Problem: Article: Herpes blisters are small, red, and filled with a yellowish fluid. Small blisters can cluster together and grow into a larger blister. To rule out other causes, have your doctor examine the blisters and, if necessary, take a viral culture. Herpes virus type 1 usually causes blisters around the mouth, and herpes virus type 2 usually causes genital outbreaks. Blisters are often painful, burn, or itch. You may also experience moderately enlarged lymph nodes. You might feel tingling or pain in the affected area just before an outbreak. Fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, and decreased appetite often occur, especially during the first outbreak. It's important that you doctor does a thorough examination, as there are other conditions that can cause similar bumps around your genitals, anus, or perianal area. These include syphilis, chancroid, carcinoma, trauma, or psoriasis. The first outbreak is usually more severe and lasts longer than subsequent outbreaks. Because of this, doctors typically prescribe an oral antiviral medication to manage an initial infection. The medication may be administered either episodically or continuously with suppressive therapy, depending on what your doctor prescribes. Medications for oral and genital herpes include acyclovir (better known by the brand name Zovirax), valacyclovir (better known as Valtrex), and famciclovir (better known as Famvir). These don't cure herpes, but they help relieve symptoms and shorten the outbreak's duration. The treatment is most effective when it's begun within 1 day of the outbreak onset. If the doctor prescribes an episodic treatment, the patient should be given the medication or a valid prescription for it so that they can administer it at the first sign of a new outbreak. Within 12 months of their first outbreak, about 90% of patients report at least one recurrence. Take your medication as prescribed, and don't stop taking it prematurely, even if your symptoms improve. Depending on which medication you're prescribed, you'll take 1 to 5 tablets per day with a glass of water for 7 to 10 days. Side effects don't usually occur, but can include fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Taking a tablet with food can help prevent an upset stomach. Your doctor might prescribe an antiviral ointment instead of or in addition to oral medication. Apply a prescription ointment as directed. To prevent spreading the outbreak, apply the ointment with a cotton swab, and wash your hands after tending to the affected area. Don't let the swab touch anything after it's come into contact with your skin. If you need to apply more ointment, get a new swab instead of adding more medicine to the used swab. Throw the swab away promptly after applying the ointment. Ointments are usually only recommended for oral herpes. If you experience oral and genital herpes, don't apply medication intended for oral herpes on your genitals. Most people experience multiple herpes outbreaks, which can occur weeks or months after the first outbreak. Subsequent outbreaks are usually mild, and many people don't seek medical treatment. However, you should ask your doctor about taking antiviral medication if painful, itchy blisters affect larger patches of skin or if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms. If your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, take it as directed. People who experience 6 or more outbreaks per year should take acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir every day. Depending on the type of medication prescribed, you'll take 1 to 2 tablets with a glass of water daily. Daily suppressive therapy can reduce the number of outbreaks by 70 to 80%. If you have a partner who doesn't have herpes, taking a daily medication can also reduce the risk of spreading it to them. Episodic therapy involves taking an antiviral medication as soon as you feel tingling and burning, which are the first signs of an outbreak. For best results, you'll need to take the first dose within 24 hours of experiencing the warning signs of an outbreak. You'll then continue taking medication for 5 to 7 days. Episodic therapy might be your best option if you don't like taking pills, or if taking a daily suppressive medication isn't affordable.
Summary: Get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. Manage your first outbreak with a prescription antiviral. Take your medication according to your doctor's instructions. Apply an antiviral cream if your doctor prescribes one. Ask your doctor if they recommend medication for recurrent outbreaks. Take a daily medication if you experience frequent outbreaks. Try episodic therapy if you don't want to take medication daily.

Problem: Article: Typically, just a few days is best. If you do not think you can tolerate that long, try just a 24 hour period to start. If at the end of that 24 hours you feel as if you can continue, feel free to do so. Remember that this is a temporary way to try and lose weight quickly. If you cannot follow-through with the entire fast, it is fine to stop and resume normal eating habits. Do the fast intermittently. Do a short fast, and then try it again in a few weeks or a month. You do not want to do this fast if you have any dietary or health restrictions that will jeopardize your well-being. It is not worth it. Think of other ways to lose weight if you cannot fast. If you cannot do a full fast, try replacing one or two meals with just water and having a low-calorie dinner as a means to jumpstart weight loss. Never attempt a water fast if you have diabetes, or while pregnant or breastfeeding.Be warned that this diet might have some lingering effects due to a lack of protein and fiber during the diet. This could lead to low energy levels and poor bowel health. Consider this before starting your fast. Up your water intake, eat an increased amount of fruits and vegetables, only lean meats, and brown rice. Avoid adding salt to your food, as these help the body to retain water versus passing it, which is what you would want. Even though you want to lose weight and exercising is great way to aid in this, avoid it during this time. It would be too strenuous on your body for you to exert this energy and lose fluids through sweating. Drink only water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and throughout the day when you feel hungry. Pay attention to your body during this time. Note any hunger triggers. If you find yourself feeling dizzy, sip some tea or seltzer water to help calm your system and get you back on track. Fifteen minutes of meditation can also be utilized during this fast. Focus on your emotional well-being and clear your head of any unwanted thoughts and feelings. Check out this link for more tips on meditation https://www.wikihow.com/Meditate. Consider taking herbal supplements or finding a safe water additive to balance electrolytes. Although the water fast does not permit sweeteners or solid food during the fast, it often recommends prune supplements or natural salts to prevent water intoxication. Try and eat like you did before the fast to build back up your body gradually. Have raw fruits and vegetables, lean meats, brown rice, and keep up your water intake. Gaining a few pounds back after a water fast is normal, due to rebuilding lost muscle mass.Even if you gain back the weight, do not be discouraged and feel as if your fast had no results. Keep up other healthy habits like better dieting and regular exercise to maintain weight loss.
Summary:
Decide how long you want to fast for. Check with your doctor. Eat lightly for a few days to prepare your body for the fast. Do not exercise. Commence fasting. Introduce light foods back into your diet.