HSV treatment: Simple, practical ways to manage herpes

Getting a herpes diagnosis feels heavy, but treatment is straightforward for most people. This page gives clear, useful steps: what medicines work, how to ease symptoms at home, and simple tips to lower the chance of passing the virus to others.

Antiviral pills are the backbone of HSV treatment. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir shorten outbreaks and reduce pain. Taken at the first tingle they cut healing time. For frequent outbreaks your doctor may suggest daily suppressive therapy—one pill a day—to prevent recurrences and lower transmission risk.

There are two common ways doctors use antivirals. Episodic therapy treats each outbreak as it starts. Suppressive therapy runs daily for months or years to stop outbreaks from happening. Which is right depends on how often you get symptoms, side effects, and your sexual situation.

Topical creams and ointments give mild relief for sores but don’t replace oral antivirals. Over‑the‑counter options like pain-relief gels and numbing creams help with discomfort. Clean, dry bandaging and cotton clothing limit friction so sores heal faster.

Self-care matters. Keep the area clean with mild soap and water, avoid tight clothing, and use cool compresses for pain. Drink water, rest, and use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain control. If outbreaks are severe or won’t heal, see a doctor—especially if you have a weakened immune system.

Preventing spread is a big part of treatment. Avoid sex during outbreaks and for at least a week after sores appear. Use condoms between outbreaks—though they don’t eliminate risk completely. Daily antiviral therapy lowers the chance of passing HSV to an uninfected partner by about half in clinical studies.

Pregnancy changes the approach. Pregnant people with a history of genital herpes should tell their prenatal team. Doctors often give suppressive antivirals in late pregnancy to reduce the chance of a delivery with active sores. If sores are present at birth, doctors may recommend a cesarean to protect the newborn.

Testing and diagnosis are simple. A swab from a fresh sore can detect the virus. Blood tests check for antibodies but can’t tell when you were infected. Talk with your provider about testing if you’ve had symptoms or an exposed partner.

When to call your doctor

Contact care if you have a first-time outbreak, severe pain, fever, trouble urinating, or if sores don’t heal in two weeks. Also call if you’re pregnant or have a weak immune system. Early treatment prevents complications.

Everyday tips that help

Be open with partners, use protection, and consider suppressive therapy if outbreaks are frequent. Mind stress, sleep, and sun exposure—these can trigger outbreaks. Support groups and counseling help with the emotional side of living with HSV.

If you want more details on specific drugs, dosages, or patient experiences, check trusted medical sites or speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Managing HSV is about smart medicine use and small daily choices that make outbreaks milder and less frequent.

Ask your provider about drug interactions and kidney or liver checks when taking antivirals; older adults may need dose changes. Keep a simple outbreak diary to spot early triggers and patterns.