear by red marine algae as a natural supplement to help reduce herpes flare ups. Be sure that you consult with your healthcare provider prior to taking any herbal or natural supplements to ensure that they are safe given your medical history. Remember too that herpes outbreaks will occur less frequently in someone that is healthy and in someone that has a strong immune system. Make sure that you get plenty of exercise and eat a diet that is nutritionally sound and well balanced. Don't forget the importance of sleep as well in maintaining your health and well being. The better you feel the stronger your immune system will be, and the less likely you are to experience recurrent outbreaks. Though a majority of the population will suffer from a herpes outbreak at one point or another during their life, the good news is that there are plenty of treatment options available to help minimize the symptoms and discomfort associated with herpes. If you or someone you know has herpes, be sure to talk about your condition with your healthcare provider, who can provide you with numerous options for treating your condition.
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