U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 21-year-old member asked:

Is there an effective treatment to reduce genital herpes symptoms?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Robert Kwok
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Treatment available: There is no cure for oral or genital herpes, but antiviral medications are helpful in preventing or clearing up herpes sores. Topical antiviral creams are somewhat helpful but not as helpful as oral medications. To treat an outbreak, one should start the medication as soon as possible to get the best effect. Preventing recurrences helps stop the spread of herpes to a spouse or partner.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 45-year-old member asked:

Is there a treatment for genital herpes that works?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Keegan Duchicela
family medicine 16 years experience
Yes.: Early on in an outbreak, antiviral medications work well to make the symptoms go away sooner, and when given during the first outbreak of genital herpes, it can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Please see your primary doc asap if you think you might be having an outbreak because medications can help!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A member asked:

What is the best treatment for genital herpes?

3 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joel Gallant
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
Anti-herpes drugs: Acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. Of the three, valacyclovir is the most convenient because of its dosing schedule. If herpes outbreaks occur frequently, it's better to use daily suppression with the same medications rather than treating each episode.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 47-year-old member asked:
What to do if I have genital herpes, what to use for treatment?
Dr. Hunter Handsfield
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
It depends....: The standard drugs are valacyclovir (Valtrex®) or acyclovir (Zovirax® and generics), sometimes famciclovir (Famvir®). The need for suppressive treatme... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old male asked:
Is Domeboro useful for treatment of genital herpes blisters?
Dr. Susan Arnoult
Family Medicine 27 years experience
Symptoms: It may help with easing the pain or itching but will not treat the herpes. You need anti-viral medication for that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 51-year-old male asked:
What is the best treatment for genital herpes, is it curable?
Dr. Emily Altman
Dermatology 30 years experience
Genital herpes: Herpes is a viral infection. After initial infection as the blisters go away, the virus goes into "hiding" in a nerve cell. It can come out again, pa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 20-year-old female asked:
I was just diagnosed with genital herpes and my outbreak just cleared up and i finished treatment. Is it possible to have another outbreak already?
Dr. Robert Killian
General Practice 30 years experience
Genital Herpes: Yes. Unfortunately recurrent herpes outbreaks, while not common are possible. You may need to go on a daily treatment of the herpes medication for se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:
Whst is the next line of treatment for genital herpes if u have an outbreak while on a 10 day regimen of valtrex?
Dr. Kenneth Cheng
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Other medications: There are multiple anti-viral medications available nand others can be tried when one does not seem effective. See your doctor if you continue to have... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
Last updated Oct 27, 2011
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.