Herpes Simplex - Best Home Treatment of Herpes Simplex

What is Herpes Simplex ?

Over 85% of adults have serologic evidence of herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infections, most often acquired asymptomatically in childhood. Occasionally, primary infections may be manifested as severe gingivostomatitis. Thereafter, the subject may have recurrent self-limited attacks, provoked by sun exposure, orofacial surgery, fever, or a viral infection.

About 25% of the United States population has serologic evidence of infection with herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 causes lesions whose morphology and natural history are similar to those caused by HSV-1 on the genitalia. The infection is acquired by contact. In monogamous couples where one partner has HSV-2 infection, seroconversion of the noninfected partner occurs in 10% over a 1-year period. Up to 70% of such infections appeared to be transmitted during periods of asymptomatic shedding. Owing to changes in behavior, up to 40% of newly acquired cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1.

Symptom of Herpes Simplex

The principal symptoms are burning and stinging. Neuralgia may precede or accompany attacks. The lesions consist of small, grouped vesicles that can occur anywhere but which most often occur on the vermilion border of the lips, the penile shaft, the labia, the perianal skin, and the buttocks. Regional lymph nodes may be swollen and tender. The lesions usually crust and heal in 1 week. Patients can be educated to recognize attacks that they previously did not identify as recurrences of herpes simplex. Herpes simplex is the most common cause of painful genital ulcerations in patients with HIV infection.

Herpes Simplex Home Treatment -

In patients with frequent or severe recurrences, suppressive therapy is most effective in controlling disease. Suppressive treatment will reduce outbreaks by 85% and reduces viral shedding by more than 90%. The recommended suppressive doses, taken continuously, are acyclovir, 400 mg twice daily; valacyclovir, 500 mg once daily; or famciclovir, 125–250 mg twice daily. Long-term suppression appears very safe, and after 5–7 years a substantial proportion of patients can discontinue treatment. The use of condoms, patient education, and chronic suppressive oral antiviral therapy are all effective in preventing transmission of genital herpes.

Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex

Aside from the complications described above, recurrent attacks last several days, and patients recover without sequelae.

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