Herpes Treatment

Herpes treatment is highly recommended on the first onset of the sores. Normally, antiviral medications are the ones prescribed in order to treat the symptoms caused by herpes.

Since there herpes are cause by two types of herpes simplex virus. The medications given on each type is different on the other. The oral herpes are usually treated with antiviral topical ointments while genital herpes are treated with anti viral medications, which are taken orally.

Treatment for Oral Herpes

At present, two topical antiviral medications are given used for treating oral herpes. These two topical antiviral medications are:

• Acyclovir ointment
• Penciclovir cream

These two antiviral drugs are prescribed to decrease the viral activity of the herpes simplex virus and helping in the healing process of the sores.

Acyclovir ointment and Penciclovir cream are applied directly to the infected area; however, these drugs can also be applied while on the onset of outbreak.

Accordingly, there are other topical ointments, which can be bought over the counter, but they do not normally contain antiviral compounds, which acyclovir and penciclovir contain. There are also other over the counter drugs for oral herpes, which actually delay the healing of the sores that is why it is always important that you visit your doctor for the most appropriate medications for your condition.

Treatment for Genital Herpes

Three antiviral medications are used to treat genital herpes. The three antiviral medications are:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is the oldest medication used to treat genital herpes. This drug was first launched in topical ointment in 1982 and later in pill form in 1985. Studies show that this antiviral drug is safe to use for longer term.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe you to use this drug continuously for long term even up to ten years.

Valacyclovir

The active ingredient of Valacyclovir is also acyclovir but this drug is considered more effective in terms of absorption of its active ingredient by the body that is why taking this medication on daily basis is fewer in number compared to other drugs.

Famciclovir

Famciclovir active ingredient is penciclovir and it is prescribed to stop the herpes simplex virus from duplicating itself. It is also easily absorbed by the body compared to acyclovir that is why it is also taken less frequently.

Types of Treatment

Antiviral medications are normally given to patients who just have an initial attack of genital herpes but they can also be given in recurring attacks.

Generally, there are two types of treatment for genital herpes, the episodic therapy and the suppressive therapy.

Episodic Therapy

Episodic therapy is being used for patients who have recurrence episode of herpes or for those who have early symptoms of prodrome. Normally, any of Acyclovir, Valacyclovir or Famciclovir can be given as part of episodic therapy as they are proven to lessen the symptoms of genital herpes on its reoccurring attack.

Episodic therapy is recommended to lessen the number of days the patient will experience the symptoms compared to other patients who are not taking medications under episodic therapy.

This type of therapy also gives more results that are promising at the earliest sign of reoccurrence because if lesions are already severe, the therapy may not be beneficial.

If you have several herpes outbreaks per year, it is important that you consult with your doctor on what antiviral medicines and how are they taken for episodic therapy.

Suppressive therapy

Suppressive therapy is recommended for those patients who want to suppress the symptoms of outbreak. This is done by taking antiviral medications on daily basis to avoid flare up of symptoms.

If you have herpes outbreaks for more than six times per year, suppressive therapy may be good for you as suppressive therapy is proven to decrease the reoccurring attacks by at least seventy-five percent.

The dosage of antiviral medications may vary from one patient to another, it is important that you work closely to your doctor to gain the best benefit of suppressive therapy.

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