Treatment

There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.

Medications might be used to ease the discomfort from genital herpes. The doctor might prescribe these medications during outbreaks. The three most common medications used are:

• Acyclovir®
• Famciclovir®
• Valacyclovir®

In addition, you can certain steps to the speed healing process and avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Some of these precautions are:

• Keep the infected area clean and dry
• Avoid touching the sores or lesions
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with the sores or lesions
• Avoid sexual contact during an outbreak, from the time sores are visible until new skin has formed over the area where the sore had been.