After a person becomes infected, they will experience periods with no symptoms and periods with symptoms (outbreaks) throughout their lifetime. Some people may not have recurrent symptoms or outbreaks. Genital herpes is incurable, but there are many treatment options available to help manage outbreaks.
This article discusses the various types of treatments available for people with genital herpes.
Genital Herpes Treatment
There are several different forms of treatment people can explore after being diagnosed with genital herpes. They include:
Home Remedies
Home remedies for genital herpes are designed to help manage the symptoms during an outbreak. However, they will not treat the outbreak itself. Some possible home remedies that can make an outbreak easier to cope with include:
Taking a warm bath Taking extra care when washing the sores and use fragrance-free soaps Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), or Aspirin as a way to combat pain Using a cool compress on the sores a few times a day Wearing loose-fitting underwear and pants during outbreaks to avoid further irritation
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle factors play into contracting herpes, and they can also be used to help manage the disease. One of the most important lifestyle changes to implement is practicing safer sex.
You can still be sexually active as long as you take the proper precautions, such as wearing a condom during sexual activities and avoiding sexual contact during an outbreak. Even though a person may not have symptoms, they can still spread genital herpes.
Your diet may also play a role in outbreaks. Eating a healthy diet full of whole foods is a good way to reduce the frequency of genital herpes symptoms.
Foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources are thought to boost the immune system, which may contribute to a reduced frequency of outbreaks.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help reduce how often a person experiences genital herpes symptoms. One such supplement is L-lysine, which is a type of amino acid that the body uses to help build protein. Research has found that the supplement, in high doses of over 3 grams daily, can reduce how often a person experience symptoms.
FatigueIrritation to the genital areaInjuriesEmotional or physical stressMenstruation
Zinc can either reduce the number of outbreaks a person experiences or help with symptoms during an outbreak.
Medications
Antiviral medications are the first-choice form of treatment for people with genital herpes. They are used to reduce symptoms as well as the duration and frequency of outbreaks.
The first line antiviral chosen to treat genital herpes is the antiviral medication Acyclovir. It is typically given orally, but in more mild cases, it can be used directly on the skin as a lotion or cream. Other antivirals that may be used include valacyclovir and famciclovir.
The type you are given will depend on your specific case in terms of how severe it is and how well you tolerate the medication.
What Not to Do If You Have Herpes
You should avoid doing certain things when you have genital herpes because they can make managing it that much more difficult. Things to avoid include:
Bandaging the soresPicking at the soresUsing lotions on the area that have not been approved by your healthcare providerEngaging in any kind of sexual contact during an outbreakSharing drinks or utensils during an outbreakTouching your face, eyes, or other areas of the body after touching sores as the infection can spread
Summary
Genital herpes can cause painful, blister-like sores in the genital area. When a person is diagnosed with the infection, they will have to treat and cope with it for life. There are many available treatments designed to relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks.
Avoiding sexual contact when you have an outbreakAlways wearing condomsAvoiding sharing drinks, food, or anything else that can pass saliva with others during non-sexual contactBe honest with your partner(s) about your herpes status prior to engaging in sexual activity
The mainstay treatment for genital herpes is antiviral medications, but utilizing at-home remedies, natural treatments, and lifestyle changes such as supplementation and healthy eating can all go a long way when managing genital herpes infection.
A Word From Verywell
There is a stigma attached to genital herpes and for many people with the infection, struggling with feelings of shame can be a constant battle. The important thing to remember if you have been diagnosed with genital herpes is that the viral infection is incredibly common and highly treatable.
Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do before, during, and after an outbreak will ensure that you don’t transmit the virus to others and manage your symptoms when outbreaks occur. In addition, if you practice ongoing treatment and follow guidelines, genital herpes is much easier to cope with.
