Medical Solutions
Both genital herpes and oral Herpes can be treated with a variety of options. There are many medical options for treating genital and oral herpes.
Medication
Herpes is not a virus that can be cured by any drug. A doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir to prevent the virus from multiplying. A cream or other over-the counter herpes treatment may help to manage the itching, pain, and tingling. Initial treatment is recommended within 24 hours after the first symptoms appear, such as when the tingling begins. Antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms by 1 to 2 day faster than without treatment. The severity of symptoms and signs may also be reduced by medication. If a person has fewer than six recurrences of genital shingles in a year, the healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medications at each occurrence.
A doctor may suggest that if a person has more frequent recurrences, they take an antiviral medication for six to twelve months each time. These medications taken daily over a period of time can reduce the risk of herpes spreading to others, but it is still possible. Normal blisters heal on their own, without medical treatment. If you have frequent or severe outbreaks, your healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medication. Antivirals can help reduce the frequency of your episodes and lessen the severity.
The options include:
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir
- Other medications are not allowed to be used in conjunction with Cidofovir and foscarnet when treating HSV infection.
- Valacyclovir
Antiviral medication may also help to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus during an outbreak or when you don’t have any symptoms. Antivirals do not reduce the risk of HSV infection if HSV symptoms are absent. These medications are usually available as creams or pills. If you have severe symptoms, your healthcare provider or clinician may also recommend an injection.
