March 26, 2008

Herpes Treatment

Self-Help Remedies

The following non-specific treatments can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

SALT BATHS

Used to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath.




HERPES PAIN RELIEVERS

Include simple analgesics such as


  • Aspirin and paracetamol

  • Ice can be soothing if applied directly to the sores

  • Creams with an anaesthetic component

    Creams, however, can slow down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief. In addition, topical creams have limited value on moist mucosal surfaces, particularly in women.

    LOOSE UNDERCLOTHES

    Preferably cotton (not nylon), can help minimize discomfort and allow healing.

    For anyone experiencing extreme pain when urinating, the process can be less painful when done in a cool bath. And it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine.

    Bach Flower Remedies may be prescribed to ease the emotional stress of herpes, particularly Rescue Remedy.

    Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
    Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

  • March 13, 2008

    Herpes Treatment

    Zovirax® (Acyclovir)

    DESCRIPTION

    When acyclovir is taken as episodic treatment, it can reduce the severity of outbreaks of genital herpes, shorten their duration, and shorten the time during which the herpes virus is detected on the skin's surface, in a similar way to valacyclovir.



    As an episodic treatment, Acyclovir should be taken five times daily. Acyclovir can also be used as a suppressive treatment to help reduce the number of outbreaks. If you take Acyclovir as suppressive treatment, you will need to take tablets two, three or four times a day. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

    EFFICIENCY RATING

    You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

    SIDE EFFECTS

    Common side-effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • March 1, 2008

    Antiviral Therapy: Valtrex

    Valtrex® (Valacyclovir)

    DESCRIPTION

    When used as an episodic treatment, Valacyclovir helps the sores heal faster, shortens the period of pain during the outbreak and cuts down the time during which the virus is detected on genital skin surfaces (virus shedding).



    When taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are noticed, such as tingling, itching or redness, Valacyclovir may be able to completely prevent the development of painful blisters.

    Valacyclovir is taken twice daily when used as an episodic treatment. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

    In many countries, Valacyclovir can be used as a 'suppressive' treatment. Clinical trials have proved it to prevent or delay up to 85% of herpes outbreaks. For suppressive treatment, Valacyclovir is taken once daily, or possibly twice a day if outbreaks are very frequent.

    EFFICIENCY RATING

    You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

    SIDE EFFECTS

    Most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea and abdominal pain.

    Serious complications have been reported in some cases where people have had an immune system that is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, or bone marrow or kidney transplant.

    Where to Buy Valtrex

    Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

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