Treatment of Herpes Simplex virus (HSV):

Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases, herpes cannot be cured because medication that will attack the virus while it lies dormant in the nerve cells will also damage the nerve cells. However, there is treatment available for acute outbreaks that involves the use of anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir, Valaclovir or Famcyclovir.

Acyclovir has been found to reduce the reproduction of the virus in initial outbreaks, thus possibly lessening the number of subsequent outbreaks. To be effective, therapy must be started immediately after the first sores appear. Every sexual partner of the infected person needs to be examined, and if necessary, treated.

Famcyclovir has similar effects and may work to prevent a herpes infection from establishing itself if taken soon enough in the course of the illness. Valaclovir has similar effects.

Long-term drug therapy ('suppressive treatment') may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks. Suppressive treatment will reduce outbreaks by 85 percent and reduces viral shedding by more than 90 percent.

Topical antibiotic ointments also may be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

During an outbreak of genital herpes, a number of measures can be taken to make the patient more comfortable:

• Wear loose clothing
• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight
• Keep the sore area clean and dry
• Place cool or lukewarm cloths on the sore area for short periods of time
• Do not use perfumed soaps, sprays, feminine deodorants, or douches
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain
• Avoid touching sores
• Wash hands if you do touch the sores