Is there any treatment for herpes?

If you’re someone who has been diagnosed with herpes, don’t worry. You may feel like your world is ending, but trust me; it’s not that bad. The good news is there are many treatments available that can help control the virus so that you can have a happy and healthy life.

Herpes 101

Before we jump into treatment options, let’s back up a bit and first understand what herpes actually is.

Herpes is a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes in various parts of the body, commonly characterized by cold sores or blisters around the mouth or genital area. There are two types of herpes viruses – HSV-1 & HSV-2. While HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes, both types can cause outbreaks in either location.

The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person through sexual intercourse or even kissing if they have an active outbreak on their lips. The virus lives in nerve cells after initial infection eventually moving to nerve roots where it remains dormant until reactivated causing further symptoms.

Conventional Medication

While there isn’t any cure for herpes yet, there are ways to manage its symptoms effectively using conventional medicine which includes antiviral medications such as:

Acyclovir

This medication decreases itching and pain caused by the disease while reducing healing time for lesions during an outbreak usually applied topically in cream form,.

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir works similarly to Acyclovir as this prescription drug helps reduce symptoms of both primary outbreaks occurring within six months of contact with an infected partner along with frequent recurrences However it requires daily use compared acyclovir requiring application only when one has obvious symptoms.

Alternative Medicine

Apart from these conventional antiviral agents mentioned above other alternative therapies exist including:

Ozone treatment

This theapy has been proven effective in destroying herpes virus by destroying its lipid envelope allowing for the destruction of the viral agent. Though not many clinical trials have evaluated this method, ozone therapy has shown efficacy against various pathogens.

L-Lysine

L- lysine aids in preventing and shortening outbreaks suitable for long term usage yet not recommended in cases predicted to need frequent follow up.

Home remedies

While it’s always best to consult with a medical professional before starting any treatments or medications, there are also some home remedies that can offer relief from symptoms caused by herpes. These include:

Aloe Vera gel

With its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural way to soothe irritated skin. Plus…what person doesn’t love some DIY Aloe Face Masks?

Ice packs

If you’re experiencing cold sores around your mouth area rest assured, ice chips wrapped around a plastic bag work just as well! Keep putting them on mildly swollen areas every hour until gone . Applying ice pack helps relieve pain and inflammation caused due to herpes outbreak.

Prevention Is Key

Prevention remains key when it comes managing future outbursts and further infecting others hence these precautions must be adhered to;

  • Practicing safe sex using condoms or dental dams
  • Avoid sexual activity during outbreaks/symptoms is present
  • Regular check-ups at clinics especially when exposed on multiple occasions like those who partake in numerous sexual affairs.On knowing one’s status; use treatments discussed above ADHERENTLY.

There may not be a cure yet available against HSV7 (Jokes!), but treating its signs through antiviral medication coupled with alternative approaches go far towards making living with genital& oral Herpes manageable So, no sweat & smile :) considering how far we’ve battled social stigma against such conditions, one day just may get the cure it deserves till then “trouble never lasts forever”.

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