HERPES SIMPLEX - HERPES SIMPLEX MEDICINES

Causes

Man is the only host of the virus, therefore he represents the only source of contagion: the Herpes simplex virus is transmitted almost exclusively by direct human route, through micro-droplets of saliva (herpes labialis) or by sexual intercourse ( genital herpes). Systemic problems and fever are rarely reported.
Among the predisposing factors for Herpes simplex are mentioned: decreased immune defenses, sunburn, infectious diseases, stress and hormonal variations.

Medicines

It should be noted that there is no drug capable of definitively eradicating the Herpes simplex virus, despite the fact that various pharmacological substances are active against these viruses. The best therapy is to keep the immune system efficient, combining a healthy diet with sport.

Treatment of "Herpes simplex" must always be timely, to avoid worsening of the prodromes:

Aciclovir (eg. Aciclovir, Xerese, Zovirax): being an inhibitor of the DNA synthesis of herpetic viruses, aciclovir is indicated in the treatment of infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by Herpes simplex Labialis (including the relapsing form). Apply the cream (5%) locally 5 times a day for 4 days: therapy must be timely. The active ingredient aciclovir can also be found in the form of 200 mg tablets: take orally one tablet every 4 hours for 10 days (when Herpes occurs for the first time), or one 400 mg tablet three times a day , for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days, according to what is prescribed by the doctor.

Penciclovir (eg. Vectavir, Zilp): apply the cream (1%) on the infected area every two hours (in any case 8 times a day) for 4 days. Also in this case it is recommended to start treatment as soon as possible, preferably during the symptomatic phase.

Idoxuridine (eg Iducher, Idustatin): it is an antiviral drug that acts as an inhibitor of DNA virus replication, therefore it finds application in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections. Apply the product directly on the lesions 4 times a day, for 4 days. In the case of infantile Herpes simplex, the application of Idoxuridine-based products is not recommended, as well as in pregnancy.

The topical application of drugs against Herpes simplex can generate burning, irritation, skin maceration and itching: to avoid unpleasant side effects, apply a moisturizer several times a day.

In the case of the first episode of Herpes simplex, in addition to following a light diet and drinking plenty of fluids, it is possible to apply locally analgesics such as, for example, NSAIDs:

Benzydamine (eg Benzirin): in case of intraoral Herpes simplex, benzydamine-based rinses exert a good topical analgesic action: 5 rinses of 5 ml (one teaspoon) are recommended every two hours and before meals. It is also possible to find the active ingredient benzydamine in the form of a spray for the oral mucosa: in this case, it is advisable to apply 4-8 sprays of the product per day, directly on the area affected by Herpes simplex.