SEE OFFICIAL RATINGS BELOW If you are looking for a non prescription treatment for herpes simplex the internet can be a confusing place. There is no cure for herpes, but many websites claim they have a cure. If you are suffering and considering an “alternative” treatment, it is difficult to know who to trust. Also since the internet is mostly unregulated, safety is a major concern for most. The rating chart below was designed to help consumers determine which non prescription treatments are effective based on doctor testimonials, independent research studies performed (if any), and consumer comments/reviews found on various chat/blog sources and websites. Consumer records with Better Business Bureau were also considered. Only U.S. doctor testimonials and research could be verified and were considered as valid. Any products WITHOUT U.S. FDA approved ingredients could not be verified for safe use.     Prevents outbreaks or reduces healing time at least half? Doctor Recommendations/ independent research about product? Reputable company that selling product? Ingredients FDA approved as safe? 1. Medavir www.medavir.com Yes - both Medical Studies have proven Medavir's ingredients prevent outbreaks when applied during the "tingling" prodrome phase. Sores that occur are much smaller and heal faster by days. Yes - confirmed Many U.S. Medical Doctors treat patients for Genital/Oral Herpes with Medavir. Independent research (including Official Clinical Trials on actual patients and University Testing) proves Medavir is effective for HSV. Yes TAG Healthcare is rated A+ by the BBB (U.S. Better Business Bureau), which is very rare. Company has been around over 10 years, making them pioneers on the internet. Offers 24 Hour Phone ordering (888-3Herpes) our calls were handled very respectfully by friendly staff. Yes 2. Red Marine Algae Possible but unknown no supporting research but some customer testimonials suggest it might. Unknown Yes Several reputable companies sell this product NO 3. L lysine for viruses Possible but unknown no solid research to back this claim. Yes Some doctors believe this product is effective but no known research from trusted sources. Yes NO 4. Herpetrol NO NO Unknown no info NO 6. Dynamiclear(TM) Unknown NO There apparently is a naturopathy "doctor" in New Zealand that recommends but he is related to company owners. NO Company is located in Austrailia or New Zealand and has BBB complaints on record. Company address in U.S. is simply a postal store, which we found to be deceptive. NO 7. Quickclear Unknown NO U.S. doctors Unknown NO 8. Neveranoutbreak Unknown NO U.S. doctors Unknown NO DMSO considered toxic WHAT IS HERPES WHAT IS HERPES SIMPLEX and do various HERPES CURES or HERPES TREATMENTS on the internet actually work? The herpes viruses affect 80-90% of the world's population. Each year in the United States alone: 40 million people experience outbreaks of cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus Type I) and 30 million have outbreaks of genital herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus Type II). Scientific research has identified more than 5,000 different strains of the herpes virus. Eight of these strains cause disease in humans: Herpes Simplex Virus I: Cold Sores Herpes Simplex Virus II: Genital Herpes Varicella Zoster Virus: Chicken Pox and Shingles Human Herpes Virus 6: Roseola Human Herpes Virus 8: Kaposi's Sarcoma Epstein-Barr Virus Cytomegalovirus Human B-Lymphotropic Virus There are two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Type 1 manifests itself in the common cold sore; Type 2 usually manifests itself as genital lesions (although in some cases, Type 2 has shown itself in the form of a cold sore). Since the lesions commonly affect the lips or areas bordering the lips, the condition is also known as recurrent Herpes Labialis. Once it becomes introduced to the body, the herpes virus takes up permanent residence. The peak incidence of HSV Type 1 primary infection is at two to three years of age, but new cases appear in all age groups due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Only an estimated 15% of the population experience the primary infection as an adult. The disease is thought to be transmitted by direct contact. Virus excretion persists in the body secretions for 15 to 42 days after the onset of the primary herpes infection. After an initial infection, some people develop effective immunity; however, 20% to 45% have recurrent lesions. In North America, an estimated 7% of the general population has two or more bouts of Herpes Labialis annually. In these cases, the virus goes into hiding, escaping the host's immune system by remaining latent in a specific group of cells, causing no apparent harm to the host during quiescent periods. The exact cells in which they remain latent varies from one virus to the next. In cells harboring the latent virus, the viral genomes take the form of closed molecules and only a small subset of virus genes are expressed. The incubation period for HSV ranges from two to twelve days. After an infection, the virus hides in the body by entering nerve endings and traveling to ganglia (clusters of nerve cells). The recurrence of the viral infection varies, but certain factors are known to trigger recurrence in humans, such as fever, emotional stress, physical trauma, systemic infections, ultraviolet light and menses. People whose resistance is compromised (less than normal) may experience more severe lesions with slower healing. An infection recurs when the virus is activated in the ganglia and travels down the nerve to the surface of the skin where it replicates. This recurrence takes place in phases: Prodrome: Tingling and itching prior to visual outbreak; warning symptoms that last less than 6 hours. Inflammation: Swelling and redness at the site before outbreak; indication that the virus and antibodies have arrived. Vesicular: Blisters that