Topical Vaginal Treatment: A New Herpes Breakthrough?

Researchers have come up with a new type of treatment to keep genital herpes at bay- vaginal treatment. Laboratory mice have tested out tiny anti-herpes RNA particles in their vaginas which have proven to herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV 2, at bay for a week. The RNA, also called siRNA, are small bits of genetic molecules that can shut down specific genes. This was how the herpes infection could not surface on the area for a while.

HSV 2, also known as genital herpes, is a life-long infection that is spread through sexual transmission. Genital herpes has no absolute cure for it yet, hence the topical treatment test is an enormous step forward to finding a magic spell to cure it.

Herpes is a type of virus. Viruses spread in the body by first entering a host cell of the host body. Then the virus forces the cell to create copies of the virus itself, after which the viruses destroy the cell move onto the next ones.

The treatment used for the HSV 2 used two different types of siRNAs. One of the siRNAs made sure the vaginal cells were not able to create more viruses, while the other siRNA targeted the virus gene that controlled the reproduction.

Researchers declare that they are happy with how practical the treatment seems to be. The treatment allows the vaginal area to be free of infection for up to a week after application. This could be helpful as topical treatments are not often as affective as an entire week.

The treatment targets a gene called nectin-1, a gene which is present in the vagina of mice and people as well. This gene seems to be only used during the development stage of a person, so researchers are confident that it will not affect an adult in any manner. However, some argue that this gene came come to use during pregnancy. Even then, to find a long term anti-herpes treatment as this is a big step forward.

One Day Treatment for Herpes FDA Approved

FDA has now approved Famvir as a form of treatment for genital herpes and cold sores. There has been lots of medication for temporary relief of herpes and various methods to make the herpes attacks shorter. However, Famvir is the first medication that consists of taking medicine for only one day. As FDA has now approved of it, Famvir is now considered as a safe alternate of medication to shorten the herpes attacks as well as making the attacks less severe.

About 45 million people from the age of twelve onwards suffer from herpes infection in the United States of America. Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus 1, and genital herpes is caused by both herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2. Genital herpes causes multiples blisters in the genital and rectal region of the patient; these blisters then burst and make painful sores which stays for days.

Cold sores are a type of contagious infection that can be spread by using the same towels, kissing, sharing a razor or even using the same utensils. Genital herpes, however, is a sexually transmitted infection; it can be spread by unprotected sex, oral sex and through any cuts in the skin. Herpes is a very catchy virus. Famvir is one of the first drugs that can be used to treat both HSV 1 and HSV 2.

FamvirFamvir is a high dose oral medicine which the Patient is required to take for only one day. The treatment of genital herpes consists of taking one 1,000 milligram tablet of Famvir twice a day for one day as soon as signs of a herpes attack show up. Cold sores are treated by a 1,500 milligram dose taken only one a day. Famvir can be only be taken if prescribed.

Famvir is a reputed medicine, and had received FDA approval to treat shingles way back in 1994, along with the treatment of cold sores and genital herpes infection. The one day treatment is comparatively new.

Famvir is manufactured by the renowned medicine company called Novartis. However, the one day Famvir treatment works best if the medicine is taken in about 6 hours of the first symptoms showing. These symptoms include appearance of herpes sores, or any itching or burning sensation. The faster the medicine is taken, the more affective it is. Novartis claims that the virus is extremely affective in replicating itself, so it is important to take the medicine in time.

Tests were conducted to see how affective Famvir is at calming down a herpes attack or healing cold sores. There were separate trials for genital herpes and cold sores. Three hundred and twenty nine people participated in the trial for genital herpes, and were given the 1,000 milligram dose twice a day on the onset of a genital herpes attack. Some of the volunteers received a placebo pill, which is a dummy pill that had no medicine but looks the same as the original pill. The volunteers who had consumed Famvir had a much milder attack that was less painful and lasted for four days. Those who had received the placebo pill had stronger attacks which lasted for about six days.

There were four hundred and eighty one people who took part in the clinical trials for the cold sores. The volunteers received either a Famvir pill of 1,500 milligram once a day, or a placebo pill of the same dimensions once a day. Famvir proved to have shortened the length of the cold sores and lessened the severity of the sores as well.

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Tips For Managing Herpes Breakout More Effectively

As of yet there has been no cure found for Herpes, however, there have been numerous remedies discovered that can help you manage your herpes breakout more effectively. Living with herpes is definitely not easy and it can greatly affect the quality of your life. Herpes breakouts are common and it can be difficult to manage them if you don’t have proper knowledge about the disease. That is why we have decided to provide you with important tips that will help you in managing your herpes breakout more effectively.

