Treatments ~ Medically Based ~ Natural
Medically Based Treatments
According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most
patients with Herpes had tried between two and five different therapies. These included
prescription drugs, OTC "cold sore" treatments, herbal remedies, vitamins, nutritional
changes, psychotherapy, etc.
Drug Therapy
While there is no cure yet for HSV, there are 3 anti-viral drugs that have been proven to
have a high efficacy in suppressing the Herpes Simplex Virus. These drugs also have been
proven to significantly reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of occurrences. The 3 drugs are:
Acyclovir, manufactured by Glaxo Smith-Kline under the trade name of Zovirax, now also available
in generic; Valacyclovir, a "prodrug" of acyclovir under the name of Valtrex; and Famciclovir under
the brand of Famvir. Valacyclovir and Famciclovir in clinical trials have proven to be more effective
in their "uptake" or absorption by the body than acyclovir.
Acyclovir has been widely available since 1981, yet has again been denied approval for over the
counter sales (OTC) by the US FDA, although it can be obtained in other countries OTC. There is
now also a generic version of acyclovir available. All three drugs must be prescribed by a licensed
physician. Famvir and Valtrex are now available for both intermittent “acute” and daily
“suppressive” therapy.
There are basically two types of drug intervention. "Acute therapy" and
"suppressive therapy."
Acute therapy means taking the drug to reduce or prevent a specific, individual outbreak.
It involves taking regular doses of the medication for a period of usually 5 days, starting with the first
signs of impending outbreak. Since these medications work on new viruses as they are replicating
and coming out of latency, the best results are obtained by starting treatment at the very first
indication of symptoms - tingling, itching, or burning, before a lesion shows. If treatment is started
after a blister or lesion has formed, it may lessen or prevent any subsequent lesions, but it will not
shorten the duration of the current lesion by very much if at all.
Suppressive therapy, which is sometimes called prophylactic therapy, involves a daily
regimen of medication to "suppress" the activation of the HSV virus. Suppressive therapy can
be very useful for those patients who have a high frequency of recurrence, or who experience severe
physically and/or psychologically troublesome outbreaks. Also, some people who want to reduce the
risk of transmission to their sexual partners take suppressive doses of antiviral medication to reduce
both the rate of outbreaks and asymptomatic shedding. The anti-viral medications can be quite
expensive, and buying them in larger quantities can help reduce the long-term costs. Some people
may wish to consult with their doctor about a program, and see if she/he can arrange for a
renewable refill in conjunction with their insurance company for ease and economy.
There are other drugs for the treatment of HSV in special situations, including Foscarnet
(phosphonoformic acid), which is given by injection to severely immunosuppressed patients;
idoxuridine, for external use in ocular herpes infections only; and vidarabine, also used for eye
infections.
Topical Treatment
There are a variety of topical products on the market labeled for "cold sores," "fever
blisters." There are no OTC products specifically labeled for genital herpes. Except for the
prescription drug Zovirax, which acts on the virus itself, the predominant action of these products is
to relieve symptoms by softening the sores or scabs, drying the infection site, and/or reducing pain.
The topical ointment form of Zovirax (by prescription in the US, OTC in Australia) has been shown
to have some effectiveness during a primary episode, but very limited effectiveness in recurrent
episodes, due to the action of the drug on emerging viral DNA, and as it is not well-absorbed into the
skin. It does help to reduce viral shedding, and may decrease the length of outbreak by a day or
two. There are several new topical products being tested and seeking approval from the FDA for sale
in the US. We’ll keep you posted as they become marketed and more available.
Many of the available OTC products contain ingredients, such as alcohol, which can cause stinging
and further irritation and chafing of the infected area. Topical creams and ointments may even slow
the healing of HSV outbreaks by over-drying or irritating the site. Many also contain lidocaine or
benzocaine as a temporary numbing agent, only partially effective, which can lead to allergic
reactions in some people. Some OTC topical medications labeled for treatment of cuts, wounds, or
infections also contain corticosteroids, which are not effective against HSV, and can initiate and
prolong outbreaks. Experts strongly advise against using any kind of topical cortisone-type cream
on herpes, as they suppress the local immunity, and may worsen outbreaks significantly.
