Research shows that there is no treatment for genital herpes that cures, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.
You can also see other methods on How to stop herpes outbreak naturally as a treatment.
You can also see other methods on How to stop herpes outbreak naturally as a treatment.
Below are the methods that can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period the person uses them
Self-help
- Pain - paracetamol (Tylenol, acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can be bought without a prescription.
- Some people find that bathing in lightly salted water helps relieve symptoms.
- Ice packs can help. Make sure the ice is wrapped in something - do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- Apply Vaseline (or some kind of petroleum jelly) to the affected area.
- If urinating is painful apply some cream or lotion to the urethra, for example, lidocaine. Some people find that if they urinate while sitting in warm water it is less painful.
- Do not wear tight clothing around the affected area.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, especially if you have touched an affected area.
- Refrain from sexual activity until symptoms have gone.
Herpes Medication
There is no drug that can get rid of the virus. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral, such as acyclovir. Acyclovir is usually taken five times a day. It prevents the virus from multiplying. A course of acyclovir lasts five days if the patient still has new blisters and ulcers forming in the genital area when treatment started. Antiviral tablets will help the outbreak clear up faster - they will also help reduce the severity of symptoms. Antivirals are generally given the first time a patient has symptoms.
As recurrent outbreaks are milder, treatment is not usually necessary.
Episodic treatment for genital herpes and suppressive treatment
There is no drug that can get rid of the virus. The doctor may prescribe an antiviral, such as acyclovir. Acyclovir is usually taken five times a day. It prevents the virus from multiplying. A course of acyclovir lasts five days if the patient still has new blisters and ulcers forming in the genital area when treatment started. Antiviral tablets will help the outbreak clear up faster - they will also help reduce the severity of symptoms. Antivirals are generally given the first time a patient has symptoms.
As recurrent outbreaks are milder, treatment is not usually necessary.
Episodic treatment for genital herpes and suppressive treatment
- Episodic treatment - this is generally for patients who have less than six recurrences in one year. A five-day course of antivirals is prescribed each time symptoms appear.
- Suppressive treatment - if a patient has more than six recurrences in a year, or if symptoms are very severe, antiviral treatment may last longer. The aim here is to prevent further recurrences. Some patients may have to take acyclovir twice daily for several months. Although suppressive treatment significantly reduces the risk of passing HSV to a partner, there is still a risk.
How can herpes be prevented?
Not having sex is the best protection against herpes and other STDs. Having sex with only one uninfected partner who has sex with you is also safe.Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of genital herpes and other STDs, but only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom. Herpes lesions may occur in areas that can be covered or protected by a condom, but they also may occur in areas that cannot be covered or protected by a condom.