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How to treat genital herpes properly
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Allergic Conditions
Question #20005
53 days ago
149

How to treat genital herpes properly - #20005

Kanishka

I have genital herpes since one year. I take medicine from the normal doctors like deflazacon , itraconazol and cetirizine. I have symptoms like water blisters, itching, redness and sores. I become severe.

Age: 21
Chronic illnesses: No only genital herpes
Genital herpes
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors' responses

The symptoms you’re experiencing, like water blisters, itching, redness, and sores, are typical of genital herpes. Treatments you’ve mentioned, such as deflazacon (a corticosteroid), itraconazol (an antifungal), and cetirizine (an antihistamine), aren’t standard for herpes management. Corticosteroids and antihistamines can interact with other medicines and should be used with caution. For genital herpes, antiviral medications are the mainstay of treatment. Drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir are effective in reducing symptoms and frequency of outbreaks. If your symptoms are severe and frequent, consider discussing with a healthcare professional whether a daily suppressive therapy with antivirals might be suitable. This can decrease the likelihood of transmission and can significantly diminish outbreaks. It’s also vital to avoid any known triggers, practice safe sex to prevent spreading the virus, and keep the affected area clean and dry to promote healing. Using mild soap and water for hygiene and avoiding any irritants can help. Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks to reduce infectivity risk. Monitoring stress levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also be supportive as stress may exacerbate symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor a management approach specific to your health needs, and discontinue any inappropriate medication under their guidance. Check-in about any severe or worsening symptoms, as they may sometimes require additional care.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
50 days ago
5

Hello Kanishka Thanks for sharing your experience. Genital herpes is a viral infection (usually caused by HSV-2 or sometimes HSV-1) and is best managed with antiviral medicines, not with deflazacort (a steroid), itraconazole (an antifungal), or cetirizine (an antihistamine). These medicines may help with symptoms like itching or inflammation, but they do not treat the herpes virus itself.

Your symptoms—water blisters, itching, redness, and sores—are classic for genital herpes. If it’s getting severe, here’s what you should know:

What’s most important: - Herpes outbreaks can be managed and made less severe with proper antiviral treatment (like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir), which needs to be prescribed by a doctor. - Steroids and antifungals do not treat herpes and may even make it worse if used long-term.

What you should do: - See a skin specialist (dermatologist) or a doctor experienced in treating sexually transmitted infections for proper antiviral medication. - Keep the area clean and dry, avoid touching or scratching the sores, and wash hands after any contact. - Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks to prevent spreading the virus.

Thank you

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.
49 days ago
5

Hi Kanishka,

Thank you for reaching out, living with these painful symptoms for a year must be very stressful.

Genital herpes is a viral infection, so routine allergy or antifungal medicines like deflazacort, itraconazole and cetirizine will not control it properly.

You likely need correct antiviral treatment (like acyclovir/valacyclovir), local care and a full STD screen after an in‑person examination.

Please avoid self‑medication, stay away from sexual contact during active sores, and see a skin/venereology specialist or urologist at the earliest for proper long‑term control.

Dr Nikhil Chauhan, urologist

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
52 days ago
5

Hello dear See you have mentioned medication only which are antinflammatory or antifungal. Also i think it is not herpes. I suggest you please first get confirmation and then take medication to avoid reoccurrence Please get below tests done first and then share result with general physician medicine for better clarity Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Esr CBC Culture PCR Antibody check IGg Giemsa of recommended by general physician medicine Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
50 days ago
5

Hello,

Genital herpes is caused by HSV-1/HSV-2 virus → needs antiviral medicines, not antifungal or steroids.

🛑🛑Your medicines (deflazacort, itraconazole, cetirizine) were not correct and steroids can worsen herpes.

🛑🛑Correct Treatment During outbreaks (5–10 days):

Acyclovir 400 mg – 3 times/day for 7 days

If frequent/severe outbreaks → Suppressive therapy 6–12 months

-Acyclovir 400 mg twice daily

Care Tips Keep area clean, dry, no sex until healed, don’t burst blisters.

Pain relief: paracetamol/ibuprofen.

Important Confirm diagnosis (HSV PCR swab or HSV-2 IgG). Test for other STIs if sexually active. Avoid steroids unless specialist says.

I trust its clear and helpful Thank you

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
50 days ago
5

Your condition is worsening because herpes is being treated incorrectly. You need antiviral medication and to stop steroids, under medical supervision. Once on the right treatment, severity and frequency will reduce significantly.

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
50 days ago
5

Hello Kanishka, I understand tour concern. It is difficult to establish you have herpes infection unless one sees the lesion.

Kindly visit a certified Dermatologist for proper visual inspection of the problem, proper evaluation and treatment. It is a manageable condition.

And stop the steroid immediately, it’ll do more harm. Plus, please do not take treatment just like that without showing the lesions to a certified doctor.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB d.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Alan Reji
I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.
47 days ago
5

Genital herpes is a manageable viral condition and many people live normal, healthy lives with proper treatment—there is no need to panic. You should consult a dermatologist or venereologist for correct diagnosis and antiviral therapy, as steroids like deflazacort can worsen herpes if used improperly. With the right antiviral medicines, trigger avoidance, and regular follow-up, symptoms usually reduce significantly and outbreaks become less severe over time.

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