List of current herpes
treatments from A-Z, including efficiency
ratings and possible side-effects
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:
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Prescription drugs
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OTC "cold sore" treatments,
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Herbal remedies
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Vitamins
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Nutritional changes
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Psychotherapy
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And more
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ANTIVIRAL THERAPY
The standard, effective and specific
treatment for genital herpes is antiviral
therapy, which is usually in tablet form. |
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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)
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DYNAMICLEAR®
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DESCRIPTION:
Dynamiclear is a relatively new
topical product (applied externally) and is used on active skin lesions.
The use of Dynamiclear can result in:
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Rapid healing of the infected area
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Smaller, less intense outbreaks
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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.
-
More
Information about this treatment (Dynamiclear).
-
Purchase Dynamiclear (a topical herpes
solution)
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ESSENTIAL OILS
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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
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BASIL
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CALENDULA
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LEMON
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TEE TREE
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CINNAMON
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CITRONELLA
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CLOVES
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EUCALYPTUS
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GERANIUM
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NIAOULI
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OREGANO
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PEPPERMINT
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THYME
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GINGER
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PATCHOULI
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CEDAR WOOD
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MELISSA (Lemon Balm)
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CAJEPUT
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ROSEMARY
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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.
-
More
Information about this treatment (H-Balm).
-
Purchase H-Balm
(a combined essential oils product specifically
for herpes)
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MEDICINAL HERBS
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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:
There are several
medicinal herbs that are beneficial in dealing with most viruses:
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LAVENDER
- widely known for its rapid anti-staphylococcus and streptococcus effects,
but is also beneficial against the cold sore/herpes virus.
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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.
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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:
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GOLDEN SEAL
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FEVERFEW
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BURDOCK
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HYSSOP
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LEMON
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PENNYROYAL
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ST. JOHN'S WORT
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SARSAPARILLA
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WINTERGREEN
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WORMWOOD
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GENTIAN
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RED CLOVER
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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OXYGEN THERAPY
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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:
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Valtrex®
(Valacyclovir)
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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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Zovirax®
(Acyclovir)
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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:
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
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Famvir®
(Famciclovir)
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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:
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
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Aspirin and paracetamol
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Ice can be soothing if applied directly to the
sores
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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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