appear within 1-2 days after prodrome from one or several vesicles, or tiny red bumps commonly found at the vermilion border of the lip. Ulcers: Actual sores that form within 3 days after prodrome, often accompanied by pain; blisters leak fluid. Crusts: Sores dry and form scabs within 4 days to indicate healing; virus diminishes and wounds heal within 2-3 days. Healing: Complete within 8-10 days; new skin forms; virus replication is complete. Virus retreats to the host ganglia where it remains protected from the host's immunological attack. There are many herpes treatments, herpes cures, cures for herpes, treatments for herpes and other herpes remedies listed in various places on the internet. Please evaluate any herpes cures or herpes treatments carefully before you try any non FDA Approved herpes treatments or herpes cures. FDA Approved medications like Valtrex, Acyclovir, and Famvir have been approved for use against various forms of the herpes virus. Valtrex and Acyclovir are oral medications. Valtrex is sold in US Pharmacies and prescribed by a licensed Physician. Please use Valtrex only as suggested by your doctor. Herpes cures and Herpes treatments should be evaluated carefully before use. Below see many articles and news about herpes cures and herpes treatments. RECENT HERPES INFORMATION Side Effects of Famvir Anyone who is allergic to this product, its ingredients, or a medicine called Denavir® (penciclovir cream) should not use FAMVIR. (Check with your healthcare provider for a complete list of ingredients.) FAMVIR tablets contain lactose. If you have rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, a severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, you should not take FAMVIR tablets. Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 18 years has not been demonstrated. As always, if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of taking any medication with your physician. The most common side effects in people who took Single-Day Famvir for recurrent genital herpes were headache, diarrhea, and nausea. Most side effects were mild to moderate and lasted only a short time. Talk to your doctor if side effects continue or if they bother you. For more information about other more infrequent side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Famvir can be prescribed in one of three ways for recurrent genital herpes: Episodic treatment Suppressive treatment Patients with HIV Patients with Recurrent Cold Sores Patients with Herpes Zoster If a patient has impaired kidney function, his or her doctor will determine if Famvir is appropriate and if so, what the right dose would be. Zovirax - Herpes Drug Zovirax also known by its generic name of Acyclovir, is an antiviral drug that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in order for the body to fight off infection. Zovirax is not a cure for herpes, but it can be useful in the management of herpes. Zovirax treats infections caused by herpes viruses which include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles and chicken pox. Take Zovirax should be taken exactly as it is prescribed for you and should be started as soon as the first appearance of symptoms appear like tingling, burning or blisters. When taking Zovirax be sure to avoid infected areas coming into contact with other people, avoid touching the infected area and then touching your eyes. Make sure to wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others. Zovirax will not prevent the spread of genital herpes so sexual intercourse should be avoided or a condom should be used. The side effects of Zovirax could be: an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat pain in your lower back urinating less then usual or not at all easy bruising or bleeding unusual weakness nausea vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite stomach pain headache or feeling light-headed swelling in your hands or feet Valtrex- Herpes Drug Valtrex is another prescribed medication for herpes treatment. Valtrex is for adults with a healthy immune system and is only available by prescription. Valtrex is an antiviral drug that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex is not a cure for herpes, but it will lessen the symptoms of the infection. Valtrex, just like Zovirax, treats infections caused by herpes viruses which include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles and chicken pox. Valtrex should be taken exactly as it is prescribed for you and should be started as soon as symptoms appear like tingling, burning or blisters. Valtrex can be harmful to the kidneys so before taking Valtrex, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you had a kidney or bone marrow transplant. The side effects of Valtrex include: an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat easy bruising or bleeding unusual weakness pale or yellowed skin dark colored urine, urinating less then usual or not at all fever pain in your lower back drowsiness increased thirst loss of appetite nausea and vomiting swelling weight gain feeling short of breath confusion, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, trouble concentrating, mood changes feeling shaky or unsteady problems with speech or vision seizures diarrhea stomach pain headache dizziness tired feeling joint pain menstrual pain mild skin rash stuff nose sore throat Herpes treatment information. Know about Zovirax, Valtrex, Denavir. Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are 2 types of Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2. The ways in which herpes infections manifest themselves vary tremendously among individuals. Although the HSV-1 virus is traditionally associated with the orofacial infection, with the growing popularity of oral sex more cases of genital infection with HSV-1 are now being seen. The following are general descriptions of the courses outbreaks may take in the oral and genital regions. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 live in nerve cells, usually under the skin. Neither virus is always active. They often remain silent or inactive in these cells, sometimes for many years or even a lifetime. This is called "latency." For reasons not entirely understood by researchers, the viruses can become active and cause symptoms, which include sores around the mouth or near the genitals. This is called "reactivation." These symptoms can come and go in what is known as outbreaks, or "flare-ups." During a flare-up, the virus becomes active and causes a chain of events leading to a cluster of small bumps to form. The bumps may rupture, heal, and then disappear for an indefinite period of time. What are the symptoms of herpes? The symptoms of herpes depends on the site of disease: Oral herpes (cold sores): Sores around the mouth and nostrils. They may itch or be painful. They might look like the sore in the picture above. Genital herpes: Sores on the penis in males or near or in the vagina in women. Genital herpes can also cause sores near the anus, including the area between the anus and the genital (the perineum). Sometimes, genital herpes can cause pain when urinating or defecation. They might look like the sores in the picture below. Transmission Herpes is contracted through direct skin contact (not necessarily in the genital area) with an infected person, and less frequently by indirect contact (for instance, by sharing lip balm or a virus infested shared towel). The virus travels through tiny breaks in the skin (or mucous membranes in the mouth and genital areas), so, healthy skin and mucous membranes are normally an effective barrier to infection. However, in the case of mucous membranes, even microscopic abrasions are sufficient to expose the nerve endings into which the virus splices itself. This is why most herpes transmission happens in mucous membranes, or in areas of the body where mucous membranes and normal skin merge (e.g., the corners of the mouth). Symptoms may not appear for up to a month or more after infection. Transmission was thought to be most common during an active outbreak; however, in the early 1980s, it was found that the virus can be shed from the skin in the absence of symptoms. It is estimated that between 50% and 80% of new HSV-2 cases are from asymptomatic viral shedding. Genital Herpes Treatment Information Finding relief from genital herpes involves understanding of what the condition is. Genital herpes treatment though not the easiest ailment to treat under the sun, is still very much possible, and that is good news for the thousands of sufferers from all over the world. Treatment of genital herpes is possible by the use of conventional and Homeopathic solutions, but probably the best way to treat genital herpes is by the use of solutions that have been developed from herbal, that is natural ingredients. When someone is infected by the virus that causes genital herpes, the most noticeable symptom is the swellings that appear in the genital or other parts of the body that are close to the sex organ. Genital herpes treatment aims to reduce and cure the swellings in the first place, and having achieved this, the treatment then aims to lessen the occurrence of herpes outbreaks. And with proper genital herpes treatment the person is able to substantially diminish the risk itself of an attack from the HSV virus that causes genital herpes. The popular saying 'Prevention is better than cure' is aptly applicable here. Since the disease is spread through sexual contact with an affected person, the best way to prevent it is by limiting the number of partners. The risk is considerably lessened if there is just one partner. The situation can be further complicated because in some, the virus may stay in a dormant stage, and it will never be noticeable as there is no symptom. It may even be so that the person is himself unaware that he or she is affected with the HSV virus. And when this happens the risk naturally becomes manifold. Psychological Effects and Treatment of Genital Herpes Genital herpes is known to create a psychological impact on the affected person and even on his or her partner. Society for right or for wrong, in a way looks down on 'sexually transmitted diseases' and since genital herpes falls in this category, it can also be no exception. So when someone suspects that something is wrong, the person is wary of going to a medical practitioner because it would definitely involve having to bare the sex organ to the professional for him or her to see and find out. Then there would be medical examinations and reports. The entire thing can become a big stress. Genital herpes often leads to poor self esteem. The anxiety and the social pressures can urge the affected individual from shying away even from the partner. And this can cause misunderstanding between the two as well. Even in cases where the partner comes to know about the illness, it can transmit the wrong message (being a disease that is spread through sex) and this itself can become a big issue later on. Because of this, counseling also needs to be a part of any genital herpes treatment. Natural herbs are believed to treat genital herpes symptoms quickly and effectively. There are products developed from these natural herbs that when used orally or topically give good results. So for the treatment of genital herpes, it is best recommended to opt for natural products. But the person also needs to take some extra precautions - such as keeping the affected area dry and clean, using a soft towel, taking a warm bath, wearing loose clothes, not picking the sores, etc. Disclaimer This site is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advise from a licensed physician. Trademarks are the property of the respective owners and are clearly marked herin. No statements have been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.