Medical experts generally recommend keeping herpes outbreaks clean, dry, and
uncovered. Many women, who may experience extreme burning and pain during urination, find
covering the lesions with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment prior to urination to be very
helpful. Occasional use of antibiotic ointments, while having no effect on the virus or outbreak itself,
may also help to prevent secondary bacterial infection in some cases, and may soothe areas subject
to friction. Some people have found Aloe to be effective as a soothing agent for areas subject to
chafing.
Alternative & Natural Treatments
There are a number of alternative treatments that have been anecdotally reported to be effective in
treating or suppressing HSV. HerpeSite friends and others have reported the most success with
lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
L-Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can be found in a number of foods. Lysine
supplementation has been anecdotally reported to be effective in ranges of 200 - 1000 mg a day. Scientific
studies have shown conflicting results with lysine, but many people with herpes believe that it works well
for them.
Garlic is reported to have anti-viral properties.
Increasing intake of anti-oxidant vitamins, zinc, and iron seems also to help many. Anti-oxidants are
extremely important in maintaining healthy cells and immune system. There are many supplements and
foods available that contain anti-oxidants. Some of our favorites include Emergen-C, pomegranate juice,
wild blueberries, and goji berries.
Numerous herbs and essential oils, inluding melissa, echinacea, ti tree, goldenseal, licorice, and others,
have been tried as internal or external treatments, with varying results.
Reduction of foods high in the amino acid arginine, particularly chocolate and nuts, seems to help many,
although recent studies have indicated that arginine is an immune-enhancer. And, of course, many people
feel better about life when they eat chocolate, and recent studies have shown that chocolate and especially
dark chocolate contains compounds that are good for the immune system as well as enhancing the "feel-
good" chemistry in the brain... so we say "go for it!"
Restriction of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods have been widely reported as helping to curb
outbreaks. These substances are very acidic which irritates the body. Coffee has been demonstrated to be a
nerve stimulant, is highly acidic, and may have the effect of irritating the nerves and increasing outbreaks.
New Treatments and "Cures" as seen on the Internet ~
There are many other non-traditional "treatments" or "remedies" such as various homeopathic products,
algae, colloidal silver, hydrogen peroxide, etc. HerpeSite has not yet read of any conclusive benefits to
these products. Many of these products may be beneficial in some ways, many may be ineffective yet
harmless, and some may be ineffective and unhealthful or even dangerous to certain people. Please
research any treatment, even so-called "natural" ones, very carefully before attempting them. Also
please take note whether the people behind the message have a financial agenda for promoting those
particular products.
Currently, there is no documented evidence of any treatment or product that can cure Herpes. In their
quest for hope and relief, people with Herpes can become vulnerable to false claims, scams, and purported
cures for HSV. Be aware that organizations and individuals exist that prey on the emotional hopes or
fears of the infected. There are many radical alternative procedures and concoctions being promoted as a
"cure" for Herpes. HerpeSite advises all they should proceed very cautiously when investigating or
exploring alternative therapies of any sort. We also suggest you consult with your health care provider
before proceeding with implementing any radical regimen.
Buyer Beware!!! HerpeSite knows that there are many dedicated people and organizations working
diligently to find new treatments and even a cure for herpes. It is our belief that when a legitimate possible
or definite CURE has been discovered, there will be much fanfare and celebration. Indeed, the people who
discover a cure for herpes will become historical figures like Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk, Madame Curie,
and Albert Einstein, and they will no doubt win the Nobel Prize for Medicine. There have been, and are,
many miracles in this world, and a cure may not necessarily be discovered through or by an established
medical or pharmaceutical company, and may come from a small or surprising independent or "alternative"
source. Even so, beware of any treatments touted as "cures," and remember the adage, "If it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is!"
