Genital Herpes - Types and Treatments

Genital herpes, commonly known as herpes, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This viral infection has no treatment, but with potent antiviral treatment, its symptoms can be lessened and kept under tolerable limits. Valtrex and Famvir are among the 2 most prescribed medicines for the treatment of both male genital herpes and female genital herpes. These 2 drugs can delay the outbreaks of symptoms and can also prevent herpes transmission between sexually active partners. The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes, cold sores, herpes zoster (shingles) and chicken pox.

Herpes simplex virus

The herpes simplex virus can be spread through any form of person-to-person contact - be it sexual or asexual. But transmission of the virus occurs mostly during sexual contacts. But if a person has an active outbreak of herpes, the infection can be transmitted through mere skin contact with the infected area. The virus usually enters the body through small openings in the skin. The herpes virus cannot stay alive for too long outside the body. But once it's inside your body, it is invincible and cannot be killed or eliminated. This is why Valtrex and Famvir are the most sought after herpes treatments. Let's find out more.

Valtrex for herpes treatment

Genital herpes can be very painful when you experience the symptoms. Even when you had suffered from an active herpes outbreak earlier but seem to be out of danger now, the virus can spring back to life anytime and give you those painful blisters and itches. So getting quick relief from an active outbreak of herpes is just as important as reducing the risk of potential future outbreaks. Valtrex is the medicine you can trust for both. This medicine is also used for the treatment of cold sores in children under 12 years and chickenpox in children over 2 years. Valtrex is also recommended for the treatment of herpes zoster in adults.

How does Valtrex work?

Valtrex contains valacyclovir as the active ingredient. Once it goes inside the body, it changes to aciclovir and prevents the action of DNA polymerase, a viral enzyme. The entire process prevents the herpes simplex virus from replicating and infecting the healthy cells.

Famvir for herpes treatment

When it comes to treatment of HSV-borne diseases, you have another choice. Famvir, along with Valtrex, is one of the two most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of herpes zoster or shingles. Clinical trials have shown that this medicine can give you fast relief from the symptoms of shingles. It is also used for the treatment of genital herpes and cold sores. It is the only medicine which can stop or lessen the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks with just a single day of treatment.

How does Famvir work?

Famvir contains famciclovir as its active ingredient. It changes to penciclovir on entering your body. Penciclovir prevents the replication of the affected cells and in doing so, stops the herpes virus from infecting the healthy cells.