• Medications to suppress the herpes virus or to speed up healing are available
• Lysine, an amino acid, can help improve our immune response to the virus to speed up healing
• Natural compounds found in red grapes and yogurt may also be able to help reduce cold sores

Most people don’t know that cold sores are caused by a version of the Herpes virus. Although not sexually transmitted, this version is contagious and is actually harbored by about 80% of the population. If you do get herpes mouth sores, chances are you are going to want to find a fast way to cure the sore. Here are a few treatment ideas.

1. Suppressive Medication

Having an occasional cold sore is no big deal but if you’re suffering from multiple outbreaks each month you might want to consider taking a daily medication to keep the virus from flaring up. Valtrex ad Zovirax are two types of prescription medications used for this purpose. While they are normally prescribed for genital herpes, they also work as a herpes mouth treatment. In some cases, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, or headaches as side effects of the medication. You should not take the medication if you are trying to get pregnant or if you are already pregnant.

2. Topical Ointments

Most of the time patients are going to use some type of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) topical ointment. If you are only interested in relieving the discomfort associated with the cold sore, OTC medicines such as those containing lidocaine or benzocaine are acceptable. Abreva is available without a prescription, too, but it can also speed up healing time if applied right away. Denavir is a prescription-strength topical ointment that can be used to treat the symptoms and speed up healing but must be applied to the cold sore every two hours.

3. Lysine

If you’re interested in alternative treatments, one of the most promising is lysine. We already consume lysine from some of the food we eat, including beef and dairy products, which is good because it’s an important amino acid that helps improve the functioning of our immune system. A recent study found that using a Lysine ointment actually sped up healing for the participants. About 40% of the participants had their cold sores healed within three days. You can also take Lysine as a supplement instead to speed up healing.

4. Resveratrol

One of the most powerful naturally-occurring compounds against cold sores is resveratrol which can be found in red grapes. One study found that when a topical cream made from this compound was applied directly to an area where a cold sore was developing it actually stopped the development. Another promising finding is that the compound combated cold sores that were resistant to prescription strength ointments.

5. Yogurt

Today, we’re learning more and more about the powerful health benefits of yogurt. Those live cultures found in yogurt have provided all sorts of positive effects on our bodies and one of them can actually help fight back against cold sores. Known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, this culture can actually speed up the healing of cold sores and can prevent new cold sores from forming. While eating yogurt regularly might be of some use, if you want to combat cold sores you should purchase the capsule forms of the living cultures at your local natural food store.

• Herpes is an STD caused by either of two types of the virus strain herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2
• Both types of the virus can cause the commonly known herpes sores, but type 2 is more likely to cause genital herpes than type 1
• Genital herpes symptoms, and often herpes symptoms in general, include the appearance of small, fluid-filled sores on the genital areas
• Although there is no cure for herpes, herpes treatments are available that can greatly reduce the symptoms of the virus

If you watch television you have probably seen at least one commercial for prescription drugs designated for the control of herpes. What you may not know is what causes herpes or what happens if you contract it. You may not even have a clear idea of how it is spread or that not all examples of the herpes virus cause the same affliction. Below is some information about this disease that could help you better understand it.

What is Herpes?

Basically, herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, otherwise referred to as an STD. The disease itself is caused by the herpes virus, which comes in two forms. These are known as herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 and Type 2.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Type 1 causes the growth of small, fluid-filled blisters (sometimes referred to as cold sores) on the face. About one-tenth of the people who come in contact with this form of the virus develop any blisters at all. When blisters do develop, however, they last about 7 to 10 days. Infections can reoccur and are normally brought about by stress, hormones, or similar factors.

Although Type 1 can sometimes affect the genital area, when we discuss the STD version of herpes we are normally going to be focusing on the second type of the virus.

Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 45 million people in the United States who are over the age of 12 have HSV Type 2 that does affect the genitals. That number represents about 20 percent of the sexually active population. The majority of cases occur in women – 25 percent of women have herpes – because transmission of the virus is more likely from male to female than from female to male. Although the CDC points out that the number of cases has begun to decrease during the last ten years, contracting the virus is still a very real possibility for people practicing unprotected sex.

