Herpes:
A New Look at an Irritating
Condition
by Tamar
Love
Dateline: 12/4/2000
The bad news: herpes is still
forever. The good news: new treatments have made this increasingly
common viral condition easier to manage.
If you have herpes simplex virus (HSV), you’re not alone: one
in six Americans also has it. While there’s no way to get rid of
herpes, there are things you can do to relieve the discomfort
experienced during an outbreak, reduce the duration of your
symptoms, prevent spread of the virus to other parts of your body,
and even reduce the frequency of outbreaks.
Medical
Therapies
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several
anti-viral medications that can disrupt the virus’ ability to
reproduce, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of herpes
outbreaks.
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Acyclovir (Zovirax®) has been used for over 10
years and is now available in generic form in capsules or tablets;
Zovirax is also available in a topical cream, but isn’t recommended
for genital herpes. Due to low absorption rates, Zovirax must be
taken in small doses several times a day for five to seven days
during an outbreak. Side effects are rare, but can include nausea or
vomiting, upper abdominal pain, headaches or exanthema.
·
Valacyclovir (Valtrex®) uses acyclovir as its
active ingredient, but is absorbed better and can be taken less
often than Zovirax: twice a day for five days during an outbreak.
Valtrex is available in capsules or tablets. The most common side effects
are headache and nausea. Valtrex is intended for adults with
normal immune systems; if you have advanced HIV disease, or a bone
marrow or kidney transplant, make sure to tell your
doctor.
·
Famciclovir (Famvir®) is similar to
acyclovir, but like Valtrex, it is better absorbed and can be taken
less often. Famvir is available in capsules or tablets, as well as a
topical cream, which isn’t recommended for genital herpes. Side
effects can include headaches and nausea. Famvir has been shown to
be effective for herpes patients with HIV.
Remember that medical therapies do not prevent the spread of
herpes to others. For effective prevention, always use condoms with
a spermicidal agent containing nonoxynol-9, and avoid sexual contact
during an outbreak.
Episodic
Therapy
Many people choose to take medication only during an
outbreak, a practice known as episodic therapy. At the first
sign of an outbreak (itching, tingling or the appearance of
blisters), your doctor can prescribe one of the three available
medical therapies. The medication will help speed healing of the
blisters, reduce the symptoms and prevent spread of the virus to
other parts of the body. After the first outbreak, it is a good idea
to have a filled prescription on hand so you can begin taking your
medication immediately.
Many people don’t experience recurrence of symptoms after the
initial outbreak, or they have a very low incidence of outbreaks. If
this is the case, episodic therapy may be a good choice of
treatment.
Suppressive Therapy
Suppressive
therapy involves taking one of the three
medications daily as a preventative measure. Many people practicing
suppressive therapy have experienced reduced symptoms and less
frequent outbreaks—or the abatement of outbreaks altogether. Another
key benefit of suppressive therapy is its reduction of asymptomatic
shedding, which can cause spread of the virus to others, even when
HSV+ people aren’t experiencing symptoms.
Be aware that suppressive therapy isn’t a proven preventative
remedy for herpes. While studies have shown suppressive therapy to
be effective for periods of up to six months, there is no data on
the safety or effectiveness of suppressive therapy longer than one
year. Continued daily doses of medication can reduce the
effectiveness of future episodic therapy. Scientists are still
determining whether ongoing antiviral medication can help prevent
transmission of HSV to others.
Suppressive therapy might be a good alternative for people
with frequent or severe outbreaks. Because of their high absorption
rates, Valtrex and Famvir are good choices for suppressive therapy.
Consult your doctor to determine which medication is right for
you.
Alternative Therapies
While medical therapies can give patients more options for
recovery and a sense of control over their bodies, many HSV+ people
choose not to take medication at all, but instead prefer a more
holistic approach.
Take
Care of Yourself
Your body needs extra resources when your immune system is
hard at work. Stay in good health: get plenty of rest, exercise
regularly and eat balanced meals. Avoid coffee and foods rich in
arginine (an amino acid)
such as chocolate, soybeans and peanuts.
Practice cleanliness. Always keep affected areas clean and
dry. Change your underwear daily and wash bath towels frequently
Warm baths can alleviate stress and reduce symptoms of HSV; however,
because herpes is so easily spread, baths are not advisable during
outbreaks.
Hydrocortisone creams can actually make matters worse. Avoid
applying them, and any other creams or skin products, to affected
areas.
Manage
Stress
Most doctors believe stress can cause repeated herpes
outbreaks. In addition to the common-sense suggestions above, find
effective ways to manage your stress. Meditation, yoga and journal
writing are all good ways for dealing with regular daily stress. See
a therapist for any major problems.
Natural
Remedies
Dietary supplements and herbal extracts, including lysine,
can be extremely helpful in treating and preventing herpes
outbreaks. However, keep in mind that these products have not been
medically proven to affect HSV. Before taking any natural remedies,
consult your physician.
Herpes
& Pregnancy
It has long been believed that pregnant women with genital
herpes should have a caesarian section to avoid transmitting herpes
to their babies. An infant with herpes can experience eye or throat
infections, damage to the central nervous system, mental retardation
or death.
However, doctors are now advocating natural birth for most
HSV+ women, provided they have had herpes long enough to have built
up some immunity to the virus and are not actively experiencing
symptoms at the time of birth. The spread of herpes to newborn
infants is rare, and less than .01% of babies get neonatal herpes.
In fact, most mothers with a history of herpes have normal vaginal
deliveries.
Stay
Tuned…
It may sound like a cliché, but scientists are making great
strides toward finding a way to permanently manage herpes. In the
last few years alone, suppressive therapy has gone from a theory to
a reality for many HSV+ people, and researchers report they are
close to finding a vaccine. While it may not be possible to cure
herpes altogether, a real solution for prevention should be
available soon. Communicate with your doctor on a regular basis, and
stay informed.
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