Tips for Managing Your Herpes

There are some easy ways in which you can manage your herpes breakout and it can make life very easy for you when you are living with herpes. Here are some of them:

  • Avoid touching your herpes sores
  • Avoid all sexual contact till the symptoms disappear
  • Wash your hands frequently throughout the day
  • Keep your lesions clean and dry
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitted clothing
  • Drink lots of water
  • Reduce stress in your life
  • Use ice packs to ease the pain in your genitals
  • Apply vitamin A and vitamin E directly on to the sores
  • Eat almonds, cereals, cashews, chocolate, corn, chicken, meat, nuts, seed and dairy products
  • Don’t consume citrus fruits or juices

Genital Herpes Pain Relief

People who are suffering from genital herpes may experience lots of discomfort and uncomfortable situations during their outbreak. It can be extremely distressing to experience a genital herpes outbreak and is embarrassing for the person, causing them stress and anxiety as well. It is recommended that you eliminate stress and anxiety from your life, since it can trigger an outbreak of the infection. Here are some tips to help you overcome genital herpes pain relief:

  • Apply cool non-herbal tea bags to the affected area
  • Take a long warm bath
  • Place ice-packs onto the affected area
  • Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin if you experience fever, pain, or aches during the herpes outbreak.

Herpes is not a condition that is pleasant and it can be quite painful, distressing and uncomfortable when you are dealing with a herpes outbreak. That is why it is recommended that you discuss all possible remedies for managing your herpes outbreak effectively.

Warning of Herpes Outbreaks

It is important that you take the time out to learn more about herpes and how it affects your life. The number of people living with herpes in the United States is growing every single day, and that is why you should pay more attention to the warnings of herpes outbreaks.

  1. Inform your partner about your condition as soon as you are diagnosed with herpes.
  2. Never engage in sexual activity with your partner during a herpes outbreak, since it increases the chance of transmission.
  3. If you experience a severe outbreak of herpes, you may need to get admitted to hospital so that proper medical and professional treatment can be administered to manage the outbreak.

With proper knowledge about herpes you can learn to manage your herpes breakout more effectively.

Treat Herpes In Natural, Side-Effect Free Methods

Some Information On Herpes

A STD (sexually transmitted disease), herpes could be of two types: oral and genital herpes. In total, there are eight types of herpes virus, each responsible for a specific type of problem. Some of the consequences include chicken pox, brain infection, etc. While oral herpes occurs due to the herpes simplex type 1 virus, genital herpes is a result of herpes simplex type 2 virus.

Researchers find that somewhere between 50-80% of the population of the United States of America has oral herpes, while one in four of American adults have genital herpes. Needless to say, those who have become sexually active at quite a young age and those who have several sexual partners are at a higher risk of having genital herpes.

Unfortunately, no cure has been discovered for herpes. When an outbreak occurs, no drugs are available that could bring down the fever and the pain. Moreover, there is no form of drug that could help expel the virus from the patient’s body. What these individuals can do is keep the outbreaks in control and take care of the sores and blisters, in order to prevent the transmission of the infection to others around them or close to them.

Herpes patients have the choice of taking different types of antiviral drugs for maximizing the time span between two outbreaks. Some of these medications include Famciclovir, Aciclovir, Penciclovir and Valaciclovir. The original drug available was Aciclovir, from which the rest emerged, less costly to purchase and use. A side effect of these drugs is diarrhoea, which is why many patients take non-diarrhoea tablets along with their herpes drugs.

Natural Cure to Herpes

There are a number of factors due to which herpes patients are not completely satisfied with the medications they are making use of. For instance, patients that have any problems with their immune response cannot handle any oral therapy sessions. Furthermore, certain topical creams are said to have low effect. Fortunately, there are some natural methods of controlling the outbreaks. Additionally, there is said to be a cure for herpes that is still being developed and tested to ensure 100% efficacy, known as the Wonder Cure.