Medically Based Treatments
According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most
patients with Herpes had tried between two and five different therapies. These included
prescription drugs, OTC "cold sore" treatments, herbal remedies, vitamins, nutritional
changes, psychotherapy, etc.
Drug Therapy
While there is no cure yet for HSV, there are 3 anti-viral drugs that have been proven to
have a high efficacy in suppressing the Herpes Simplex Virus. These drugs also have been
proven to significantly reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of occurrences. The 3 drugs are:
Acyclovir, manufactured by Glaxo Smith-Kline under the trade name of Zovirax, now also available
in generic; Valacyclovir, a "prodrug" of acyclovir under the name of Valtrex; and Famciclovir under
the brand of Famvir. Valacyclovir and Famciclovir in clinical trials have proven to be more effective
in their "uptake" or absorption by the body than acyclovir.
Acyclovir has been widely available since 1981, yet has again been denied approval for over the
counter sales (OTC) by the US FDA, although it can be obtained in other countries OTC. There is
now also a generic version of acyclovir available. All three drugs must be prescribed by a licensed
physician. Famvir and Valtrex are now available for both intermittent “acute” and daily
“suppressive” therapy.
There are basically two types of drug intervention. "Acute therapy" and
"suppressive therapy."
Acute therapy means taking the drug to reduce or prevent a specific, individual outbreak.
It involves taking regular doses of the medication for a period of usually 5 days, starting with the first
signs of impending outbreak. Since these medications work on new viruses as they are replicating
and coming out of latency, the best results are obtained by starting treatment at the very first
indication of symptoms - tingling, itching, or burning, before a lesion shows. If treatment is started
after a blister or lesion has formed, it may lessen or prevent any subsequent lesions, but it will not
shorten the duration of the current lesion by very much if at all.
Suppressive therapy, which is sometimes called prophylactic therapy, involves a daily
regimen of medication to "suppress" the activation of the HSV virus. Suppressive therapy can
be very useful for those patients who have a high frequency of recurrence, or who experience severe
physically and/or psychologically troublesome outbreaks. Also, some people who want to reduce the
risk of transmission to their sexual partners take suppressive doses of antiviral medication to reduce
both the rate of outbreaks and asymptomatic shedding. The anti-viral medications can be quite
expensive, and buying them in larger quantities can help reduce the long-term costs. Some people
may wish to consult with their doctor about a program, and see if she/he can arrange for a
renewable refill in conjunction with their insurance company for ease and economy.
There are other drugs for the treatment of HSV in special situations, including Foscarnet
(phosphonoformic acid), which is given by injection to severely immunosuppressed patients;
idoxuridine, for external use in ocular herpes infections only; and vidarabine, also used for eye
infections.
Topical Treatment
There are a variety of topical products on the market labeled for "cold sores," "fever
blisters." There are no OTC products specifically labeled for genital herpes. Except for the
prescription drug Zovirax, which acts on the virus itself, the predominant action of these products is
to relieve symptoms by softening the sores or scabs, drying the infection site, and/or reducing pain.
The topical ointment form of Zovirax (by prescription in the US, OTC in Australia) has been shown
to have some effectiveness during a primary episode, but very limited effectiveness in recurrent
episodes, due to the action of the drug on emerging viral DNA, and as it is not well-absorbed into the
skin. It does help to reduce viral shedding, and may decrease the length of outbreak by a day or
two. There are several new topical products being tested and seeking approval from the FDA for sale
in the US. We’ll keep you posted as they become marketed and more available.
Many of the available OTC products contain ingredients, such as alcohol, which can cause stinging
and further irritation and chafing of the infected area. Topical creams and ointments may even slow
the healing of HSV outbreaks by over-drying or irritating the site. Many also contain lidocaine or
benzocaine as a temporary numbing agent, only partially effective, which can lead to allergic
reactions in some people. Some OTC topical medications labeled for treatment of cuts, wounds, or
infections also contain corticosteroids, which are not effective against HSV, and can initiate and
prolong outbreaks. Experts strongly advise against using any kind of topical cortisone-type cream
on herpes, as they suppress the local immunity, and may worsen outbreaks significantly.
