How is genital herpes treated?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which results in painful lesions in the genital area. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the frequency of outbreaks.

Key insights from the research papers on the treatment of genital herpes include:

Oral antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are effective in reducing the risk of clinical recurrences of genital herpes compared to placebo.
These antiviral drugs can be used in both episodic treatment, which is initiated at the onset of symptoms, and suppressive therapy, which is taken continuously to reduce the frequency of outbreaks .
Single-day patient-initiated episodic treatment with famciclovir has been shown to decrease healing time and the duration of symptoms, potentially offering a more convenient option for patients.
Immunomodulatory treatments, such as imiquimod and resiquimod, are being explored as alternative treatment strategies to stimulate the immune system against HSV infection.
For initial episodes of genital herpes, oral acyclovir has been found to reduce the duration of symptoms, although the evidence for topical antivirals in this context is less clear.
While acyclovir has been the standard treatment, newer drugs like valaciclovir and famciclovir offer improved convenience and similar efficacy .
Photodynamic inactivation using methylene blue and light exposure has been investigated, showing temporary eradication of lesions in some cases, but it does not prevent or significantly reduce relapses.

In conclusion, the primary treatment for genital herpes involves the use of oral antiviral medications, which have been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Newer antiviral drugs offer improved dosing convenience without compromising efficacy. Alternative therapies, including immunomodulators and photodynamic inactivation, are under investigation, but their roles in the standard treatment regimen require further research.

How is genital herpes treated?

Summary

Sources and full results

Oral antiviral therapy for prevention of genital herpes outbreaks in immunocompetent and nonpregnant patients.

Acyclovir is the most effective and safe oral antiviral drug for suppressing genital herpes outbreaks in non-pregnant patients, while famciclovir and valacyclovir show similar effectiveness and safety.

Treatment to prevent recurrent genital herpes

Valaciclovir 500mg twice daily is effective and safe for preventing recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients, but no effective vaccine is currently available.

New therapies and prevention strategies for genital herpes.

Newer antiviral agents like valacyclovir and famciclovir effectively treat genital herpes, while prevention strategies for sexual and perinatal transmission of HSV require further research.

New treatments for genital herpes

New treatments for genital herpes include oral prodrugs, immunomodulators, and vaccines, with potential for expanding therapeutic possibilities and addressing emerging resistance issues.

Single-Day Therapy for Recurrent Genital Herpes

Single-day famciclovir treatment for genital herpes reduces healing time, pain, and symptom duration, potentially improving patient adherence and outbreak management.

Immunomodulation as a treatment strategy for genital herpes: review of the evidence.

Resiquimod shows early promise as a new treatment option for genital herpes, potentially developing long-lasting protection against recurrences by enhancing HSV-specific cell-mediated immunity.

Interventions for men and women with their first episode of genital herpes.

Oral acyclovir may reduce the duration of symptoms in individuals experiencing their first episode of genital herpes, but more high-quality evidence is needed.

Current Recommendations for the Treatment of Genital Herpes

Current treatment options for genital herpes include aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir, with newer nucleoside analogues offering convenience and efficacy, but better suppressive options and topical treatments are needed for prevention and control.

New treatments for genital herpes.

New treatments for genital herpes are needed to extend therapeutic possibilities and address emerging resistant viruses, including antiviral chemotherapy, immunomodulators, and vaccines.

GENITAL HERPES: TREATMENT WITH METHYLENE BLUE AND LIGHT EXPOSURE

Methylene blue and light exposure can temporarily eradicate genital herpes in 70% of cases, but relapses are not prevented or significantly reduced.

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