Medical treatments for genital herpes

When you see a doctor as soon as the blisters appear (within 48 hours), we benefit from 2 advantages:

  • The diagnosis is easier because the doctor can take a sample of fluid present in the vesicles;
  • Treatment applied at the first symptoms reduces the duration of the attack.

Spot treatment

When herpes attacks are infrequent, we treat them as they arise. The doctor prescribes antiviral drugs to be taken by mouth: aciclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir in Canada (Famvir®), valaciclovir (Valtrex® in Canada, Zelitrex® in France). They reduce the intensity of symptoms and speed up healing of lesions.

The earlier you take antivirals (at the warning signs of an attack), the more effective they are. It is therefore important to have some in advance at home.

Genital herpes medical treatments: understand everything in 2 min

Suppressive treatment

If you have a frequent seizures, the doctor prescribes the same drugs as those of the occasional treatment but at a different dosage and for a prolonged period (1 year and more).

Long-term use of antiviral drugs has 2 advantages: it reduces the number of seizures and can even stop them; it also decreases the risk of transmission of genital herpes. The risk of recurrence could thus decrease from 85% to 90%.

Caution. Do not use creams (based on antivirals, cortisone or antibiotics) on sale. These products (especially those based on antivirals) are only used in cases of cold sores. In addition, cortisone creams may slow healing. The application ofrubbing alcohol is absolutely unnecessary and only creates a burning sensation, nothing more.

What to do when a relapse occurs

  • Avoid having genital or oral sex during the seizure. Wait until the symptoms have disappeared and all the lesions are completely healed;
  • Make an appointment with your doctor, if you do not have a reserve of prescribed antiviral drugs at home;
  • Avoid touching the lesions so that the virus does not spread elsewhere in the body. If touched, wash your hands each time;
  • Keep lesions clean and dry.

Pain relief measures

  • Putting Epsom salt in the bath water: This can help cleanse and sanitize the lesions. Epsom salt is sold in pharmacies;
  • Apply an ice pack to the lesions;
  • Favor loose clothing, made of natural fibers (avoid nylon);
  • Avoid touching or scratching the lesions;
  • If necessary, take a painkiller such as paracetamol (Doliprane®, Efferalgan®…);
  • For painful urination, pour lukewarm water over the painful area when urinating, or urinate in the shower just before getting out.

 

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