Herpes is a viral infection characterized by vesicular lesions that cause pain and itching. Although there is no definitive cure, antiviral drugs can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of herpetic episodes. Additionally, you can take some steps to calm the discomfort that accompanies the breakouts on your own. To decrease the risk of recurrence, eat healthily, sleep 7-9 hours a day, and try to keep stress under control.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Antiviral Drugs
Step 1. Look for a clear diagnosis
The blisters produced by herpes are small, red and filled with yellowish fluid. They can clump together forming a larger vent. To rule out other causes, visit your doctor and, if necessary, ask him if he can prescribe a culture.
- Typically, type 1 herpes causes numerous blisters to appear around the lips, while type 2 herpes is characterized by the presence of blisters in the genital area. These are painful manifestations that cause inflammation and itching. They can also be accompanied by a slight enlargement of the lymph nodes. Just before they snack, you may feel tingling or pain in the affected area.
- Often, herpes presents with fever, swollen glands, flu symptoms, and decreased appetite, especially the first time.
- It is important for the doctor to carry out a thorough examination, as there are other diseases that produce very similar rashes in the genital, anal and perianal area, such as syphilis, carcinoma, carcinomas, trauma and psoriasis.
Step 2. Take an antiviral drug
Typically, the first episode is more severe and lasts longer than subsequent episodes. For this reason, doctors usually prescribe an oral antiviral medication to treat the initial infection. It can be taken episodically or continuously with suppressive therapy, depending on the medical opinion.
- Medicines for genital and oral herpes are: aciclovir (known by the trade name Zovirax), valaciclovir (known as Valtrex) and famciclovir (better known as Famvir).
- They do not eradicate herpes, but help relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of the herpetic episode. They are most effective when treatment is started within 24 hours of the first appearance of the rashes.
- In the case of episodic therapy, the doctor may prescribe a drug to be used at the first signs of a rash.
- About 90% of patients experience at least one relapse within 12 months of the first episode.
Step 3. Take the medication according to your doctor's instructions
Follow his prescription and do not stop taking it prematurely, even if your symptoms improve. Depending on the medication prescribed, you will probably need to take 1-5 tablets a day with a glass of water, for 7-10 days.
Generally, the treatment does not cause any side effects, but it is possible that it involves some exhaustion, headache, nausea and vomiting. If you take the tablet on a full stomach, you can prevent stomach pain
Step 4. Apply antiviral cream
Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral ointment instead of or in addition to your oral medication. Apply it following its directions. To prevent the rash from spreading, smear it with a cotton swab and wash your hands after treating the infected area.
- Be careful that the cotton swab does not touch anything after it comes into contact with the treated area. If you need to apply more cream, take another one instead of adding it to the used one. Finally, throw it away once the ointment is applied.
- Usually, antiviral cream is prescribed to treat rashes on the lips. If the herpetic infection is localized both in the labial and in the genital area, do not apply the drug intended for the labial vesicles on the genital district.
Step 5. Ask your doctor if he can recommend a relapse medication
Since the virus remains dormant in the body, it can trigger a few relapses weeks or even months after the first episode. Typically, they are mild and disappear spontaneously, even without treatment. However, you should ask your doctor if you can take an antiviral medication if blisters and itching spread over larger areas of skin or if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms.
If he prescribes you an antiviral drug, take it as directed
Step 6. Treat yourself every day if relapses are recurring
In case of 6 or more episodes per year, aciclovir, valaciclovir or famciclovir should be taken daily. Depending on the prescribed drug, you should take 1-2 tablets per day with a glass of water.
- Daily suppressive therapy reduces the frequency of herpetic episodes by 70-80%.
- If your partner does not have herpes, be aware that this treatment also decreases the risk of contagion.
Step 7. Try episodic therapy if you don't want to take medication every day
Episodic therapy involves taking an antiviral drug as soon as you feel itching and burning - the first signs of a herpetic episode. For it to be more effective, you should take the first dose within 24 hours of the first symptoms. After that, keep taking it for 5-7 days.
Episodic therapy may be your best bet if you hate taking pills or can't afford daily suppressant medication
Part 2 of 3: Relieve the Symptoms
Step 1. Use an over-the-counter ointment to relieve itching and pain
Purchase a medicated ointment containing lidocaine, benzocaine, or L-lysine at the pharmacy. It is able to relieve pain, itching and inflammation, also reducing the duration of the herpetic episode. Read the instructions in the package insert carefully and use it correctly.
