Genital herpes is the most common viral disease worldwide. Pathological changes are observed on the genitals. In men, the head of the penis and scrotum are affected, in women - the labia majora and minora, vagina, and cervix. Sometimes the rashes are localized in other parts of the body (buttocks, pubis, thighs, anus).
For herpes infection, it is necessary to use complex therapy aimed at stopping the reproduction of the virus, relieving pain, accelerating wound healing and increasing the body's immune resistance. For this purpose, various balms, gels and ointments for herpes are prescribed.
Genital herpes is the most common viral disease worldwide.
Rules for choosing medications for genital herpes
The choice of drugs for the treatment of genital herpes depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's health status. The main effect is achieved through tablets for genital herpes; other types of medications are used additionally.
- Antiviral drugs are the main treatment for genital herpes. In advanced stages, a complex of antiviral drugs is used.
- External means. They are used to consolidate the effect of the tablets, as well as to relieve and soften unpleasant sensations. These are suppositories, capsules, creams and ointments.
- Immunostimulants. Their purpose is to activate the body's defenses. Used to prevent relapses during remissions. It is especially recommended to use immunostimulants for people with chronic diseases - HIV, diabetes.
- Solutions for injections. Potent drugs are administered by injection in severe stages and during exacerbations of diseases. The herpes vaccine is also used.
- Means for prevention. These are antiseptics. Designed to prevent infection.
Vitamin complexes and tranquilizers are prescribed as concomitant medications for genital herpes. In case of fever and severe consequences, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic medications are prescribed.
The use of tablets for expectant mothers is contraindicated, with the exception of cases where there is a threat to the life of the fetus or patient.
How to prevent primary infection?
Prevention of genital herpes consists of following simple rules:
- use of barrier contraception, in this case condoms; the protection method does not provide a 100% guarantee, which is due to the ability of the pathogen to penetrate through mucous membranes and skin, especially in the presence of microdamages
- treatment with antiseptics (Miramistin and analogues) of parts of the body that have been in contact with a possible source of the virus; The effectiveness of this technique has not been confirmed
- increasing the body’s immune properties (healthy and nutritious diet, proper sleep, taking vitamin complexes, piercing, daily walks in the fresh air)
- daily intimate hygiene
- timely contact with a gynecologist, urologist or venereologist for diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the genital organs
- taking acyclovir in pregnant women before planned vaginal delivery
Antiviral medications for herpes in intimate areas
List of basic medications for herpes on intimate places. Tablets are taken in a short course (10 days) and a long course (30-60 days). A course of up to 10 days is standard; if the result is unsatisfactory, the treatment is extended. Long-term therapy is used for relapse and severe disease. These are chemicals that inhibit the action of pathogens:
"Acyclovir" - this drug has earned a reputation as the best remedy for genital herpes; it is prescribed first. The active substance destroys the synthesis of viruses. Available in tablets and capsules (high concentration injections, used in later stages). Dosage and frequency of administration for adults and children over 2 years old - 3-5 times a day, half a tablet, for children - a quarter.
"Valacyclovir." The active element is transformed into acyclovir under the action of liver enzymes. Dosage for adults – from half to 4 tablets per day.
Famciclovir. An effective remedy with a wide spectrum of action. It is used both during remissions and for prevention. Dosage – 250 mg tablets three times a day (primary manifestation), 125 mg tablets twice a day (relapse).
Taking pills for genital herpes is combined with the use of external agents.
Why treatment should be entrusted to a specialist
It is not worth treating the genital form of herpes on your own, since this disease is characterized by a recurrent course and can reduce the quality of life for many years.
There are no remedies that would completely get rid of this virus . It remains in the human body forever. But the use of properly selected drugs will reduce the likelihood of complications and prevent possible relapses.
To select effective remedies, the patient's condition is assessed. If it is satisfactory, local treatment and oral administration of certain medications are prescribed. In severe cases, intravenous administration of antiviral drugs is indicated to normalize the patient’s well-being in the shortest possible time.
Self-treatment of the disease is also unacceptable for the reason that its manifestations can be confused with other dangerous pathologies. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe appropriate tests to determine the nature of the origin of the rash.
Ointments and suppositories for genital herpes
Topical agents act in a targeted manner, affecting the infection in a specific area. List of the most effective medications for external use for genital herpes.
Ointments and creams
Medicines in this form of release prevent the appearance of rashes in intimate areas. The composition differs in the content of active ingredients.
Containing acyclovir: “Acyclovir” (in various variations), “Zovirax”, “Ciclovir”, “Citivir”, “Supraviran”, “Virolex”, “Gervirax”, “Gerpferon”.
Plant-based remedies for herpes in the intimate area:
- "Panavir" - based on potato shoot extract.
- “Alpizarin ointment” is an extract of mango leaves.
- "Helepin" is based on Desmodium canada.
- "Myrtoplex" - essence of the myrtle tree.
Herbal medicines have almost no side effects, but are less active in fighting the herpes virus.
Other ointments and gels:
- Oxolinic ointment is indicated for use by children and pregnant women; it practically does not cause irritation.
- “Devirs” is a new effective remedy that copes with those strains of the virus against which acyclovir is powerless; active substance ─ ribavirin.
