GENITAL HERPES - MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES

Causes

The agent responsible for genital herpetic infection is Herpes simplex type I or II: this virus attacks humans - the only possible source of contagion - for direct human beings, therefore it is easily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Infection is favored by: decreased immune defenses, infectious diseases, stress and hormonal changes.

In women, Herpes simplex virus infection is the most common cause of genital tract disorders.

Symptoms

Among the symptoms most frequently associated with genital herpes, the appearance of whitish bubbles or blisters on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area stands out; ulcerations can also infect the inside of the vagina, the uterine cervix, the urethra (male and female). , and in turn become responsible for an enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.

Medicines

More than drugs against genital herpes, it would be correct to talk about pharmacological substances useful for relieving the symptomatological picture and decreasing the risk of relapsing forms: there is no definitive cure against genital herpes.
In order to avoid worsening of symptoms, it is good to intervene promptly with topical drugs (eg creams), or oral:

Aciclovir (eg. Aciclovir, Xerese, Zovirax): being an inhibitor of the DNA synthesis of herpetic viruses, aciclovir is indicated in the treatment of Herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes (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.

Famciclovir (eg Famvir) available in the form of tablets: take orally 250 mg (1 tablet) three times a day for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days. In case of relapsing forms of genital herpes, it is recommended to take 1 g twice a day on the first day when symptoms occur; alternatively, take one 125 mg tablet orally twice a day for 5 days. The active ingredient Famciclovir should be taken on the same day as the very first prodromes: the effect is not guaranteed when you wait more than 6 hours before starting the treatment.

Valaciclovir (eg. Talavir, Valtrex, 500 mg or 1000 mg): in case of first episode of genital herpes, take one tablet (1 g) daily for a period ranging from 7 to 10 days, as established by the doctor. The drug is not effective when delayed beyond 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. In case of genital herpes relapsing, it is recommended to take one 500 mg tablet of Valaciclovir twice a day for 3 days. In this case, the therapy is in vain if the drug is taken 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.

The drugs just described - Aciclovir, Famciclovir and Valaciclovir - are particularly effective orally: they exert their effect by promoting desquamation and subsequent healing of the lesions, relieving painful symptoms.
When genital herpes recurs, recurring more than 8 times during the course of the year, it is advisable to undertake a prolonged therapeutic course (800 mg of acyclovir for 6 months-1 year), and a specialist visit is recommended.