herpes outbreak treatment,outbreak treatment

Although there is no cure for herpes, some drugs have been effective in reducing the frequency and duration of outbreaks. It might be a good idea to discuss options with your doctor.

During an outbreak, keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes. Some doctors recommend warm showers in order to cleanse the infected area. Afterwards, towel dry gently, or dry the area with a hair dryer on a low or cool setting. To prevent chaffing, some people also find it helpful to avoid tight-fitting undergarments. Most creams and lotions do no good and may even irritate.

Finally, a healthy immune system may be important in controlling the virus. Don't ignore the need for proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.

Alternative Solutions

We have also provided links to many alternative treatments for those who wish to suppress herpes naturally:

What medications can be prescribed to manage genital herpes symptoms?

The 3 oral antiviral prescription medications available are FAMVIR (famciclovir), Zovirax®* (acyclovir), and Valtrex®* (valacyclovir). These genital herpes treatments can help lessen your symptoms and how long they last.

These genital herpes treatments can be taken in 2 ways:

As each outbreak occurs. This is called episodic treatment.

Continuous daily treatment. This is called suppressive treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends suppressive genital herpes treatment for people with 6 or more outbreaks per year. And statistics show that 7 out of 10 people have less than 6 outbreaks per year. If you're one of these people, or if you don't want to take an antiviral medication every day, episodic treatment may be right for you.

Only Single-Day FAMVIR has been proven to stop or shorten a recurrent genital herpes outbreak with just a single day of treatment. Take at the first sign or symptom. The effectiveness of FAMVIR has not been established when treatment is started more than six hours after the onset of symptoms or lesions. FAMVIR can also be used suppressively to treat genital herpes. Speak to your doctor about which method of genital herpes treatment is most appropriate for you.

*Zovirax® and Valtrex® are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline.

What else can I do when I have a genital herpes outbreak besides taking medicine?

During an outbreak when you have sores or blisters, these steps may help provide comfort.

Keep the affected areas clean and dry.

Loose-fitting clothing may help.

If you have especially painful sores, you may want to dry yourself after a bath or shower with a hair dryer (on low power) instead of a towel.

Soothe the affected areas with a cool cloth.

Soak in a warm bath.

Try not to touch the sores or break open the blisters.

If you do touch the sores, wash your hands afterward. It is especially important to avoid touching your face and eyes after you touch your sores.

Women should not use feminine sprays, feminine deodorants, or douches during a herpes outbreak.

Don't use any creams or ointments on sores unless prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Ask your healthcare provider which of these steps may be helpful for you.

I think I have genital herpes, do I have to treat it?
If you think you have genital herpes, it's important to see your healthcare provider because:

Genital herpes causes repeated outbreaks that may be painful. Treatment can help relieve pain.

It can be spread to sex partners.

A pregnant woman can pass it to her unborn baby during vaginal delivery. This is called neonatal herpes and can be serious or even fatal to the infant.

Fear of outbreaks or of spreading genital herpes to a partner or your baby can cause stress, anxiety, or depression.

Although there is no cure for genital herpes, the symptoms can be treated. In most healthy people, herpes doesn't usually cause other health problems. Yet, many people choose to treat their herpes to help make outbreaks shorter and less severe. This can help many feel more comfortable. Only Single-Day FAMVIR can stop or shorten a recurrent genital herpes outbreak with just a single day of treatment. Take at the first sign or symptom. The effectiveness of FAMVIR has not been established when treatment is started more than six hours after the onset of symptoms or lesions.

Treating and Preventing Herpes Outbreaks (Herpes #2) Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCVmVf49aJ4