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Herpes Outbreak Treatment

Method of treatment

Oral Antiviral medication

Length of treatment

5 days

Further Actions

+ Abstain from sexual intercourse until all your sores have healed
+ Salt-water bathing to help
+ Recommend your partner(s) to be tested

Locations

Fees

£30. Learn more.

Journey Overview

#1 Book a Consultation

If you are a new or current patient and experiencing symptoms of a Herpes outbreak, it is recommended to book in for a face-to-face consultation where your clinician will take a sample for Herpes DNA PCR testing and issue you with outbreak medication.

#2 Dispense Medications

If you are a current patient with a known Herpes diagnosis, you can fill in a repeat medications questionnaire and have your medication ready to collect, or be posted to you.

#3 Further Actions

You will need to avoid having sex until your sores have disappeared and ensure your partner(s) are also tested. If you are experiencing any side effects from the medications, please request a follow-up call. Seek medical attention immediately if you display signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema).

Common side effects can include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. If you experience side effects that are bothersome or severe, consult your healthcare provider. They can assess whether you should continue taking the medication or if an alternative treatment should be considered.

Patient Feedback

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C
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I've been trying to get my coil replaced since May on the NHS, but they couldn't do it as my threads have been cut too short. Waiting lists for NHS gynae appointment are insane (~1 year) so after some deliberating I decided to go private. I chose Clarewell Clinics as they had great reviews and also compared to other clinics, were a lot more reasonably priced. I booked an ultrasound guided coil removal in hopes that Dr. Elena would be able to do it without needing to go down a more invasive route. Thankfully, she did it with ease and also replaced it with a Mirena coil (on the NHS they had told me my uterus was too small so had to go with Kyleena). It was such a more pleasant experience than when I did it on the NHS. Dr. Elena and Yemi kept me comfortable and eased my anxiety the whole way through the process. The pain relief options were also better- air and gas was a lifesaver! I could still feel the pain but it was milder and so much more bareable than the insertion I had 5 years ago. It was over quickly and I was sent away with a heat pack to ease the cramping afterwards. Thank you so much Dr Elena, Yemi and also Ryaan for being a friendly face in the reception. I would thoroughly recommend Clarewell Clinics :)
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K S
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I had a mirena replacement with Elena, supported by Ryan. I have previously had bad experiences, but the approach here and the pain management meant if I had to come back next week for another one, I’d do it. I arrived feeling sick and shaking but Ryan put me at ease, Elena did a fantastic and quick job and the gas and air made a huge difference, I barely felt anything. The whole team were friendly and welcoming and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. I had an injection and she didn’t wait for pain to come to manage it, it was managed upfront. I’m so incredibly grateful, thank you. Ryan and Elena are a fantastic team
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P R
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Mr Aaron Williams saw us while we were visiting London from the US and he treated us well, with compassion and professionalism. Seeing him helped put us at ease for the rest of our trip, which ended up being great.
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E R
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Incredible care and treatment. Can't thank Dr Jayadeva and his team enough who put me at great ease and looked after me. Wonderful clinic will be recommending.
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A L
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I had a copper coil removal yesterday with Dr Praveen Jayadeva. If you are at all nervous about an iud fitting or removal, I couldn't recommend this clinic enough. I had a very painful experience at a different clinic that made me really scared about the removal procedure. They really take the time to talk you through what's going to happen and what type of pain relief options you have. They were so friendly and comforting (both the doctor and the amazing assistant) and procedure was so quick. They even offer you tea and biscuits afterwards. Really fantastic and professional clinic!
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B G
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I had a coil done here. It was an amazing experience, really worth the money paid. The doctor took the time to go through the process and all the options in detail. I felt prepared and well cared for. I had numbing gel and spray and also gas and air. The actual coil fitting was less then 5 minutes. I felt a little discomfort, but the gas and air managed this very well. The team were all very supportive and caring. My coil lasts for 5 years, I'm very happy with my experience. Could not recommend enough.
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D
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Dr. Malu was able to help me fully understand and put into context my concerns surrounding HPV, which at times can feel like a confusing subject. His ability to listen and understand my concerns with empathy and without judgement was very helpful. I am grateful for the expertise and care given by Dr. Malu and the staff at his clinic. The team provides a very professional and comfortable experience.
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A R
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Fantastic and caring team from booking process, reception, appointment and billing. Went for a coil removal. They had ultrasound and gas for pain management (when I checked it seemed they were the only clinic that offered this!!). 100% recommend. Especially if you’re getting a coil, want to make sure you do it with a top professional team. I inserted it elsewhere and it was a barbaric procedure for me, insanely painful and just awful. So save yourself unnecessary trauma/pain
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A
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I had such a great experience at Clarewell Clinic. I was extremely nervous about the pain before my copper IUD fitting, but Dr Praveen Jayadeva explained everything clearly throughout the appointment and made me feel completely comfortable. I was given pain relief and the fitting was honestly so much easier than I expected — I barely felt any pain at all. Yasmin was also incredibly lovely and reassuring throughout. I’m genuinely so happy I chose Clarewell and would definitely recommend them. 10/10.

