Herpes Simplex 2 (hsv2) is commonly known as Genital Herpes. It is a sexually transmitted disease that presents as blisters and open sores in the genital area. It is a viral condition; an outbreak often coincides with a weakened immune system. Let’s understand.

When Herpes is mentioned, one has to differentiate between:

hsv1 (Herpes Simplex 1), which is Oral Herpes.
hsv2 (Herpes Simplex 2), which is Genital Herpes.
Herpes Zoster, which is Shingles. (Click here to learn more on TCM for Shingles.)

These three viral conditions present differently, and the thing that ties them together is that a flare usually happens when the immune system is compromised.

Oral vs. Genital Herpes Sores and Blisters

It is important to gather more information to get the right treatment. Let’s dig a little deeper into Oral vs Genital Herpes Treatment

Herpes simplex viruses can be categorized into two types: HSV 1 is oral herpes while HSV 2 is genital herpes. When herpes simplex flares up in a person who is already infected, it typically appear as a blistered area around affected areas. These affected areas are usually the mouth/lips (oral herpes aka cold sores) and the genitals/rectum (genital herpes). When the blisters break, it leaves tender sores in a person.

If you already have the HSV virus, outbreaks usually come about because the immune system is compromised, e.g. during a time of physical or emotional stress, secondary to an illness, during the menses, or when using immuno-suppressant drugs. Both HSV 1 and 2 can spread even if the sore are not noticeable. Diagnosis can be done with lab tests (DNA or PCR tests) and virus cultures.

Rapid herpes testing can be done at specialist locations like the National Skin Centre. Alternatively, there are many smaller clinics which offer this test along with tests for STDs. The typical approach to genital herpes sores treatment would be daily use of antivirals to prevent flares or to shorten the duration of the outbreak.

Early Body Symptoms in Women

Typically, the first epidemic is the most severe. Blisters can be exceedingly uncomfortable or painful, and lesions can form in various locations around the genital area.

However, each subsequent epidemic is usually less severe. The discomfort or itching will be less extreme, the sores will heal faster, and you will likely not have the same flu-like symptoms as during the initial epidemic.

Now, there are other early symptoms beyond sores and blisters during the first outbreak. These symptoms are similar to when you get infected with the flu virus:

Headaches
Exhaustion
body pains
chills
fever
lymph node swelling in the groin, arms, or throat

What to Expect?

You may detect some small, hard red or white pimples that are irregular or jagged in appearance. It may appear as a slight irritation or tingling around your vaginal opening, but may spread as far as the butt and upper thighs.

These lumps may be irritating or unpleasant as well. Scratching them causes them to open up and leak a white, hazy substance. This can result in painful ulcers that are aggravated by clothes or other objects that come into touch with your skin.

These herpes blisters on the body can appear anywhere in the genitals and related regions, including:

vulva
the vaginal opening
cervix
butt
the upper thighs
anus
urethra

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Herpes at-home remedies are used to alleviate discomfort. They do not affect the course of the virus but might make you more comfortable as the herpes sores heal.

If you have an outbreak of oral or genital Herpes, you can take the following steps:

Apply a cold compress: To relieve discomfort, apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the sores for 15 minutes daily. To avoid frostbite, keep the ice pack moving.
Do not touch or scratch anything: Avoid rubbing or touching the sores. This might cause the infection to spread to other parts of the skin.
Skin Care: Maintain the cleanliness of the sores. If herpes sores are handled with dirty hands, they might get infected. There is also a chance of inflammation of the hair follicles in the public area. After using the restroom or before administering drugs, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
Reduce your stress: During a herpes outbreak, stress might make you more sensitive to discomfort. Gentle exercises or mind-body treatments such as meditation, yoga, and guided visualization can be helpful for someone suffering from hsv.

Avoid kissing and sharing things that come into touch with saliva, such as drinking straws and eating utensils, to lower the chance of herpes transmission.

It’s vital to remember that oral Herpes may spread to the genitals, and genital Herpes can travel to the mouth. Use condoms and dental dams during oral intercourse to limit the risk of infection. Avoid sex entirely if you have an active herpes outbreak (or suspect one is coming).

Over-the-Counter Medicines

OTC drugs are available to relieve discomfort and hasten healing in someone suffering from from a herpes outbreak. There is even an OTC medicine with antiviral qualities called Abreva (docosanol).

The following over-the-counter drugs are widely used by health clinic to treat genital herpes symptoms:

Topical pain relievers: These numbing drugs are applied to the skin. Lidocaine creams or ointments (such as Aspercreme and Anbesol), camphor and phenol (Campho-Phenique), and benzocaine (Orajel and Carmex Cold Sore) are examples.

Pain medications used orally: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an oral pain reliever that can help with the discomfort of a herpes outbreak. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are sold over-the-counter (OTC) and they can help reduce pain while lowering redness and swelling.

1% hydrocortisone cream: A low-dose topical steroid that helps relieve inflammation, redness, and burning from a herpes outbreak. To treat genital Herpes, hydrocortisone cream is frequently used in conjunction with a prescription antiviral medication.

Abreva 10% docosanol cream: This is the only over-the-counter (OTC) antiviral medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating cold sores. It is a topical cream that should be applied to the skin five times a day at the first symptom of an outbreak (such as tingling, itching, or bumping). According to research, early skin care treatment using it can cut an epidemic’s duration by one to two days. Abreva isn’t authorized to treat genital Herpes.

Lysine ointment: Lysine is an amino acid with antiviral properties, according to some. Quantum Leap Lip Care and Lip Clear Lysine Plus are two lysine-based ointments that can be used to treat sores. The evidence for their usage needs to be more comprehensive.