The virus is spread when an uninfected person touches the infected area of another person then touches a part of their own body. As you can imagine, sexual activity provides plenty of chances for this to occur between an infected and an uninfected partner. When a person contracts HSV Type 2 through sexual activity, he or she can expect the cold sores to appear in the genital area. Sores frequently show up on the penis, cervix, or vagina.

As with Type 1, you will not see the appearance of these sores immediately after contact. The incubation period for the virus runs between two and 20 days. In many cases, the first bout of sores won’t be noticeable, so people may not even realize that they have been infected until much later. As a result, they may pinpoint an incorrect source for the virus.

Unfortunately, no cure is available for the herpes virus, though treatment is available in the form of prescription medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, these drugs can help the sores heal faster and can prevent both the recurrent outbreaks and transmission of the virus to others.

• Herpes simplex 1 is most commonly associated with the less severe symptoms of the herpes virus, such as cold sores appearing in or around the mouth. Herpes simplex 2, on the other hand, is associated most commonly with the more severe symptoms of herpes, such as those affecting the genital regions
• Spreading genital herpes and other forms of the herpes virus occur through close physical contact, with the blisters and herpes sores being the most obvious and contagious areas of possible contraction
• A herpes outbreak can involve inflamed red spots that can appear around the eyes and inside and outside of the mouth and can disappear and reappear as frequently as every week or less frequently as in once every year
• Although no cure for herpes currently exists, a number of herpes tests are available for prevention and/or diagnosis, as well as a variety of herpes treatments

Herpes is a form of viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two subtypes of the herpes virus named HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus-1) or HSV-2 (herpes simple virus-2). HSV-1 is responsible for blisters and cold sores occurring in or on the mouth while HSV-2 is associated with the genital infections or sores caused in and around the genital regions of both males and females. Genital herpes occurs right below our waist region and it also causes discomfort. Improper functioning of the immune system is also responsible for the occurrence of herpes.

The HSV can only be transmitted from human to human. The herpes simplex virus is transmitted through close contact of the linings of our mouth, or the genital skin with mucous-covered linings. This virus penetrates the inner linings of the skin through certain microscopic tears. As the virus reaches inside, it travels to the roots of the nerves close to the spinal cord and settles down permanently. The first time an individual is infected is referred to as the primary infection and may or may not be presented with clinical symptoms or even know they are infected. However, the primary infection can present clinical symptoms, which can be the appearance of blisters, ulcers, or red inflamed areas (lesions), occurring in various body sites such as the eyes, inside and outside of the mouth and the genital regions. All the blisters and lesions are contagious and can be spread easily.

After a herpes outbreak, the virus goes down to the fibers of the nerves and settles down at the site of the infected area. As it reaches our skin, it causes blisters and reddening. After the preliminary outbreak of herpes, you can expect subsequent intermittent occurrences, weekly, monthly or yearly. HSV is not gender specific and often occurs when the body’s immune system is stressed, has another infection, or has experienced minor trauma. In women, menstruation can bring about an outbreak.

Diagnosing Herpes

Genital herpes can be suspected with the occurrence of several painful blisters appearing on the mouth, near or in the eyes and the sexually exposed regions. As you notice any such symptom appearing you need to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. Several tests are conducted to determine herpes. Only then one can proceed to herpes treatment.

Initial Examination

The initial examination involves your doctor discussing what your reason for the office visit is. Asking several questions regarding your sexual history and although this may seem quite personal; it is necessary to be accurate in diagnosing. After the discussion aspect the doctor will need to examine you visually and physically to analyze of any affected areas.

For men, the initial examination involves the checking for blisters or lesions on the penis, scortum, and rectum. Urethral discharge is another symptom and will also be checked by swabbing the urethra and the anus for a lab test.

For women, the initial examination involves the examination of the pelvic region with speculum to investigate the vagina and the cervix. Also the labia and regions between the anus and the vulva need to be investigated for similar signs of viral infections. Swabs are taken for lab test from the anus and the cervix regions.

It is necessary to check the lymph nodes for both the sexes to see if there’s any abnormality, such as sores or blisters.

