Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that causes herpetic sores. These are painful blisters filled with fluid that can break open and ooze fluid. This infection often spreads by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses – Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) that usually spreads with the virus in saliva in the skin forming cold sores and Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) that usually spreads by sexual contact and can cause genital herpes. There is no cure for genital herpes, but some medicines can ease symptoms and can lower the risk of infection.
Treatment of Herpes
There is no permanent cure for herpes, but it is reported that some sores do not require treatment and often clear away on their own. Generally, Treatment of herpes can help ease the symptoms and shorten the duration of an outbreak. The treatments available for this infection are:
Medications
Antiviral medicines can come in various forms, including creams or ointments for localised symptoms like burning, itching or tingling. Oral pills or intravenous shots are also available to shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks and reduce their severity.
The most prescribed antiviral medicine to treat both oral and genital herpes includes:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
These medications not only reduce the severity of the disease but also decrease outbreak frequency by hindering the spread of the infection. Consulting a doctor for their appropriate use is essential for effective disease management.
Home remedies
Home remedies without consultation from the doctor are not ideal for the treatment of herpes as no study supports the effectiveness of home remedies in treating herpes symptoms. However, certain home remedies can help to relieve the symptoms of herpes. The following remedies are:
- Taking painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat the sore
- Taking a bath in lightly salted water
- Squirting water from a bottle onto blisters to get some relief from pain while urinating
- Applying aloe vera gel on the sores to prevent the burning sensation
- Applying petroleum jelly to the affected sores and redness to get some relief
- Opting to wear loose clothing to avoid irritation and itching
- Avoiding sexual activity until symptoms have subsided
- Ice packs can ease the burning and itching. However, one must keep in mind not to apply ice directly; always wrap ice in a cloth before applying it to the affected area.
- Identifying and avoiding factors that trigger outbreaks, such as stress, illness or certain foods, can help in managing the frequency of herpes outbreaks.
Conclusion
Once a person contracts herpes, it becomes a lifelong condition characterised by intermittent outbreaks of symptoms and periods without any signs. Preventive measures, like using condoms during sexual activity, are key to avoiding transmitting oral and genital herpes. Ongoing research aims to develop novel strategies, including herpes vaccines and topical microbicides, for global infection control and prevention. Health insurance serves as a pivotal factor, covering expenses linked to diagnosing, treating and handling herpes.