How to Treat Herpes

Overview

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can affect both men and women. It is most commonly transmitted sexually and can cause pain, itching, and a burning sensation in the genital area. The body is unable to completely rid itself of the herpes simplex virus, and so people that have been infected are subject to periodic outbreaks or recurrences, which is when the symptoms usually occur.

Step 1

Have a doctor examine you and confirm that you have herpes. If the doctor diagnoses your conditions as herpes then you could receive prescription for medicines to treat herps.Take prescribe medications episodically as directed by your doctor. There are three different antiviral medications that have been approved for the treatment of herpes: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Episodic treatment regimens involve taking the medication as soon as symptoms of a herpes outbreak begin and to take the the antivirals for the next several days. Episodic treatment will speed the healing and may even limit the extent of an outbreak.

Step 2

Follow a suppressive regimen. A suppressive regimen of antiviral medications (the same three that can be used for episodic treatment) involves taking them every day, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. According to the American Social Health Association, suppressive therapy not only limits outbreaks but also makes a person less likely to transmit the disease to others.

Step 3

Keep the area clean during an outbreak. Once an outbreak occurs, the main goal of treatment is to help the outbreak heal quickly. Take warm showers and then gently towel off the affected area or use a blow-dryer set on low. Avoid underwear that is tight fitting.

Step 4

Keep your immune system healthy. This means get enough sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, and minimize stress. A strong immune system is more likely to keep the virus under control and prevent an outbreak.

Step 5

Take supplemental lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that some people believe can control herpes outbreaks. However, according to the American Social Health Association, studies examining the effects of lysine supplementation on herpes have been inconclusive. In addition, effective dosing of lysine has not been established.