Herpes Treatment: What Works and How to Use It

If you’ve just gotten a sore or a partner mentioned they have herpes, your first thought is probably “How do I stop this?” The good news is there are clear steps you can take right away. Whether it’s a cold sore on your lip or a genital outbreak, the right treatment can cut pain, shrink the lesion faster, and lower the chance it spreads.

Medical Treatments You Can Trust

Prescription antivirals are the backbone of modern herpes care. Drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir attack the virus head‑on, stopping it from multiplying. For a first outbreak, doctors usually recommend a 7‑ to 10‑day course. If you get frequent flare‑ups, a daily suppressive dose can keep the virus quiet for months.

Take the pill exactly as your doctor says – usually with a glass of water and on an empty stomach for best absorption. Missing doses can let the virus bounce back, making outbreaks longer and more painful.

Topical creams are another option, especially for cold sores. Over‑the‑counter docosanol (Abreva) works best if you apply it at the first tingling sign, called a prodrome. Prescription creams like penciclovir can speed healing, but they still need a few days to show results.

Don’t forget pain relief. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can calm the ache, and a cool, damp cloth pressed to the sore reduces swelling. If the sore is on a sensitive area, a lidocaine gel can numb the spot for a few hours.

Home Care and Lifestyle Tips

While meds do the heavy lifting, everyday habits keep the virus from taking over. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching an outbreak – this stops you from moving the virus to other parts of your body or to another person.

Stay out of the sun or use a lip balm with SPF. UV light can trigger cold sore flare‑ups, and protecting your skin cuts that risk.

Stress is a silent outbreak driver. Simple stress‑busting tricks – a short walk, deep breathing, or a 10‑minute meditation – can lower the hormone spikes that awaken the virus.

Maintain a balanced diet rich in lysine‑rich foods like yogurt, chicken, and beans. Some people find that a lysine supplement (500 mg twice daily) reduces the frequency of cold sores, though the evidence isn’t universal.

Finally, pay attention to triggers. For many, the first sign is a tingling or burning feeling. If you catch that early, start an antiviral cream right away and you’ll likely shave a day or two off the healing time.

Remember, herpes is common – most adults will encounter it at some point. With the right mix of prescription meds, over‑the‑counter aids, and smart daily habits, you can keep outbreaks short, mild, and infrequent. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best plan for you, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you know, the easier it is to stay in control.

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