Almost 500,000 people get infected with type 2 herpes, or genital herpes each year, according to 2010 information from the American Academy of Dermatology. There are almost 20 million Americans currently infected with type 2 herpes. Type 2 herpes causes painful sores to appear in the genital area, as well as at the anus and inner thighs. No cure for type 2 herpes exists. Nevertheless, there are medications and treatments that can manage and alleviate symptoms.
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is an oral antiviral medication that can be used to treat type 2 herpes, explains Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. Alcyclovir is available in capsule, liquid, and tablet form, and is typically taken about five times daily. The medication does have some side effects that include loose bowel movement, fatigue, insomnia and arrhythmia, or abnormal hear rhythm. Acyclovir may be used to alleviate the painful sores caused by type 2 herpes, and as a means of preventing symptoms from manifesting.
Famciclovir
Famciclovir is an antiviral medication that impedes the spread of type 2 herpes, notes Drugs.com. Famciclovir is taken orally, and may be taken even before symptoms appear. While the length of famciclovir treatments may vary, the medication is usually taken twice daily. Famciclovir can cause side effects such as headaches, insomnia, nausea and loose bowel movement.
Ice Packs and Water
Type 2 herpes causes sores to appear in the genital, anal and inner thigh regions of the body. These sores are itchy, and often rupture and become painful lesions or blisters. A good non-medication way of alleviating the pain is through the use of ice and water, notes MayoClinic.com. Pouring water over the genitals while urinating is an effective way to reduce pain. Placing ice packs on the affected area also has a soothing effect.
Moist Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannic acid that can be useful in treating type 2 herpes symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Applying a wet bag of black tea to the sores, blisters or lesions caused by type 2 herpes can alleviate pain and itching.
Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is a kind of antiviral medication used to treat type 2 herpes, explains MedlinePlus. This antiviral provides some relief from the discomfort caused by sores, and also prevents new sores from appearing. Valacyclovir is available in tablet form, and is typically taken twice daily for about five days, although the actual duration of valacyclovir treatment can vary. Valacyclovir causes side effects such as nausea, loose bowel movement and sometimes even jaundice, notes MedlinePlus.