Do not apply it to genital herpes outbreaks without consulting your doctor. Herpetic rashes can affect the internal mucous membranes and surrounding the genital organs. Hence, it is risky to use an over-the-counter cream on this district without the doctor's consent
Step 2. Take a pain reliever
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen help relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort caused by herpes rashes. Take any over-the-counter medication following the instructions on the package insert.
Avoid drinking alcohol if you take acetaminophen. Combined together, they can cause liver damage
Step 3. Apply a hot or cold compress to relieve pain
To relieve symptoms, try a hot or cold pack on the affected area and see which is most effective. Wrap cubes or an ice pack in a cloth and hold it on the area to be treated for 20 minutes. If you prefer to use heat, put a wet cloth in the microwave for 30 seconds or buy a heat pad.
- To soothe pain, itching and swelling, apply a hot or cold compress every 3 hours. If you feel stinging, opt for the ice pack instead of the heat pad.
- Immediately after use, wash the cloth in the washing machine with warm water to prevent the spread of infection.
Step 4. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing
During a herpetic episode, avoid tight underwear, tights, and pants. Instead, opt for comfortable garments that help perspiration in the affected area and relieve irritation.
- The passage of air accelerates healing. Therefore, avoid bandaging the infected area.
- Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester.
Step 5. Take a bath with Epsom salts or soak the site in a saline solution
Soak the affected area for 10-20 minutes in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt and 470ml of warm water. If you prefer to take a bath, pour 200 g of Epsom salts into the tub.
Epsom salts are able to cleanse the area affected by herpetic rash and relieve pain and itching
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Wash your hands after touching the affected area
Apply the ointment with the cotton swab and avoid touching the infected site if you don't need to clean or treat it. Then wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Don't tease or try to break the blisters, or you could make the itching and pain worse and spread the infection.
- Hand hygiene is essential. During a herpetic episode, you can infect other people or transmit the infection to other parts of the body.
Step 2. Adopt a balanced and nutritious diet
Feed your body by eating vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins and dairy products based on the recommended daily portions. To increase your nutritional intake, add a variety of vegetables to your diet, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and legumes. Fruit and lean protein sources, such as chicken and fish, are also important for the activity of the immune system.
- A healthy diet helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of further herpetic episodes.
- On some websites, like this one, you can find more information on recommended daily servings.
Step 3. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night
Try going to bed and always waking up at the same time. Get to bed early enough so that you can get enough rest and avoid caffeine and large meals 4-6 hours before bed.
Adequate rest helps strengthen the immune system
Step 4. Try to keep stress under control
Stress can weaken your immune defenses and trigger herpetic episodes, so learn how to manage it. When responsibilities begin to weigh on your shoulders or you feel overwhelmed, take deep breaths and try to relax.
- When you are stressed, inhale and exhale slowly, close your eyes and imagine that you are in a relaxing and welcoming place. Check the way you breathe and visualize soothing scenarios for 1 to 2 minutes, or until you feel calmer.
- When you feel a sense of overwhelm, split the solution of the most important problems into smaller, more manageable maneuvers. Don't hesitate to decline further assignments and responsibilities if you have a lot to take care of.
- If you need help, reach out to friends, family and colleagues. For example, ask someone to help you out on a business project or see if a friend can look after your kids when you're running errands.
Step 5. Put on sunscreen to prevent recurrence
Sunburn can trigger and aggravate the rashes caused by cold sores. So every time you go out, apply SPF 30 moisturizing lip balm and sunscreen around your mouth (or wherever herpes are present).
By keeping your skin moisturized, you can also lessen the irritation and reduce the risk of recurrence
Advice
- Condoms help prevent the spread of herpes, but bear in mind that they are not 100% effective. They only protect the skin they can wrap, so other areas are prone to infection or contagion of the virus.
- It is easier to spread the infection when it reactivates with the appearance of skin lesions. However, herpes remains contagious between episodes.
- Avoid sexual intercourse during a genital herpetic episode. Also, avoid oral sex, kissing, and sharing food and drink for cold sores.
- If you've been diagnosed with herpes, tell people you've recently had sex with. Also inform those you may have sex with in the future. It is not easy to talk about this topic, but find the courage. Focus on the facts and remember that it is the right thing to do.
- Don't forget that you can be infected even without experiencing symptoms, so it is important that all sexual partners, previous and current, are made aware of your infection. They should have specific serological tests to know if they are at risk.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Herpes must be treated aggressively to prevent its spread to the fetus.
- Ocular herpes is not an infection to be taken lightly, so see your doctor right away if you notice any strange blisters around your eyes.
