• Finding a treatment that will work best for you

• What are antiviral treatments?

List of current herpes treatments from A-Z, including efficiency ratings and possible side-effects

• Self-help tips to relieve the pain and discomfort of an outbreak

FINDING A TREATMENT THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU.

Genital herpes is manageable. Over the years, a number of treatments offering effective relief from symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores have been developed (see list below).

According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most patients with Herpes try between two and five different therapies.

These include:

• Prescription drugs
• OTC "cold sore" treatments,
• Herbal remedies
• Vitamins
• Nutritional changes
• Psychotherapy
• And more

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Antiviral drugs stop HSV from replicating in the body. The treatment only works while you are taking the drug, and cannot prevent future outbreaks once you stop taking it.

Antiviral treatments can:

• shorten the duration of a genital herpes outbreak and help speed healing
• reduce the number of outbreaks suffered - or prevent them completely

Antiviral medications can be used in two ways:

1. To treat outbreaks as they happen ('episodic' treatment). With episodic treatment, the aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. If you are coping well and your outbreaks are not too frequent, you and your doctor may agree that episodic treatment is the most appropriate option.

2. To prevent or delay recurrent outbreaks  ('suppressive' therapy). If your recurrent outbreaks are frequent or severe your doctor may recommend that you take oral antiviral medication every day to help prevent outbreaks happening. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, e.g. daily, for months or even years.

Oral antiviral medication is only available by prescription.

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

These medical drugs are usually synthetically made and their usage should be very strictly monitored. 

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BELOW IS A LIST OF CURRENT HERPES TREATMENTS (in alphabetical order)

• Dynamiclear (topical application)

• Essential Oils

• Famvir® (Famciclovir)

• Medicinal Herbs

• Oxygen Therapy

• Valtrex® (Valacyclovir)

• Zovirax® (Acyclovir)

DESCRIPTION: 

Dynamiclear is a relatively new topical product (applied externally) and is used on active skin lesions.

The use of Dynamiclear can result in:

1. Rapid healing of the infected area

2. Smaller, less intense outbreaks

3. Partial/Complete end to symptoms associated with the herpes simplex virus

Dynamiclear is similar in its molecular structure to an earlier molecule used to purify water and is based around the action of Sulphur and the herb Hypericum (St John's Wort). 

The antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of Sulphur have been appreciated for hundreds of years and was successfully used last century to stop infection in soldiers' battle wounds. More recently, Sulphur has been employed as the basic fundamental molecule in modern antibiotics.

It has been shown by demonstration that Dynamiclear will usually kill any herpes virus that it encounters. Immediately after application to the broken blisters mild to strong burning is felt. This appears to be the Dynamiclear molecule running down the peripheral nerves, killing the virus as it goes.

Most users report a rapid drying out of the blister with the area first going black, quickly followed by the forming of a healthy scab.

EFFICIENCY RATING: 

There is strong evidence to indicate local eradication of the virus. Total eradication of the virus may be related to the duration of the infection and/or the strength of the virus strain acquired.  Dynamiclear treatment used soon after the initial infection by the virus appears to be very successful because the virus has not yet permeated throughout the body.

The company can provide a list of customer testimonials claiming moderate to total success.

SIDE EFFECTS: 

No noticeable side effects but a sharp to moderate stinging pain on application may be felt. Pain is sometimes strong and feels as if it were running down the nerve, but soon subsides. Not recommended by manufacturer during first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

As with all treatments, in rare cases an individual may be sensitive. A skin sensitivity test should always be performed to ensure sensitivity is not a problem.

1. More Information about this treatment (Dynamiclear).

2. Purchase Dynamiclear (a topical herpes solution)

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DESCRIPTION: 

Essential oils produce strong powerful results against skin infections and when used internally purge the blood of most pathogens.

Active ingredients vary from terpenes and sesquiterpenes through to ketones, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and phenols.

