Genital herpes treatment: see the best option and necessary care

O treatment for genital herpes it aims to alleviate the symptoms related to the viral infection, such as lesions in the genital region, pain and itching. The care is done with antiviral drugs, oral or topical, capable of reducing the action of the virus.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Considered a sexually transmitted infection (IST), the disease is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact between an infected person and an uninfected person.

In addition to the first infection, genital herpes often causes recurrent attacks. This is because the virus can remain dormant in the body for a period called “latency”. Some factors such as stress and a drop in immunity can cause the virus to reactivate, manifesting symptoms again.

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Therefore, treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms of the primary infection, which is usually more intense, and of secondary crises. In addition to the use of medication, some simple measures can help, as explained by Carla Iaconelli, a gynecologist specializing in human reproduction.

“It is necessary to increase immunity through a healthy diet, with plenty of fruit rich in vitamin C. In addition, it is important to avoid sharing towels and intimate objects”, says the doctor. Check out all the options below. genital herpes treatmentsincluding home remedies to relieve symptoms.

remedies for genital herpes

The main treatment for genital herpes is the use of antiviral pills. They can be used for seven to ten days in the primary infection. In the case of recurrent infections, these remedies may be prescribed again, but for a shorter period, which varies from one to five days, depending on the medication. The options of genital herpes medicine most common are:

“Only the doctor will be able to indicate the best medicine, according to the patient’s evaluation, family history and if there is any allergy. It is even sometimes necessary to perform blood tests according to the degree of the injury,” says Carla.

In patients who have recurrent genital herpes, the orientation is to have a stock of antiviral medication at home so that treatment can be started as soon as the first symptoms of a recurrence appear. As for patients who have frequent crises, with the appearance of symptoms more than six times a year, the guideline is suppressive antiviral therapy, which consists of daily use (every 12 hours or once a day, depending on the medicine) and continuous use of the antiviral at low doses.

ointments for genital herpes

Another treatment option is ointments for genital herpes. These are topical antiviral medications, but they should not be the first option for symptom improvement. “The use of ointment is only indicated depending on the patient, history and the degree of the lesions”, explains Carla. This is because the ointment is not enough to treat the infection and can increase the risk of developing resistance to the virus.

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The most common genital herpes ointment is Acyclovir, which can be applied to the affected area up to five times a day. In some cases, the use of anesthetic creams may also be indicated to relieve local discomfort.

Homemade treatment for genital herpes: does it really work?

O home treatment for genital herpes it does not replace antiviral treatment, but it can help relieve symptoms and therefore can come as a complement. “Home treatments alleviate discomfort, itchiness and redness,” says Carla. “A good option is a sitz bath with witch hazel, a medicinal plant with analgesic properties”, says the gynecologist.

Other home remedy options for genital herpes are:

• Propolis extract;

• Sarsaparilla tea;

• Blackberry tea;

• Garlic;

• tea tree oil;

• Castor oil;

• Chamomile tea.

Learn more about these home remedies recipes for genital herpes.

Treatment for female and male genital herpes: is there a difference?

O treatment for female genital herpes is no different from treatment for male genital herpes. In both cases, care includes the use of antiviral drugs, supplemented with ointments, if necessary, on the lesions.

In women, these lesions are more common in the vagina, cervix and vulva, close to the anus. Already in men, these bubbles lodge in the testicles, penis and also in the anus.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

O Genital herpes has no cure that’s why, there is no definitive treatment, but rather to alleviate the symptoms of the primary and recurrent infection. On the other hand, it is possible to avoid contamination by the herpes simplex virus type 2. “You can avoid it with safe sex with a condom, avoiding intimate contact with someone infected, not sharing intimate objects or towels and doing the necessary local hygiene”, he concludes. Carla.