★★★☆☆
Anyway.....I was put on Valtrex immediately upon my diagnosis. They always say your first outbreak is your worst....well the one I'm currently on is a close second. We both have had small outbreaks over the last year we've been together; we thought that one was free and outbreak free, passed it on to the other. It's been a pretty crappy cycle. I stopped taking the Valtrex (and it's generic) for not only how ungodly expensive it is, but because the side effects are terrible. I know that I will be one of the people that will say we both don't want to be on a pill for the rest of our lives.
I have tried coconut oil to the affected areas, no luck. I have tried rubbing alcohol (holy hell the burning was terrible), and peroxide. I have also tried Lysine (not since I've been diagnosed with GH). I plan on trying the Lysine and Bach remedies for sure.
I have changed my diet, I get daily exercise, and I try to stay away from as many sick people as possible. Having GH means that we ALL have an auto - immune disorder, we stay sicker longer and when when we're sick....we get outbreaks. I have also noticed that simply changing your body wash, is also a huge difference too. I used to use body wash; but after having back to back outbreaks, I have been using Dial antibacterial bar soap during my showers. And that alone has helped my outbreaks. Females have more outbreaks than males. So we have to kill as much bacteria down there as possible.
I also have psoriasis, which is genetic and another autoimmune disorder. Many women suffer from endometriosis, and if you're one of those unlucky women like me...nothing has worked. I have noticed that when my hormones are off, I have an outbreak. This last one was because of my Lupron shot, I'm having a forced menopause at 26 because my "monthly visitor" has became so excruciating painful...that I'm on a shot to kill the cells in my ovaries.
Since I have been on this last outbreak for the past 2 almost 3 weeks, I am using witch hazel. Specifically the Tuck's (or walmart brand) Hemorrhoidal Pads when I go to the bathroom. The witch hazel has helped shrink the lesions, and will eventually dry up. Since I have been using the wipe pads the last 4 days, I can now use the ladies room in peace! No burning or itching! The last 4 days, I have noticed less itching, hardly any burning or itching, and the sores are going away. The pads have witch hazel, and a hemmroidal astringent in it. So there is some type of cooling sensation, and some numbing. I'm not saying it's a cure, but witch hazel does help with the sores and bathroom usage. I got the equate pads at walmart. 200 pads for $7.
After reading some of the awesome suggestions on here, I plan on trying the Bach Flower remedy soon for the both of us.
Also, you can spread it from your genitals to your butt crack (and sometimes inside) if you use the same wipe, piece of toilet paper, etc. Be careful with your hand washing and cuts. Herpes isn't just a virus, it's in your bloodstream. Don't share toothbrushes, razors, shower loofahs, towels.
Hope this all helps!