The most commonly used essential oils are:

• LAVENDER
• BASIL
• CALENDULA
• LEMON
• TEE TREE
• CINNAMON
• CITRONELLA
• CLOVES 
• EUCALYPTUS
• GERANIUM
• NIAOULI
• OREGANO
• PEPPERMINT
• THYME
• GINGER
• PATCHOULI
• CEDAR WOOD
• MELISSA (Lemon Balm)
• CAJEPUT
• ROSEMARY
• And many others.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Essential oils are the refined active ingredients of flowers, leaves and roots of plants, and as such are very strong and can even be toxic when used in large quantities and to excess. As with all topically applied products, always do a skin sensitivity test to first determine if you have any unusual allergy.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

Essential oils work very well when used for the right problem. Against the herpes virus there have been many, many reports of successful treatments. It seems to depend on the individual, one oil works well for one person and not so well for the next.

One product that has earned a good reputation in the herpes community is H-Balm. It consists of pure essential oils specially selected and combined for use on herpes outbreaks.

H-Balm adheres to very strict quality standards. It is 100% pure, all natural and CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All extracts and essential oils in H-Balm have been tested to be 100% chemical and pesticide free, no synthetic substances present. H-Balm and H-Balm Daily are a safe, efficient and affordable means of dealing with herpes and cold sore outbreaks.

The manufacturer claims that herpes outbreaks have been permanently eliminated by using H-Balm and H-Balm Daily.

H-Balm and H-Balm Daily are composed of essential oils of Lemonbalm (Melissa officinalis) and six separate anti-viral essential oils and plant extracts all medically proven to inactivate the herpes virus.

1. More Information about this treatment (H-Balm).

2. Purchase H-Balm (a combined essential oils product specifically for herpes)

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DESCRIPTION: 

Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years, on both humans and animals. Each herb works most effectively when chosen specifically for each person and ailment. The active ingredient in most herbs is an alkaloid, a very toxic molecule if taken in considerable excess.

When using herbs it is best for safety and quality purposes to buy standardized extracts, usually dispensed by accredited Herbalists or Naturopaths. You are then guaranteed to get quality/regulated concentrations, that if taken according to directions should cause no harm.

This advice only applies to the very strong and toxic medicinal herbs - not those that are used in the common kitchen to help our immune systems and flavor our foods.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

The following have all been shown to have anti-viral properties against Herpes Simplex:

• Olive leaf extract

• Prunella vulgaris

• Cactus opuntia streptacantha

• Red marine algae

There are several medicinal herbs that are beneficial in dealing with most viruses:

• LAVENDER  - widely known for its rapid anti-staphylococcus and streptococcus effects, but is also beneficial against the cold sore/herpes virus.
  

• MYRRH - a plant herb that yields a therapeutic toxic resin renowned for curing severe ulcers, as well as chest and blood infections from viruses and other pathogens.
  

• SAGE  -  a moderately strong antiseptic that will kill most bacteria and viruses that it comes in contact with.

The following herbs may also be beneficial: 

All of these have a greater or lesser affect on pathogens, such as bacterium and viruses, within the human physiology.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Medicinal herbs should always be taken as directed, by an experienced practitioner or health care provider. Many herbs have side effects if taken in excess or used incorrectly.

Click Here to visit a site selling High quality Herbs

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DESCRIPTION: 

Relies on the principle that if we increase the blood concentration of oxygen its action is extremely potent against pathogens such as viruses and bacterium.

EFFICIENCY RATING: 

Many reports are received of persons claiming partial to complete success with oxygen therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS: 

Unfortunately if the blood concentration of oxygen exceeds a certain limit it is dangerous to normal cells, but this should not happen if the directions are followed.

Hydrogen peroxide should not be used as an oxygen source since most sources of hydrogen peroxide are not prepared for internal use and often contain high levels of unacceptable impurities.

