People with Genital Herpes only please.?

Question

I was just recently diagnosed with Herpes and have a few questions for those who have herpes. (1) How do you know when another outbreak is starting to occur and how can you prevent them? (2) How often are you supossed to take Valtrex, just during an outbreak or all the time? And does anyone know of any cheaper medication (3) I just got over my first outbreak but its still extremely itchy down there, is this normal? Any other advice is greatly appreciated, THANK YOU :)

Answer 1

1. About half of the people who have recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes feel an outbreak coming a few hours to a couple of days before it happens. They may feel tingling, burning, itching, numbness, tenderness, or pain where the blisters are going to appear. This is called the prodrome.

2. It depends on what your doctor thinks is best for your situation. Some people take anti viral medication every day, while others just take the medication when they have an outbreak or "feel" an outbreak coming. I personally only take the medication when I have an outbreak. So far, I've been outbreak free for 2+ years (without taking the medication). Remember, the medication only HELPS prevent the spread of the virus and HELPS prevent future outbreaks. It's not a guarantee. A person can STILL spread genital herpes and STILL get outbreaks even if they take the medication everyday.

Valtrex is the most expensive medication. Acyclovir and famciclovir (Famvir) are cheaper than Valtrex. Most insurances will cover the generic for Valtrex (valacyclovir). You'll need to check with your insurance.

3. Once the outbreak heals you may still feel a little itchy, but this should go away a few days after the outbreak is completely healed. If it doesn't you'll want to visit your doctor because there might be something else going on.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I can feel the virus activating because I get very sore skin following the nerve path down the back of one of my legs. I have never had a tingle or an itch though, not since just after my first outbreak. It is normal for it to go on bothering you for a few weeks after the primary outbreak, your body is fighting the virus which is still very active. I got terrible tingling then it felt like insects running across me - uughh.

I don't take valtrex all the time, I do try and take some when I feel an outbreak coming on. This works for me.

As for preventing them... I get them when I'm over tired, ill with flu or a cold, and mostly in winter. I don't think there is much I can do to prevent them rather than sleep and eat well, but they have got better with time. My last one only lasted 24 hours, and I just got lumps rather than blisters. You get all sizes and shapes of outbreaks.

Answer 3

I am sorry you are joining the club. Hopefully, you are dealing with it ok emotionally.

Most people feel a tingle or some sort of physical sensation prior to having an outbreak. The outbreak may or may not actually include lesions. It will take a while for you to get to know how your body will react to it. Once you get used to it, you will be able to tell when to expect an outbreak. You will also get to know your triggers, such as lack of sleep, stress, or too much chocolate!

Many people do take Valtrex the first year to help them learn to deal with the virus emotionally while their body learns to deal with it physically. Since the first year is usually the worst for symptoms and shedding, an antiviral can help. There are generic forms that are much cheaper. You need to take them more often, but if cost is an issue it may be worth it.

Yes!! The itch is the worst isn't it? Just make sure that you do not have a secondary infection going such as a yeast infection or BV. It is common to have that follow an outbreak. If the itching continues, go back to the doctor and make sure!

A couple of great sites for you are

http://www.racoon.com/herpes/index.html

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn.cfm


A must read!
http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook.html

Answer 4

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Answer 5

First outbreak is generally the most severe. Most people I know with genital herpes, including myself, feel a tingling nerve in the general location of the original outbreak as many as five days before the blister. Take the Valtrex as recommended by the doctor (I think it's an every day thing). Many people, myself included, take no medication for this condition at all--it is really more of a nuisance with two exceptions: you can pass it on, even if you're symptom-free (personal responsibility!), and if a mother is giving birth with an active outbreak, it can cause blindness for the baby.
Yes, it is normal for the itchiness to persist for awhile. So, first, clean the area and dry it well. Then, my home remedy is to use something with benzocaine (a numbing agent) on the itchy spot. Anything from Lanacane to Anbesol (a teething remedy) to Orajel (another mouth sore remedy). Basically, find an anti-itch with the most amount of benzocaine in it 10% is the OTC limit. You might want to try a combo lotion with benzocaine and cortisone in it, because the cortisone will reduce the inflammation.
To reduce further outbreaks, reduce your stress levels. My ob/gyn told me in the early 90's when I contracted it from someone who didn't tell me about his little blister friend who visited him now and again that something like 80% of sexually active people have herpes. By the way, we were both tested, and we both tested negative! I was diagnosed by on-site inspection. Make sure you tell your partner(s)...if you're unwilling to do that, make sure you use a condom!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

1. There is not sure fire way to tell when one is coming. Normally there is tingling or itching. It is different for everyone. 2. Each medication is different. I personally take Acyclovir. I take it for preventative measures twice a day and is is only 30 bucks and that is without insurance. There are a few others but this brand is easier on the pocket than Valtrex. 3. Yes it is normal to still be itchy. That will subdue soon. Another little tid bit is that some people only have one out break and that's it. Good luck