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HomeTopicsHerpes Treatments
Treatments for Genital Herpes: Acyclovir to ValacyclovirHas a Herpes Cure Been Found?In spite of ongoing research, a genital herpes cure has yet to be discovered. The absence of a cure however, does not mean that genital herpes (most often caused by the HSV 2 virus) cannot be treated. A number of medical prescriptions are available, for both oral and topical use. Alternative medicine offers a number of possible treatments, although few have been proven to work.
Herpes Prescriptions: Episodic and Suppression TherapiesHerpes prescriptions are used in two ways: as episodic treatments and for long-term suppression therapy.
Episodic therapy treats individual outbreaks of HSV 2, decreasing the pain and duration of the viral outbreak, and significantly shortening healing time. Episodic therapy works best if medication is begun as early as possible during the outbreak: ideally before blisters even form. People who experience itching, tingling or burning sensations before blisters form have advance warning of the outbreak. Beginning medication at the first sign of these symptoms can greatly reduce or prevent blisters and lesions.
Suppression therapy is helpful for individuals who experience frequent outbreaks. A smaller dose of medication is given than for episodic therapy, as the medication is taken over a longer period of time. This ensures that, should an outbreak occur, the medication is already present in the body. Suppression therapy has been proven to drastically reduce the frequency of outbreaks: in fact, one five year study determined that twenty percent of people using suppression therapy reported no outbreaks at all while on the medication.
Episodic and suppression therapy are sometimes combined. For instance, some people who regularly use episodic treatments may use suppression therapy in cases when the risk of transmitting HSV 2 is greater. Some people, for instance, choose suppression therapy during vacations or times of heightened sexual activity.
Herpes Prescriptions & TreatmentsThis site provides an introduction to the various types of genital herpes prescriptions and treatments with explanations of how (and how well) they work and possible side effects. If you're investigating the various alternative treatments, the more common herbal supplements and therapies are discussed.
Herbal Remedies & Self-Help: Certain vitamins and supplements have been shown to reduce the number of and severity of herpes outbreaks. Continue reading to learn more about herbal remedies.
Oral Medications: Most often, prescription herpes treatment takes the form of oral, antiviral pills. Such treatments will reduce symptoms and shorten the length of outbreaks. Keep reading to learn more about oral medications for herpes. Topical Medications: Topical herbs are often used as suppression therapy. They can be used for mild to moderate outbreaks. Keep reading to see if topical treatment is right for you. Herpes Research: Herpes research is an ongoing process. Many researchers focus on limiting outbreaks, while some concentrate on preventing the transmission of the herpes virus. Continue reading to learn the latest about herpes research.
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