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Suggest Alternative Treatment For HSV-1 Infection

Posted on Tue, 29 Dec 2015

Question: Hi Doc,

Have been on Herparex 400 and Minolux 100 for now 8 days... this is for HSV1... I have stopped putting all ointments on the follicules in my upper back and shoulder for last 6 days. Hope you recall the previous details of my case.

My folliculitis is now far more in control, no new lesion has come on the upper back and shoulder and the ones that were there seem to be healing (turning brown). However over last couple days have found sporadic two lesions in the centre of my back, have not put any ointment etc to manage them though...

Have some queries for you :
1. How will I know that the medicine I have taken is really working?
2. I was given 10 day course of earlier stated medicines, do I need to continue beyond 10 days?
3. Why are the new lesions in new places of my back appearing - though they are one offs? But they are painful with pus head.
4. Is there any other treatment or checking I need to go through?
5. Hav'nt had my thyroid and BP medicines for last 10 days, as was to start them around the same time as above stated medicines? Is that having an influence on lesions?
6. My consulting doctor in XXXXXXX stated that he cannot support me via emails in case of repeat occurrences. What would be your advice for repeat folliculitis appearances...shall I buy Herparex 400 for 30 days and keep in stock for future? or you have any further advice for me.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your queries are welcome. You will be fine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes I very much remember the conversation. Good to hear your symptoms are resolving.

1. The lesions will start disappearing is the way you will know about the effectiveness of drug.
2. No need to continue the drugs beyond 2 weeks in total. Take for 4 more days.
3.Sometimes new lesions may appear but do not worry. They will subside. Keep observation and do not touch the lesions.
4.No other treatment advised at present. But take neurobion forte tablet daily for 1 month.
5.Start your BP and thyroid drugs.
6. If you get the outbreak again in future then you will have to repeat the same treatment.

Remember to maintain hand hygiene.

Best of Health
Dr Sheetal Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 hours later)

Hi Doc, thanks for your revert. Couple more queries :

On hand hygiene, how often do I need to wash my hands?
Also I still feel something lingering over my tongue and possibly bumps inside of my mouth, maybe I have become too sensitive... so when can I know that have become ok and not shedding HSV1 from my body... what will tell me that I can resume normal physical contact with my family members, they are really becoming fidgety?

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment when outbreak.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Herpes cannot be cured but does have treatment available, you can get help to prevent infection and control the symptoms. Whenever you get outbreak get evaluated. Treatment will prevent infection in partner. Use barrier method for sexual activities. Hand washing to be done 5-6 times with soap and water.

Best of Health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (15 hours later)

Thanks for your response Doc. Still more queries :

1. How do I recognise the outbreak...
2. Also getting evaluation here is difficult... can I get the evaluation done via online consultation with you or have to necessarily visit a doctor physically
3. Also my doctor advised Herparex 400 and Minolux 100 for 10 days only, and am finishing the course today. However I see you suggesting to carry on for 4 more days... but have not carried extra medicine with me. Went to medical store to get the medicine and they suggest VIREST 400 mg in place of herparex 400, is that right alternative medicine to herparex or I need to ask for any other medicine.
4. My big worry is that I don't want to pass on this virus to my family, how can I protect them?

Hi doc, was awaiting your reply to earlier query...

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I apologise for delay in response.
1. If you get outbreak you will get new eruption of vesicular and painful lesions.
2.Physical evaluation you have to visit a doctor.
3.Yes that is a safe alternative.
4.Take adequate treatment and whenever you get outbreak this will ensure safety to your family.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (37 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor

So shall I buy and continue taking virest 400mg for next 4 days from tomorrow... or stop as advised by my doctor who saw me the two weeks back in XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
See detail.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

No only take minolux for 4 days more. As your body is respindt well now stop virest. Do not worry about you will be fine.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (2 days later)

Doc, thanks for your above advice. However Minolux is not locally available and had to stop my course as I got the medicine for 10 days as prescribed by my XXXXXXX doctor who saw me.

I have completed Herparex and Minolux course of 10 days as prescribed by doctor... my lesions have all turned brown and on course of disappearning, though I still feel 1 odd new lesions coming out here and there on my back... however overall no. of lesions have really decreased. I have stopped on medicine for last 2 days... shall I need to worry, are things in control or I need to start an alternate medicine. I have bought Ranbaxy made Acciclovir 400 in the meanwhile here as backup for Herparex,,, in case you want me to take that for 3-4 more days, pl advice

I'm back in XXXXXXX on 20th Dec, so that will be another opportunity to meet the doctor physically and buy medicine in bulk this time.

Anything else you may suggest, will help...

Also whenever I take extra stress or get too sweaty. lesions come... something have noted... are they linked in any way...

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Observation only advised.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Nice to hear that your lesions are decreasing. No need to take any more medicine. Just keep your lesions under observation.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Doc, observation means what...for how long do I observe... any precautions during observation... do I initiate basic physical contact with family members or not...

I feel places in my back with feeling of someone pricking but there are no lesions, maybe am thinking too much of these lesions
Sorry one more query - since yesterday I feel itchy feeling across my body and when I itched yesterday, my body portions where it was itchy turned red... and today morning they were fine.

I took Allegra yesterday and helped..

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Yes maintain the basic hygiene and do not touch the lesion. If itching then cetrizine advised. If new lesion keep on coming then get Tzank smear and fungal testing done.

Take care

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad