|
Herpes Treatments
How to find an HSV treatment that actually works for you.
There are many treatments available for herpes, both conventional and alternative, and finding one that works best for you will be a personal choice.
Some people prefer not to take any treatment at all (or just make simple diet and lifestyle changes) particularly if they don't experience outbreaks very often, are not in a relationship or only have very minor symptoms.
You may need to look around for the best option for you
If you try a treatment and do not find it helpful do not be disheartened! Many people with herpes need to try more than one treatment before they find one that works best for them. According to a survey conducted in by ASHA most patients with herpes try between two and five different therapies.
Some of these might include:
- Prescription drugs, such as Valtrex, Acyclovir and Famvir
- Externally applied treatments, such as Dynamiclear
- OTC Cold Sore Treatments, such as Abreva
- Herbal Remedies
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Acupuncture
- Psychotherapy, Hypnosis or Counseling
- And more
Herpes Treatments
There are many different herpes and cold sore remedies sold on the internet, many claiming absolute and wonderful results. To sort the facts from the fiction the HC Support Team have made a list of herpes treatments that are known to be credible and which work consistently and effectively for many people.
List of Reputable Therapies:
More information about the 4 most recommended treatments:
Prescription Antiviral Medications
This is the standard treatment prescribed for herpes when you visit your Doctor and will consist of one of the three medications - Valtrex, Acyclovir or Famvir. These drugs all work in a very similar way and although one may work better or have less side effects for some people, all three are considered to be equally safe and effective.
The cost of these medications varies greatly, unfortunately for some people such drugs can be unaffordable or quite draining on the wallet, especially if you do not have insurance or need to take them daily (as a suppressant). They do work very effectively for a lot of people and, if taken daily, Valtrex can help to reduce the chance of spreading herpes to an uninfected partner.
Like all medications, it is worth assessing whether the potential side effects of the drug outweigh the benefits that it can provide. The side-effects for most people are quite minimal but if you are looking for a treatment that could help to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks these medications can be a good option. If you are considering taking an antiviral medication please consult with your Doctor for their guidance for your particular case.
Although not everyone experiences side-effects, possible reactions include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, hair loss, and depression. These drugs are to be used with caution if you have kidney problems, poor kidney function or a weakened immune system.
More information:
Dynamiclear
Dynamiclear is an all natural, externally applied herpes treatment which works to dry out and heal outbreaks in a minimal amount of time. Advantages of this treatment are that you only apply it once per sore throughout the entire outbreak, it works instantaneously and aside from stinging when it is applied there are no adverse or long-term side-effects.
Dynamiclear is antiviral and works by killing any local pathogens on direct contact, including viral, bacterial and fungal matter. A single application is said to result in a weakening of the virus population and works along with the body's immune system to heal the affected tissue and reduce any future viral cycles.
The actual solution is concentrated and tested to last for as many as 150 outbreaks from one single bottle. Although the initial cost of the product is higher than most creams and gels the results are usually incomparable. You can also make one bottle stretch a long way so may even find yourself saving money in the long run.
Dynamiclear is not helpful for people who do not experience outbreaks, or who only experience itching or tingling without any visible irritation. In these cases a suppressive medication, immune strengthening herbs and nutrients, or a combination of these could be more beneficial.
If you are unsure about whether Dynamiclear will work for you one thing that is very impressive is the money-back guarantee. You can try the solution for 6 months and return it anytime within the trial period for a full refund less postage.
More information:
Lysine, vitamins and minerals
The herpes virus often plays havoc (and pops out) when the body is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. You can help to reduce the chance of having an outbreak by eating a healthy diet that is rich in bioflavonoids, zinc and vitamins C, B and E. There is also scientific evidence that links herpes and cold sore outbreaks to the amino acids Lysine and Arginine. To help manage herpes it is recommended to reduce or avoid foods that are very rich in Arginine (such as chocolate, nuts and carob) and increase foods that are rich in Lysine (such as most fresh fruits and vegetables).
To ensure that your body is getting the right amount of each of these nutrients it can sometimes be beneficial to take them in a supplement. This considered a very safe and easy way to manage outbreaks, working naturally with your body and without any side effects.
More information:
Herbal Supplements
There are herbs which can be helpful in managing herpes symptoms, as well some which can reduce herpes viral shedding. Andrographis combined with Echinacea, Olive Leaf, St John's Wort, Lemon Balm, Licorice and Astragalus are the most notable of these. When taken as directed, medicinal herbs have the potential to increase the body's immune response against herpes viruses, ward off future outbreaks and provide some resistance to infection.
Certain herbs can interact with some medications and may not agree with your particular case, so it is always recommended to first consult with your Doctor or a Herbalist before beginning any herbal program.
More information:
What to AVOID when looking for a Herpes Remedy
There are many herpes treatments available and finding one that works best for you will be a personal choice. In your search for a herpes treatment, consider these points:
1) Be wary of any herpes product that claims to “cure” the herpes virus.
Although many products can help to overcome the symptoms of herpes there is always a small risk of transmission because of Viral Shedding. Because of this factor, it is impossible for any treatment to claim that it is a cure for herpes. Such claims should be treated with caution.
Current testing methods cannot determine if a person is cured of the virus because these tests work by detecting the levels of “antibodies” in the bloodstream. Antibodies are the immune system’s memory responses and, once exposed to a condition, they will remain in a person’s body for life to protect them in case of a future attack.
2) Make sure that what you are trying to treat is actually 'herpes'
Herpes should always be diagnosed professionally. It is important to know exactly what condition you are treating before looking for possible solutions. Having the correct diagnosis will give you the best chance of success in choosing a treatment and will give you guidance on how to manage the condition properly.
3) Antibiotics will have little to no effect on the herpes virus.
This is because herpes is a virus; antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are useless on viruses. They can also deplete your immune system by killing off both good and bad bacteria inside your body, so only take a course of antibiotics if you absolutely need to.
4) Cortisone or Steroid based medications are NOT recommended.
Steroids (or cortisone) should not be used on herpes conditions. Although they may seem to work initially they are actually contraindicative for herpes and can cause the outbreak to ‘flare up’ and become worse.
5. DMSO based products are NOT recommended.
There is much skepticism about the safety of DMSO and so we always recommend that people considering using this substance do their research thoroughly before using it.
DMSO Facts and Information:
- Herpes Homepage Article on the dangers of DMSO
- DMSO Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center - Dimethylsulfoxide
- Feedback from users compiled by Yoshi2me
Where to Now?
 Ask questions and get support right now in the Herpes Support Forum
|