- "Fenistil Pencivir" - based on penciclovir; does not accumulate in the body, is approved for use by expectant and nursing mothers (under medical supervision).
- “Viru-Merz Serol” is quickly absorbed, resistance to the drug does not develop; active element ─ tromantadine.
- "Levomekol" - used when the rash is accompanied by suppuration.
- Zinc ointment - draws liquid from bubbles; safe, low toxicity.
- “Viferon” - contains interferon and tocopherol ─ the latter multiplies the antiviral effect of the former; can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Apply to the affected area 3-5 times a day for 10 days.
Candles
Suppositories are rectal and urogenital preparations for the treatment of herpes. They can be used either independently or in combination with other medications. Significantly increase the effectiveness of therapy.
They do not have side effects from the digestive system and pronounced allergic reactions. Can be used during pregnancy.
Divided into 3 types:
- Antiseptics. These are broad-spectrum medications. Prevents the spread of herpetic infection along the mucous surface. These include betadine suppositories containing iodine and hexicon.
- Suppositories containing interferon. As a rule, they are all included in a line of drugs for different uses - rectal, oral, vaginal. These are “Genferon”, “Viferon”, “Kipferon”. The combined use of two similar drugs (suppositories and tablets) is not recommended to avoid overdose. The drug "Laferobion" also contains interferon.
- Immunostimulants. They increase immunity and are used to prevent relapses. This is polyoxidonium, imunofan.
Also, the use depends on the severity of the ongoing pathology:
- in acute form, Panavir is prescribed;
- in case of relapse - "Genferon" and "Kalavit";
- for primary – “Viferon” and “Betadine”.
External use relieves burning and itching, promotes rapid healing of marks from ulcers and blisters, and greatly increases the antiviral and immunological effect of oral medications.
Administration – 1-2 suppositories throughout the day.
Immunostimulants for genital herpes
The list of drugs for genital herpes that stimulate the immune system is quite extensive. These include drugs containing interferon.
Interferons are protein compounds produced by the human body. They resist the action of harmful pathogens. Drugs containing these elements are produced through genetic engineering.
Interferons are often used externally and by injection. Stimulators of interferon production are classified as antiviral and immunostimulating agents.
Immunostimulating drugs are also prescribed during treatment, but more often tablets for herpes in the intimate area are prescribed during the period of remission to prevent relapse. List of tablets for genital herpes that correct the body's immune defense.
Preparations containing interferon
- “Amiksin” is prescribed at any stage of the disease, prevents the appearance of new lesions affected by the genital herpes virus, and reduces immunosuppression.
- "Neovir" has a wide spectrum of action, fights many infections, which makes the body less vulnerable to disease.
- Kagocel is also a broad-spectrum drug; adverse reactions are rare.
- "Ridostin" - capsules for herpes in intimate places, administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously.
- “Cycloferon” is acceptable for use in patients with immune deficiency (HIV, long-term use of antibiotics).
Other medicines
- "Galavit" - eliminates symptoms of intoxication, reduces pain, swelling and inflammation, has an antifungal effect, which prevents the spread of attached secondary pathogens.
- "Imudon" also carries out detoxification.
- "Timalin" - when used, leukocytes and red blood cells are formed faster.
The course of treatment is usually up to 10 days.
Means for prevention
These include sprays, solutions, and gels for personal hygiene with an antiseptic effect. They are used to treat the mucous surface after sexual contact with a possibly infected partner (even if personal protective equipment was used), and for daily washing of the intimate area.
- "Miramistin", solution. Apply with a tampon for 2 minutes, do not urinate for an hour. For women, it is injected into the urethra and vagina using a nebulizer.
- "Betadine", solution. The application is similar.
- "Panavir", spray. Used in conjunction with condom.
This is the most comprehensive list of drugs used for the medical treatment of genital herpes. Despite the fact that no medicine for herpes in intimate places can completely cure the disease, the drugs that exist today significantly alleviate its manifestations, prevent the transition of herpes to a more severe form, fight secondary infections, increase protection - which has an overall positive effect on the patient's quality of life.
Indications for use
To block the replication of the herpes virus, it is recommended to apply the ointment before the first signs of the disease appear. This will help shorten the course of therapy. If blisters form on the genitals, an effective ointment can stop this process. The following symptoms are typical for herpesvirus on the genitals:
- severe itching in the urogenital area;
- swelling of the external genitalia;
- formation of ulcers;
- hyperemia of the skin and mucous membranes;
- hypertrophy of regional lymph nodes;
- when palpating the lymph nodes, pain occurs;
- sometimes a febrile state is observed.
Indications for the use of antiviral drugs may include:
- primary infection with genital herpes with the manifestation of symptoms;
- atypical course of pathology;
- frequent relapses;
- shingles;
- risk of infecting other people;
- labial herpes;
- chicken pox.
To achieve maximum therapeutic results, it is also recommended to take antibacterial, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory ointments.
To achieve maximum therapeutic results, it is also recommended to take antibacterial, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory ointments. The key task of these drugs is to reduce inflammatory reactions in problem areas, accelerate the regeneration of skin and mucous membranes, and prevent secondary infection of wounds. Before starting therapy for vaginal herpes, you must go to the clinic and make an appointment with a specialist.
