| Treatments What is the best treatment for outbreaks of genital herpes? Possibly the most important aspect of treatment of genital herpes is adequate counselling and information. Not all people with genital herpes require pharmacological treatment, but it is important that all with the condition fully understand its implications and options for treatment. This allows them to make their own well-informed management (lifestyle and pharmacological) decisions. The most effective clinically proven pharmaceutical treatment for outbreaks of genital herpes is a course of antiviral medication, commenced within one or two days of the onset of any symptoms. (For some people this may mean the appearance of sores or blisters, but for others it might mean the development of tingling, numbness or discomfort in or near the affected area.) There are several antiviral treatments available. In Australia, famciclovir, valaciclovir and aciclovir are all licensed for use, and all are extremely effective. Antiviral treatment commenced early in the outbreak reduces both the severity and the duration of the symptoms of an attack of genital herpes. People who experience repeated outbreaks of proven genital herpes should make arrangements with their doctor to have a supply of antiviral drugs on hand; the doctor could write a prescription in advance, which can be filled when symptoms occur. What is the best medical treatment to prevent recurrences of genital herpes? The most effective clinically proven treatment for the prevention of recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes is regular antiviral treatment (i.e. even when you do not have any symptoms of herpes). People whose lifestyles are significantly affected by outbreaks of genital herpes should consider this style of treatment (known as suppressive treatment). It is up to you to decide how significant the disruption to your lifestyle is, and discuss the implications of continuous suppressive treatment with your doctor. It is important that the medication be taken regularly, every day. A usual course of treatment is for at least six months, but may continue for many years without adverse effects. Typically, you would take the medication for six to twelve months and then see whether outbreaks occur during a trial period without the medication. Many people find that they do not experience further outbreaks at this stage, but if they do occur, the treatment can be recommenced. If suppressive treatment is taken as prescribed, it is extremely effective in preventing further outbreaks of genital herpes. |
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