Some of the natural extracts and components that could help you keep your herpes outbreaks under control include:

  • Lemon Balm: When used topically as an ointment, lemon balm is said to have a soothing, relieving effect. According to a research in 1993, 115 who applied lemon balm to their herpes sores and blisters were examined after eight days of religiously using the balm. The infected blisters were seen healing in 96% of this group, a result of applying the balm five times a day. It is said that there are certain herbs in the lemon balm that has antiviral properties, which does its magic on herpes lesions.
  • Garlic: This is show to inhibit the effect of various viruses, including herpes. Garlic has been used by people since ancient times.
  • Samento Extract: Available in liquid form and in the form of pills, samento extract are found in several rainforests around the world. According to ancient folks, this is a blessing for the immune system. Since herpes outbreaks take place when your immune system takes a blow, samento extracts can very well help with the matter. These extracts could be taken along with a cup of tea.
  • Goldenseal: This too is believed to have antiviral properties, which is why they can be taken with tea or in capsules.
  • Licorice Root: The roots have a compound known as glycyrrhizic acid, which has shown permanent deactivation of the herpes virus in vitro. However, the extensive use of licorice root has shown loss of potassium from the body, along with sodium retention. Therefore, individuals with high blood pressure must consult their doctors before settling with the use of licorice root.
  • Tea Tree Oil: Acknowledged as a cure for almost any types of open sores, tea tree oil is usually concentrated. Only a little amount is require d to show maximum potency, which is why a patient could apply it onto herpes sores, blisters and infected areas via a tiny dropper.

The last step to naturally keep your herpes in check is by trying to best to remain fit and healthy. This means exercising, following a balanced diet, keeping yourself unstressed and keeping a mile away from the likes of tobacco and alcohol. If you are into sports, such as tennis or squash, give it a shot. Otherwise, yoga can be your new best friend.

Herpes: Prevention and Treatment While You Are Dating

Having herpes is not an easy matter for any individual, regardless of how much they know about it or how old they happen to be. If you think you may suffer from it, do your share of research and visit your doctor. While the doctor could discuss the matter with you and confirm things if you have herpes, it is best that you see a genito-urinary specialist.

It is easier to diagnose a person with herpes when the infection is present on their body at the time of the test. Usually, herpes is determined with the help of a blood test. Sadly, there is a slight chance of these tests coming negative, even if you have herpes. Experts also perform another test where a sore/blister is broken and a swab of the fluid is taken. Once it has been discovered that you are certainly suffering from herpes, the doctor will ask you a series of questions. In this way, they will figure out how bad the infection is or how bad they could get. Furthermore, the doctors could also tell if stress illnesses trigger these outbreaks or worsen them.

Medication for Herpes

Firstly, you must know that herpes can never be gone fully. Medications can be given for outbreaks that are generally antivirals, which stops the virus from multiplying. Generally, there are two types of treatments:

  • 1. Episodic: An antiviral course for 5 days is given to those who have less than 5-6 occurrences in a year.
  • 2. Suppressive: An antiviral course is given to patients that have more than 5-6 outbreaks in a year, that is longer in comparison to episodic patients.

Self-Treatment for Herpes

Of course, your doctor will be providing you with all the information that you must know, alongside the medications you must take. However, there are several things that you could do to help yourself:

  • In some patients it is found that bathing in slightly salted water can cause the pain to soothe down a little.
  • If the pain is quite bad, you could always take painkillers.
  • Try to wear loose and soft clothes that allow some air around the infected area.
  • Keep away from sexual activities until your symptoms are fully gone.
  • Make sure you often wash your hands thoroughly, especially if you have just touch an infected part of your body.
  • Apply some petroleum jelly now and then to the areas that are infected.

Herpes During Pregnancy

Although many say that passing on herpes to your child via pregnancy and childbirth is not possible, you need to understand a few facts:

  • If the mother had contracted herpes before she got pregnant, there is a very low chance that she will pass it on to her baby. This is due to the fact that antibodies will be passed on to the baby during pregnancy which will give him/her protection during the nine months, as well as after they are born.
  • If the expecting mother acquires herpes during the first 13 weeks of her pregnancy, there is some chance of the foetus contracting it. This mother will then be prescribed antiviral drugs to help her with the infections.
  • If the mother acquires the disease during the late stage of pregnancy, there will be a good chance of the baby getting it too during or just before delivery. In this situation, the doctor will advise the mother to have the baby by a Caesarean section operation, especially if the mother is suffering from blisters at that time.

Prevention of Herpes

To reduce the chances of acquiring herpes or passing it on to your partner or people around you, you could take note of the following:

  • Try not to have sex when the infections are present. In other words, outbreaks are the worst time to have sex with your partner, as the sores and blisters will be painful and any fluids from the breakage of these could cause transmission.
  • Do not have several sexual partners, as that may only aggravate your situation.
  • If you happen to have oral herpes, kissing others is absolutely forbidden, along with performing oral sex on others.
  • Make sure that you use condoms, whether you plan on having sexual intercourse or oral sex. Also, before having sex, make sure that you did not have an outbreak recently.