There
is no treatment that
can cure
herpes, but antiviral
medications can shorten
and prevent outbreaks
during the period
of time the person
takes the medication.
In addition, daily
suppressive therapy
for symptomatic herpes
can reduce transmission
to partners.
The good news is
that doctor can prescribe
effective treatment
which can shorten
the time that outbreaks
last, and help stop
the pain. Medication
can also be taken
continuously to prevent
or reduce the number
of outbreaks you suffer. |
|
If
you think you have genital
herpes, then
it is important
to see doctor straight
away. Only a health
professional can
tell for sure whether
you have herpes.
It is easier to
diagnose genital
herpes early on
in an outbreak.
Not all outbreaks
of genital herpes
are the same. There
are many different
symptoms, some of
which you may not
have. Your outbreak
could be severe,
or may be very mild.
If you are unsure,
ask your doctor.
You might have a
different problem
that needs treatment.
Only a doctor can
prescribe effective
treatment.
You
may feel embarrassed
but remember, one
in five people have
been infected with
the herpes
virus, and your
doctor has probably
seen it before. Click
here to Consult
Doctor
Precautions
- Keep
the affected area
clean and dry.
- Try
to avoid touching
the affected area
during an outbreak
- Wash your hands
after contact with
the affected area
- Do
not break open the
blisters.
- Avoid
excessive heat or
sunlight, as sometimes
these can trigger
an outbreak
- Avoid
wearing tight or
restrictive clothing.
Wear loose-fitting
cotton clothing.
Cotton underwear
allows for ventilation
and absorbs moisture
in the genital area.
- Do
not use sprays,
feminine deodorants,
or douches, and
avoid putting petroleum
jelly, alcohol,
ether, antibiotic
cream or ointment,
or cortisone cream
or ointment on genital
herpes because they
can sting and will
not help heal the
sores.
- Place
cool or lukewarm
cloths on the affected
areas during the
outbreak.
- Try
a warm bath. (Note:
Some people find
this to be very
helpful, while others
have found that
water on the sores
is unbearable.)
- When
you are finished
showering or bathing,
use a blow dryer
set on low or cool
to dry the genital
area.
Frequently
asked questions for
Herpes Genitalis
Is
there a Treatment
for Herpes?
There is no treatment
that can cure herpes
in modern medicine,
but antiviral medications
can shorten and prevent
outbreaks during the
period of time the
person takes the medication.
In addition, daily
suppressive therapy
for symptomatic herpes
can reduce transmission
to partners. Alternative
medicines do claim
to have rsults with
their medications.
How can herpes
be prevented?
The
surest way to avoid
transmission of sexually
transmitted diseases,
including genital
herpes, is to abstain
from sexual contact,
or to be in a long-term
mutually monogamous
relationship with
a partner who has
been tested and is
known to be uninfected.
Genital
ulcer diseases can
occur in both male
and female
genital areas
that are covered or
protected by a latex
condom, as well as
in areas that are
not covered. Correct
and consistent use
of latex condoms can
reduce the risk of
genital herpes only
when the infected
area or site of potential
exposure is protected.
Since a condom may
not cover all infected
areas, even correct
and consistent use
of latex condoms cannot
guarantee protection
from genital herpes.
Persons
with herpes should
abstain from sexual
activity with uninfected
partners when lesions
or other symptoms
of herpes are present.
It is important to
know that even if
a person does not
have any symptoms
he or she can still
infect sex partners.
Sex partners of infected
persons should be
advised that they
may become infected.
Sex partners can seek
testing to determine
if they are infected
with HSV. A positive
HSV-2 blood test most
likely indicates a
genital herpes infection.
How
can people protect
themselves against
infection?
The consistent and
correct use of latex
condoms can help protect
against infection.
However, condoms do
not provide complete
protection because
the condom may not
cover the herpes sore(s),
and viral shedding
may nevertheless occur.
If either you or your
partner have genital
herpes, it is best
to abstain from sex
when symptoms or signs
are present, and to
use latex condoms
between outbreaks. |
| Also see Living with
Genital Herpes
|
Genital
Herpes Picture
 |