FemiClear: It is an over-the-counter ointment used to treat genital hsv. It is made from natural substances such as lemongrass and willow bark and promises to eliminate 99.9% of herpes viruses. There is no proof that FemiClear changes the course of herpes infection.

Treatment for Genital Herpes

There is no treatment for genital Herpes. Prescription antiviral tablets can be used to treat the following conditions by your healthcare provider:

Aid in the healing of herpes sores during the initial outbreak
Reduce the frequency of recurring attacks.
In recurring outbreaks, reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Reduce the possibility of transmitting the herpes virus to a partner.

Among the most commonly given medications for genital Herpes are:

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication.
Famciclovir
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication.

Your doctor will advise you on the best course of therapy for you. The severity of the condition, the kind of HSV, your sexual behavior, and other medical variables all influence treatment. The dosage will differ based on whether you are currently experiencing symptoms. Antiviral medicines are regarded as safe for long-term usage.

Genital Herpes Treatment with TCM

Question: What does it mean when we say the condition is treatable?

Answer: You may report fewer outbreaks if you respond well to Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Someone who responds well to treatment may experience fewer attacks — from several strong outbreaks in a month to milder flares at a reduced frequency.

How does TCM treatment work?

Question: How does it work?

Answer: If you believe that herbs can modulate your immune system, then that is the basis for how we approach your condition. The same goes for an acupuncture session, which regulates your body and improves your immune function.

Question: When should I come in for treatment?

Answer: For genital Herpes, you may notice signs of an imminent outbreak (tingly, itching, burning sensation) a few hours or days before. This is a good time to come for a consultation or treatment. Chinese herbs are an excellent intervention, not just for taming an outbreak but also for lengthening the duration between outbreaks.

Question: I hear that Chinese medicine can improve my sexual health. Is that how it treats genital herpes?

Answer: We treat genital Herpes using Chinese medicine mostly from an anti-viral perspective. To maintain your sexual health. for improving fertility or libido, other herbal approaches are used that support hormonal balance and increase circulation in the pelvic area.

TCM treats Viral Infections of the Skin

In addition to Genital Herpes Treatment, TCM excels in other viral infections of the skin:

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Viral Warts
Molluscum Contagiosum

In all the above conditions, the blisters may look similar but differ from those in acne or pompholyx eczema, for example.

A dermatologist can treat these viral infections, BUT if you find that the lesion is not going away or has a recurrence, consider using Chinese medicine, which can be more effective than you might imagine.

Yes, TCM can also be effective for a child with molluscum contagiosum!

As a treatment, you will get a customized herbal formulation you drink daily for a start. It would contain herbs like Isatis, an important anti-inflammatory and antiviral herb.

Another herb we often include is called Radix Lithospermi – it is effective against Herpes as well as Hepatitis B viruses.

Book a consultation with us and provide all patient information if you suffer from Genital Herpes or any of the above viral skin infections!

Conclusion

If you are suffering from Genital Herpes, consider using Chinese herbs as a viable intervention. This is a service we provide because we have seen enough patients benefiting from it.

You will know upon starting treatment if your outbreaks are more spaced out or if the flares are not as severe.

FAQs

What OTC medications are used to treat Herpes?

The first and only over-the-counter antiviral medicine licensed to treat the form of Herpes that causes cold sores is Abreva (docosanol) 10% cream. When used before a blister forms, it can cut the duration of an outbreak down to as little as two and a half days.

Which prescription medications are used to treat Herpes?

Antivirals are used to treat herpes viruses. To treat oral or genital Herpes, these 3 prescription oral antivirals are routinely used:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication.
Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral medication.

What does a herpes sore look like?

A herpes sore looks like a swarm of rapidly growing blisters. Herpes sores resemble a cluster of tiny, rapidly forming herpes blisters that can come together and finally break open, leaking fluid and crusting over.

The rash can take on many appearances depending on where it appears. The usual locations are on the lips, eyes, anus or genitals.

How long does a second herpes outbreak last?

Herpes symptoms often occur about four days after viral contact. This is true for both herpes simplex virus type 1 (hsv1), which is linked with Cold Sores, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (hsv2), associated with Genital Herpes.

The timing of the second herpes outbreak varies from person to person, and the herpes rash can appear anywhere between two and 21 days.

We know that Chinese medicine is able to reduce both the frequency of outbreak and the intensity and duration of outbreak.

Can you get hsv2 if you have hsv1?

People who already have hsv1 are not at risk of reinfection (it remains in the body for life). Unfortunately, these people are still at risk of acquiring hsv2.

Note that oral herpes caused by hsv1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are actually a result of contracting hsv1 from a sexual partner.

What not to do when you have Genital Herpes?

If you have Genital Herpes, but are not experiencing an outbreak, you SHOULD NOT keep this fact from your sexual partner, even though there are no active and visible blisters.

Use of condoms may help reduce the risk of infection but will not eliminate it entirely.

Having herpes blisters or other symptoms increases your chance of transmitting the disease, but having no blisters DOES NOT mean you will not infect the other person!

Does Genital Herpes increase my risk of cancer?

Genital Herpes aka hsv2 is transmitted primarily by sexual contact and has been implicated as a risk factor for cervical cancer.

Do remember that the lesions cause recurrent inflammation and do not reside just at the vaginal opening. Lesions are commonly found on the urethra all the way up into the cervix.

This is important sexual health information for people to know, and the health promotion board then urges sufferers to do what they can to reduce frequency of inflammation and outbreaks.