Medical experts generally recommend keeping herpes outbreaks clean, dry, and
uncovered. Many women, who may experience extreme burning and pain during urination, find
covering the lesions with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment prior to urination to be very
helpful. Occasional use of antibiotic ointments, while having no effect on the virus or outbreak itself,
may also help to prevent secondary bacterial infection in some cases, and may soothe areas subject
to friction. Some people have found Aloe to be effective as a soothing agent for areas subject to
chafing.
Alternative & Natural Treatments
There are a number of alternative treatments that have been anecdotally reported to be effective in
treating or suppressing HSV. HerpeSite friends and others have reported the most success with
lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
L-Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid that can be found in a number of foods. Lysine
supplementation has been anecdotally reported to be effective in ranges of 200 - 1000 mg a day. Scientific
studies have shown conflicting results with lysine, but many people with herpes believe that it works well
for them.
Garlic is reported to have anti-viral properties.
Increasing intake of anti-oxidant vitamins, zinc, and iron seems also to help many. Anti-oxidants are
extremely important in maintaining healthy cells and immune system. There are many supplements and
foods available that contain anti-oxidants. Some of our favorites include Emergen-C, pomegranate juice,
wild blueberries, and goji berries.
Numerous herbs and essential oils, inluding melissa, echinacea, ti tree, goldenseal, licorice, and others,
have been tried as internal or external treatments, with varying results.
Reduction of foods high in the amino acid arginine, particularly chocolate and nuts, seems to help many,
although recent studies have indicated that arginine is an immune-enhancer. And, of course, many people
feel better about life when they eat chocolate, and recent studies have shown that chocolate and especially
dark chocolate contains compounds that are good for the immune system as well as enhancing the "feel-
good" chemistry in the brain... so we say "go for it!"
Restriction of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods have been widely reported as helping to curb
outbreaks. These substances are very acidic which irritates the body. Coffee has been demonstrated to be a
nerve stimulant, is highly acidic, and may have the effect of irritating the nerves and increasing outbreaks.
New Treatments and "Cures" as seen on the Internet ~
There are many other non-traditional "treatments" or "remedies" such as various homeopathic products,
algae, colloidal silver, hydrogen peroxide, etc. HerpeSite has not yet read of any conclusive benefits to
these products. Many of these products may be beneficial in some ways, many may be ineffective yet
harmless, and some may be ineffective and unhealthful or even dangerous to certain people. Please
research any treatment, even so-called "natural" ones, very carefully before attempting them. Also
please take note whether the people behind the message have a financial agenda for promoting those
particular products.
Currently, there is no documented evidence of any treatment or product that can cure Herpes. In their
quest for hope and relief, people with Herpes can become vulnerable to false claims, scams, and purported
cures for HSV. Be aware that organizations and individuals exist that prey on the emotional hopes or
fears of the infected. There are many radical alternative procedures and concoctions being promoted as a
"cure" for Herpes. HerpeSite advises all they should proceed very cautiously when investigating or
exploring alternative therapies of any sort. We also suggest you consult with your health care provider
before proceeding with implementing any radical regimen.
Buyer Beware!!! HerpeSite knows that there are many dedicated people and organizations working
diligently to find new treatments and even a cure for herpes. It is our belief that when a legitimate possible
or definite CURE has been discovered, there will be much fanfare and celebration. Indeed, the people who
discover a cure for herpes will become historical figures like Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk, Madame Curie,
and Albert Einstein, and they will no doubt win the Nobel Prize for Medicine. There have been, and are,
many miracles in this world, and a cure may not necessarily be discovered through or by an established
medical or pharmaceutical company, and may come from a small or surprising independent or "alternative"
source. Even so, beware of any treatments touted as "cures," and remember the adage, "If it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is!"
HerpeSite ~ Herpes Online Personal Empowerment & Support
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