Click Here to visit a site selling Oxygen Therapy

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Specific Antiviral Therapies:

DESCRIPTION: 

When used as an episodic treatment, Valacyclovir helps the sores heal faster, shortens the period of pain during the outbreak and cuts down the time during which the virus is detected on genital skin surfaces (virus shedding). 

When taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are noticed, such as tingling, itching or redness, Valacyclovir may be able to completely prevent the development of painful blisters.

Valacyclovir is taken twice daily when used as an episodic treatment. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

In many countries, Valacyclovir can be used as a 'suppressive' treatment. Clinical trials have proved it to prevent or delay up to 85% of herpes outbreaks. For suppressive treatment, Valacyclovir is taken once daily, or possibly twice a day if outbreaks are very frequent.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea and abdominal pain.

Serious complications have been reported in some cases where people have had an immune system that is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, or bone marrow or kidney transplant.

For more detailed information on the side-effects please click here (pdf format)

If you interested in trying Valtrex, these places sell the product Online:

Buy Valtrex

Buy Acyclovir (Generic Valtrex)

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DESCRIPTION: 

When acyclovir is taken as episodic treatment, it can reduce the severity of outbreaks of genital herpes, shorten their duration, and shorten the time during which the herpes virus is detected on the skin's surface, in a similar way to valacyclovir.

As an episodic treatment, Acyclovir should be taken five times daily. Acyclovir can also be used as a suppressive treatment to help reduce the number of outbreaks. If you take Acyclovir as suppressive treatment, you will need to take tablets two, three or four times a day. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS: 

Common side-effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

For more detailed information on the side-effects please click here (pdf format)

If you interested in trying  Acylovir (Zovirax), these places sell the product Online - 

Buy Zovirax

DESCRIPTION: 

Famciclovir has been shown to reduce the time outbreaks last when used as an episodic treatment, it also decreases the severity of pain with outbreaks and shortens the period during which the virus is detected on genital surfaces, similar to Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Acyclovir (Zorvirax).

Famciclovir is taken three times a day, when it is used as an episodic treatment for the initial genital herpes episode, or two times a day to treat recurrent outbreaks. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

Famciclovir is approved in some countries for daily use as suppressive therapy (your doctor will be able to advise you if this is the case in your country). When it is used in this way, it has been shown in clinical trials to increase the time between outbreaks. For suppressive therapy, Famciclovir is taken two times every day.

EFFICIENCY RATING:

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Most commonly reported side effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Those individuals with known hypersensitivity to the product, its components, and Denavir^® (penciclovir cream) should not use Famvir.

Concurrent use of Famvir with probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of penciclovir. .

If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will determine if you should use Famvir and the appropriate dose for you.

Treatment Analysis:

The percentages expressed above are drawn from the information and literature supplied by the manufacturers or suppliers of that particular treatment. This would include testimonials, trials as well as anecdotal information.

A treatment is considered to be successful if no new outbreaks occur within 3 years.

Although this virus appears hard to kill it can be done by several of the treatments mentioned above if the treatment is begun early enough. Once established the virus hides inside a host cell and is difficult for our immune system to recognize so early commencement of treatment is a determining factor in the success rate.

Although the virus may be destroyed in the early stages of infection, a person can become "re-infected", from a new or old sexual partner.

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Simple SELF-HELP remedies for the relief of discomfort.

The following non-specific treatments can help alleviate the pain and discomfort:

SALT BATHS: used to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath.

PAIN RELIEVERS: Include simple analgesics such as

• Aspirin and paracetamol
• Ice can be soothing if applied directly to the sores
• Creams with an anaesthetic component

Creams, however, can slow down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief. In addition, topical creams have limited value on moist mucosal surfaces, particularly in women.

LOOSE UNDERCLOTHES: preferably cotton (not nylon), can help minimize discomfort and allow healing.

For anyone experiencing extreme pain when urinating, the process can be less painful when done in a cool bath. And it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine.

Bach Flower Remedies may be prescribed to ease the emotional stress of herpes, particularly Rescue Remedy.

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