Genital herpes does not have a definitive cure, but it is possible to control symptoms through the use of antivirals, such as acyclovir and valacyclovir, which help control symptoms and reduce the frequency with which they appear.
It is still not possible to cure genital herpes definitively because the virus lodges in the nerve endings, a place where no medicine can reach, but despite this, antiviral medicines are able to reduce the replication of the virus, which leads to a decrease in its time and reduce the chances of transmitting the disease to other people. Understand better what herpes is and how to treat it.
Therefore, whenever a person has herpes sores, they should follow the treatment recommended by their doctor to avoid infecting other people and improve their quality of life, reducing the pain and discomfort that this virus causes.
How to control genital herpes
Treatment for genital herpes is with antivirals such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, which must be prescribed by a doctor. With treatment, the wounds heal and disappear, leading to a reduction in redness, pain and itching in the affected region, in around 7 to 10 days. See more details on the treatment for genital herpes.
During this period, it is recommended to avoid intimate contact and not share a bath towel or underwear with other people in the house to prevent the virus from spreading, contaminating others.
Furthermore, to alleviate discomfort it is possible to take a sitz bath with warm water several times a day and, to make the wounds disappear faster, it is important to strengthen the immune system by consuming more fruits rich in vitamin C. A juice Rich in this vitamin is orange and acerola, which should be consumed 3 times a day. See more about home remedies for genital herpes.
It is also recommended to avoid wearing tight clothing, giving preference to cotton clothing to allow the skin to breathe properly, in addition to avoiding sitting for a long time.
How to prevent genital herpes
To prevent genital herpes, it is important to use female or male condoms during sexual intercourse, especially during the period of symptoms and treatment until the medication regimen has been completed, as medications help reduce the risk of contagion.
See other tips on what can help fight herpes in the following video:
Bibliography
- BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL CANADA. What is Herpes?. Disponível em: <http://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Educational%20Materials/STI/Herpes%20Handout.pdf>. Acesso em 10 out 2022
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. WHO GUIDELINES FOR THE Treatment of Genital Herpes Simplex Virus. 2016. Available at: <https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/250693/9789241549875-eng.pdf>. Accessed on October 10, 2022