Available Tests

Several tests can be conducted for determining herpes, but the most widely used tests are of 3 types:

• Viral Culture
• Serologic Tests
• Antigen Tests

Laboratory tests for determining herpes are based on 2 major categories:

• Sensitivity
• Specificity

Sensitivity determines the accuracy of the test in diagnosing herpes and Specificity refers to the probability of accurately saying that a person isn’t suffering from herpes. The cost and the speed are also important factors and one should take these into account.

Viral Culture:

Viral culture is the process of determining the location and also the presence of the herpes virus in the skin lesion. The location where the virus grows is called the culture medium. Viral culture is specific and it doesn’t give an accurate or positive result if something else can likely be the cause of the problem.

If adequate specimen is provided, it can be quite sensitive.

It also helps in determining the virus that has caused the infection, whether it is HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Improper samples can mark a drop in the sensitivity. The presence of herpes lesions might even not help in producing the accurate results.

Serologic Tests:

Serologic tests have a different approach in looking into the cause of the complication. The antibodies are detected in this case. Antibodies are typical substances generated to fight against infection, by our immune system.

Serologic tests involve blood tests in determining herpes. This helps in determining the presence of antibodies in the blood or the serum to detect herpes. Blood tests can be conducted in the absence of herpes signs and symptoms. If the presence of antibodies can be determined, the presence of herpes simplex virus is dormant in one’s body. Blood tests do not involve lesion swabbing and can even be done after the symptoms fade.

People having a history of typical genital herpes symptoms but have never been through a confirmatory blood test should go for type-specific tests. In case of blood tests, the sensitivity and the specificity are much better than antigen tests or culture, but there are 2 vital factors that need to be taken into consideration:

First: If a person is experiencing herpes for the first time, it might take several weeks for the antibodies to develop. So timing is an important factor.

Second: There are certain blood tests that cannot differentiate between the virus types – HSV-1 and HSV-2. So, while you are undergoing a serological test, you need to ask for “type-specific” tests in order to determine the virus type.

Antigen Detection Tests

This is the third test and helps in identifying the components of the viruses. This method is less frequently use and it looks for virus in the lesions. It helps in identifying the herpes by determining the presence of the virus fragments, antigens that helps in stimulating our immune system.

Antigen detection tests also involve swabbing, like the viral culture. But antigen tests are less sensitive than the viral culture and are conducted in laboratories.

Antigen test produce quicker results and are less expensive as compared to other methods of diagnosis.

• Genital herpes treatment, or herpes treatments in general, depends on whether or not the herpes outbreak is the first or if it’s recurring
• The primary herpes infection only occurs after a person is exposed to either herpes simplex 1 or herpes simplex 2, two types of the herpes virus
• As there is no cure for herpes, herpes symptoms can only be treated for the length and severity of the outbreaks. A number of antiviral drugs are available and widely used in treating the virus

Deciding on a treatment method for herpes usually depends on what type a person has. It also depends on if the infection has occurred for the first time or if it’s recurring.

The preliminary infection

In most cases, the preliminary occurrence of herpes or the primary infection develops only after a person has been exposed to HSV or the herpes simplex virus. It may take months or in some cases, years to develop, after exposure. However, one can also develop herpes within 4 to 7 days of exposure to HSV.

If a person has genital herpes for the very first time, he/she would need to go to a specialist known as a GUM or genitor-urinary medicine specialist.

A specialist in this field will conduct certain tests and screenings in order to establish the cause of the herpes or any other STIs (sexually-transmitted infections) present in the system. The specialist would then proceed with the treatment procedures, followed by various forms of counseling.

Antiviral drugs for genital herpes are often used for its treatment . These drugs are by no means a cure for the virus. They simply help to reduce the length and severity of outbreaks.

The commonly used drugs for herpes treatment include:

Acyclovir

Acyclovir, along with related compounds such as valacyclovir, penciclovir and famciclovir, are usually prescribed. Acyclovir can be taken orally, topically or intravenously. Regrettably, only 10 to 20 percent of acyclovir can be absorbed when taken orally. However, 80 percent of valacyclovir is absorbed by the body and is then further converted into acyclovir in our liver. Famciclovir and valacylovir are only available in oral form and have yet to get approval in the state of Canada for children to use.

