Besides the prescription topicals or oral medications to treat either herpes simplex virus (HSV) or herpes zoster (shingles), there is a plenitude of alternative treatments. One simply needs to search online to unearth the confusion of herbal supplements, organic and botanical topicals, even oxygen therapy, mixed in with traditional over-the-counter medications.
Are Alternative Treatments Safe?
Many people suffering with either HSV or shingles are desperately looking for a cure-all. However, it is precisely this desperation that enables companies to market so many supposed “cures” for diseases that scientists have no cure for. Alternative treatment shoppers should really avoid promises of “cures.” Also, most prescribed and over-the-counter medications are FDA-approved, meaning they have been studied and tested to be relatively safe, other than the attending side effects.
Over-the-Counter Traditional Medications
Besides the antiviral prescription oral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, and the topical prescription creams such as penciclovir, other very effective FDA-approved medications are available in over-the-counter form.
Cold sore and fever-blister sufferers, Type 1 herpes, have a cadre of cold-sore topicals to choose from at the drug store. Docanosol cream is one of the chemicals that makes up some of these more popular products. Docanosol claims to lessen the intensity and length of a cold-sore flare-up if applied regularly. Other ointments containing zinc are sometimes effective in treating genital outbreaks.
For those suffering shingles outbreaks, often the accompanying symptoms of achiness, fever, fatigue, and neural pain, can be abated with the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablets. And for soothing the outbreak, many sources suggest a capsaicin-based cream, purported to ease the itching and burning of the rash.
A physician should always be consulted before taking or applying anything new, especially when taking prescription medications. Many chemicals, even “natural” sources, can cause adverse reactions when paired with certain prescription medications.
Non-Traditional Treatments
The array is endless, really. Someone scouring for a non-traditional treatment method for HSV can arrive at those aimed at nutrition therapies—foods, supplements, teas, and vitamins that regulate the body’s immune system; physical therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, and oxygen therapy; psychological treatments, like hypnosis; and topical treatments that are organic and botanical-based. Patients willing to try any of these non-traditional methods should do extensive research, and ask their physician’s advice, before setting out.
