Definition
Genital herpes is an infectious disease with a high index of infectiousness, caused by herpes simplex type I (HVS-1) or type II (HVS-2): in most cases, the virus is responsible for limited ulceration to the genital and / or anal area, but it can also affect the buttocks or extend into the surrounding areas.
Causes
The agent responsible for genital herpetic infection is Herpes simplex type I or II: this virus attacks humans - the only possible source of infection - for direct human intercourse, therefore it is easily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The infection is favored by: decreased immune defenses, infectious diseases, stress and hormonal changes.
In women, infection with Herpes simplex virus is the most frequent cause of disorders of the genital tract.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms most frequently associated with genital herpes stands the appearance of small bubbles or whitish blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area; ulcerations can also infect the inside of the vagina, the cervix, the urethra (male and female), and in turn become responsible for an enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.
Natural Care
Information on Genital Herpes - Drugs for the Treatment of Genital Herpes are not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Genital Herpes - Medications for the Treatment of Genital Herpes.
drugs
Rather than drugs against genital herpes, it would be correct to speak of pharmacological substances useful for alleviating the symptomatic picture and decreasing the risk of recurrent forms: there is no definitive cure against genital herpes.
In order to avoid the worsening of symptoms, it is good to intervene promptly with topical drugs (eg creams), or oral:
- Acyclovir (eg Aciclovir, Xerese, Zovirax): being an inhibitor of DNA synthesis of herpes viruses, acyclovir is indicated in the treatment of Herpes simplex skin and mucosal infections (including the relapsing form). Apply the cream (5%) locally 5 times a day for 4 days: the therapy must be timely. The active ingredient aciclovir can also be found in the form of 200 mg tablets: take one tablet orally every 4 hours for 10 days (when Herpes occurs for the first time), or one 400 mg tablet three times a day, for a period varying from 7 to 10 days, according to what is prescribed by the doctor.
- Famciclovir (eg Famvir) available in the form of tablets: take orally 250 mg (1 tablet) three times a day for a variable period of 7 to 10 days. In the case of recurrent forms of genital herpes, it is recommended to take 1 g twice a day on the first day when the symptoms occur; alternatively, take one tablet of 125 mg orally twice a day for 5 days. The active ingredient Famciclovir should be taken on the same day that the first prodromes begin: the effect is not guaranteed when they wait more than 6 hours before starting the treatment.
- Valaciclovir (eg. Talavir, Zelitrex, 500 mg or 1000 mg): in case of first episode of genital herpes, take one tablet (1 g) per day for a period varying from 7 to 10 days, according to the doctor's decision. The drug is not effective when delayed beyond 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. In the case of recurrent genital herpes, we recommend taking one 500 mg tablet of Valaciclovir twice a day for 3 days. In this case, the therapy is in vain if the drug is taken 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.
The drugs just described - Aciclovir, Famciclovir and Valaciclovir - are particularly effective orally: they exert their effect favoring a desquamation and a subsequent healing of the lesions, relieving the painful symptoms.
When genital herpes is recurrent, recurring more than 8 times during the course of the year, it is recommended to undertake a prolonged therapeutic course (800 mg of acyclovir for 6 months-1 year), and a specialist visit is recommended.
