Question:
I am a college student with very little money. Is there a way to treat an outbreak for little to no cost?

Answer:
Hi,

If your symptom is not severe, I think you can leave outbreaks untreated.
I'm not taking any medication right now. And I know some people who have herpes for a long time, not taking any kind of antiviral. And I know some doctors who don't recommend taking those antiviral when your symptom is not heavy.

However, there was one doctor actually, who told me to take antiviral because he said the virus can cause outbreaks in your brain, and if it happens it's dangerous. But.... I have HSV for 8 years, and so far... I'm fine ( well, other kind of virus might already get my brain though :lol: <just joking> )

Since things like stress and being sick can trigger outbreaks, eating healthy food and getting a balanced nutritian, and trying to be relax and not to be stressed out, will keep you from getting outbreaks in some degree.
Also, as you can see in some other posts, daily exercises will be a help, too. I guess.. all things that make your immune system strong, will help you to make the symptom minimum.

Some people say taking L-Lysine works, I do this sometimes, because I feel it's "kind of" working...
Also some say taking Garlic tablets works, some even say taking acidophillus helps you to reduce the chance of outbreaks. But I guess, it's all about keeping the healthy circulation of your system, and keeping immune system strong. You just have to know the best way for yourself by experimenting things.

Well... that's my opinion.

Best wishes..

Faith

Answer:
Faith, I'm not so sure about the brain thing... I hope you were joking...

But - Lysine can't hurt, and is sopposed to help rebuild the cells. Keep the area dry and clean. After a shower or bath use a hair dryer (on a low setting) to dry the area. Make sure to keep your hands clean and dry to keep it from spreading. (I use a seperate towel to dry myself in OB areas) I'm not sure where your OB is, but if it's the "right" area - cotton underwear, no tight clothes - certainly no panyhose or tights. Change your underwear as often as you need to if you get sweaty at all.
But #1 - DON'T TOUCH!! My OBs clear up faster if I try to "ignore" them.

Good luck.

Answer:
Hi Lasmom,

No no, a doctor (gynecologist) has actually told me that. I'm not sure if it's true or not though. But he said, once you have an outbreak somewhere in your body, it's possible to have outbreaks anywhere in your body, including brain. So he prescribed Zovirax for me.

But again, I've seen some doctors ( not "all" of course ) who are less knowlegeable about HSV than people who actually have HSV or/and who have researched about HSV on the internet, books, etc.
So, it could be only his assumption. I hope it was only his assumption. :-D

Anyway,
Lasmom, I read one of your other posts which was your story. Thank you for sharing that.
And .... don't be afraid of anything. I feel that somehow, we all are provided what we -really- need. No matter what happen to you and your boyfriend, what you need is gonna be there for you. It may be not what you expect or what you want. But it's gonna be there.
So.... we shall hang in!!

And take care of your little daughter! < smile!>

Faith

Answer:
Just read another post about the brain thing - it is true, although rare. Boy it sucks to learn sometimes...

Answer:
I think ALoe vera & vitamin E are cheap.



Hope that helps

Answer:
Boy, how would they know if you had an ob on your brain?