Eligibility

Best For

Active oral or genital herpes.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding

Consult clinician; generally considered safe.

Menstruation

Safe to use during menstruation.

Prior/Repeat Use

Suitable for treating recurrent outbreaks.

Do NOT use if

Allergic to aciclovir or valaciclovir.

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Avoid/Discuss if

History of kidney disease or taking other medications.

Fees

Testing

Herpes DNA PCR Test - £150 (results in 4 working days)

Herpes Antibody Test - £150 (results in 60 minutes)

We offer a quantitive Herpes Antibody Test (with index values). However, this costs £350 and takes 2-3 weeks for results.

Treatment

Herpes Suppressive Therapy (existing patients) - £60 (3 month supply)

Herpes Suppressive Therapy (new patients) - £120 (3 month supply)

Herpes Outbreak Treatment - £30

Consultation

Included in test. £60 if no tests taken.

Payment Options

  • Self Pay - By Cash/Card), but not American Express
  • Health insurance
  • Klarna – a payment plan to split the cost over 4 payments.

FAQs

Can Herpes be cured?

Whilst herpes cannot be cured it can be well managed, and with effective medications it has become easier for patients to live a normal life.

How is Herpes managed?

Herpes is managed with antiviral medications that prevent the spread of the virus within the body. These medications aid in controlling the virus, allowing the immune system to combat it effectively.

During a herpes outbreak, medication is prescribed to be taken until the sores have healed.

Additionally, there is the option of suppressive therapy, where one pill is taken daily to keep the virus in control. You can find further details about suppressive treatment here.

How effective is the outbreak treatment for Herpes?

Your medication will act directly on the infected cells and will stop the herpes virus from growing any further. This is an effective way of managing an acute outbreak or preventing any recurrent outbreaks.

How long does the Herpes outbreak treatment take to work?

Patients should notice an improvement in their symptoms within 24-48 hours of taking the medications. It is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed.

Your clinician may suggest suppressive therapy as an option for you if there have been more than 6 outbreaks in 1 year.

Are there any side effects?

Some of the possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Skin rashes
  • Itching
  • Tiredness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light
  • Fever
What happens if I have symptoms after finishing my Herpes outbreak treatment?

If you are still experiencing symptoms after completing the treatment, please contact your clinician who will be able to advise you further.

Will my partner also need outbreak treatment?

Unless your partner has an active herpetic outbreak or is already diagnosed with herpes and needs ongoing suppressive therapy, they will not require any type of herpes treatment.

Please note even if your partner does have herpes, it is their choice whether to be on herpes treatment or not.

What happens if I do not get treated for my outbreak?

You do have the option to let the herpes lesions heal on their own and wait for the symptoms to naturally subside. However, it is important to avoid having any type of sex or genital contact with anyone during this time.

Can I do anything at home to help with my herpes outbreak?

You can help to relieve your herpes symptoms with saltwater bathing. To do this, mix ordinary table salt into warm water in these proportions:

  • 1 sachet of salt in approximately 200ml of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt in a pint of water
  • 1 tablespoon in a bowl of water
  • A handful in a shallow bath

You should soak the affected area for 5 to 20 minutes, and then rinse. Pat the area dry with a clean tissue or towel. Repeat this 1-2 times daily until your symptoms improve.

Other ways to relieve your herpes symptoms include:

  • Taking over-the-counter painkillers to help alleviate some of the discomfort.
  • Using an ice pack wrapped it in a cloth or towel. Never place ice directly on the skin.
  • Applying petroleum jelly may provide relief.
  • Wearing loose clothing to reduce irritation.
  • Avoid any type of sexual activity to prevent the spread of herpes until the symptoms subside.
  • Refrain from touching your blisters unless you are applying medication.

Next Steps

In Clinic

Same day test results +/- medications available for most infections.

Not sure what you need? Contact us here.

Page last reviewed by Mrs. Magdalena Nowacka on 1 November 2023 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.