Acyclovir is referred to as “nucleoside analogue”, which means that it has the capacity to insert itself directly into the virus’ DNA at the time of replication. This drug, in particular, targets the cells that have been infected by the herpes simplex virus. It strongly prevents the further production of any new virus by actually stopping the formation of the viral DNA. For the most part, Valacyclovir and famciclovir work the same way.

Vidarabine

Vidarabine was probably the first antiviral drug available for the treatment of HSV. On the other hand, this drug is not as safe as acyclovir. It is used only about 3% of the time in North America in the form of an ointment. This drug is used for treating herpes infections appearing around the eyes.

Foscarnet

Foscarnet is an early anti-herpes drug and was used in treating life threatening infections caused by the herpes simplex virus because of toxicity. This drug is now used for the treatment of severe HSV infections and in cases where acyclovir fails to work.

Besides medicinal treatments, you can also try some of these tips:

• Use cool or lukewarm clothes on the place where the sore has occurred. This is great pain relief.
• Lukewarm baths can be very helpful, especially for women. If a woman experiences pain while urinating, she is likely to urinate in the bathtub as she finishes bathing – this allows the urine to dilute and in turn prevents the sores from burning.
• The affected area should be kept clean and dry.
• Preferably use cotton undergarments.
• Loose-fitting clothes are airy and comfortable.

• Antiviral drugs are commonly used and effective at treating the symptoms of a herpes outbreak
• There is no cure for herpes, so it’s important to remember that genital herpes treatment options, such as various antiviral drugs, can only reduce the duration and severity of herpes outbreaks
• Herpes treatments or treatment can come in three stages: initial, intermittent and suppressive, which is why it is important that if you do have the virus that you understand the genital herpes symptoms and how it operates. Herpes tests area available that will provide answers and a path toward the most effective treatment route

Genital herpes treatment with antiviral drugs is quite common and it is indeed helpful for people who have frequent outbreaks. These antiviral drugs are effective and can decrease the duration and severity of flare up symptoms. However, keep in mind that this “drug therapy” only soothes the outbreak of herpes and that the symptoms are likely to reoccur.

Common treatments include: acyclovir (brand: Zovirax), famciclovir (brand: Famvir) and valacyclovir (brand: Valtrex). These are ingested in pill form. Critical cases can be treated with the help of intravenous or IV acyclovir. Topical treatment formulas aren’t really helpful and the doctors seldom recommend such formulas.

The first stage covers the Initial Treatment. During this stage, the sore or the infected area of the body is identified and then, diagnosed. The doctor proceeds to recommend a concise course of certain antiviral therapies that last for 7-10 days. These therapies actually prevent the sore from spreading all across the body and getting worse. If the sore is stubborn, the patient may be kept on these drugs for a longer duration.

After the Initial treatment, you need to work with your doctor in order to determine the best suited anti-viral therapy. Two possible options are stated below:

• Intermittent Treatment: Your doctor will always recommend certain drugs that you need to keep with you. These will definitely be antiviral and will be of great aid when there is a sudden outbreak of herpes. The recommended pills can be taken for 2 to 5 days after noticing the sore or when you are expecting a flare up. These sores usually heal themselves and disappear after a few days, but treatment can help with symptoms.

• Suppressive Treatment: If you tend to have frequent herpes outbreaks, you might have to take antiviral drugs on a regular basis. Doctors call this suppressive therapy. For people having six outbreaks or more in a year, suppressive therapy can reduce the problem by 70 to 80 percent.

Suppressive therapy reduces the risk of virus transmission between sex partners. The antiviral drugs lessen the viral shedding. This is when these viruses replicates themselves on the surface of the skin. Recent studies show that regular doses of antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir can help in protecting sex partners against infections. Nevertheless, condoms are a must.

These drugs are said to have mild after effects, but most health experts agree that these drugs are safe for long term use. Acyclovir is probably the oldest and the safest of all the herpes drugs.

People who are undergoing suppressive therapy for extended periods should see their doctor once a year to decide on a future course of action.