Prevention and drug treatment of recurrent genital herpes
Avoid sun exposure. The only known cause of herpes recurrence is exposure of the affected area to ultraviolet light, a problem more common with oral herpes. If you're a hardcore nudist, you should take note.
Reducing stress: Many people insist that stress can trigger herpes recurrence, but relevant data does not support this view. However, no one has said that reducing stress is harmful to your body.
Dr. Stanberry notes that while some people rely on taurine (an amino acid) and other nutrients, there is no reliable data to suggest they reduce herpes recurrence or accelerate healing. However, generally speaking, "people with good nutrition do heal faster."
Correct medication
Although it is currently known that once the herpes virus enters the human body, it cannot be eliminated, scientists have discovered a fallback option-a drug that can shorten the duration of the illness and almost completely prevent recurrence. This drug, called acyclovir (Zovirax), apparently inhibits viral replication. If you start taking it immediately, the discomfort caused by herpes in its early stages can be significantly reduced, and ulcers can heal faster. Taking it when signs of an impending recurrence appear (usually itching and stinging at the affected area) can also shorten the duration of the illness.
This medication is even more effective for patients suffering from frequent herpes recurrences, as it can stop viral flare-ups. A study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston followed a group of patients who had suffered from genital herpes for up to nine years. At the start of the study, their herpes was recurring frequently-an average of 12 times a year.
After 5 years of acyclovir treatment, the number of herpes recurrences among the participants decreased to less than 2 times per year on average, and 20% of them have never had a herpes recurrence since the start of treatment.
In addition, acyclovir has the potential to reduce viral transmission between relapses. A study conducted by Washington State University in Seattle found that patients taking the drug twice a day experienced fewer instances of asymptomatic viral shedding, which could potentially facilitate viral transmission.
Other treatment methods
There are many ways to alleviate the suffering caused by severe herpes flare-ups.
For the first flare-up, take a warm bath or shower 2-3 times a day. Gently pat (but do not rub) the affected area to allow it to air dry. Excessive rubbing can irritate the affected area and spread the infection, says Dr. Steinberg.
Latest Information
• Commonality: It is estimated that 31 million Americans are infected with herpes simplex virus, with 200,000 to 500,000 new infections each year.
• Risk factors: The only way to contract genital herpes is through sexual contact with an infected person. Other factors include social status (the infection rate is twice as high in lower socioeconomic groups as in higher socioeconomic groups) and race (African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more susceptible). The more sexual partners you have, the greater your chances of infection.
• Affected age groups: Since infection can last a lifetime, the older a person is, the greater the risk.
• Gender differences: More common in women. A large proportion of male homosexuals are also infected. Men are one-third as likely to contract herpes virus from women as women are from men.
• Who to seek help from: Internists or family doctors can usually treat herpes. If abnormal symptoms occur or recurrences are frequent, you should see a dermatologist or specialist.
Keep the area dry and apply a drying agent directly to the ulcerated area, such as zinc oxide or calamine lotion.
Applying heat or cooling to the affected area with ice packs, infrared heating lamps, or a hairdryer set to cool or warm air can relieve pain. However, do not overdo it; stop immediately if you feel even a slight irritation.
Wear loose clothing, especially loose-fitting underwear, as air circulation helps prevent irritation to the affected area and can speed up wound healing.
Avoid using viscous medications and petrolatum-based ointments. Dr. Stanberg says, "They don't keep the affected area dry, thus prolonging healing time and the time it takes for the virus to shed." He says that zinc-containing topical ointments, available without a prescription, may have some antiviral properties, but they haven't been found to be highly effective clinically. Nevertheless, they may provide some benefit and are harmless.
Wash your nails thoroughly with soap after touching the affected area. The virus can survive on the skin for 30 minutes and is easily transmitted through contact between the hands and other parts of the body, especially the face.
If you experience depression, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or participating in group therapy. Dr. Grossbart says, "Sometimes, simply being with or talking to someone who has been suffering from the illness longer but has become accustomed to it can be helpful."