A 21-year-old member asked:
Is there an effective treatment to reduce genital herpes symptoms?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
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.
6.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 45-year-old member asked:
Is there a treatment for genital herpes that works?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Keegan Duchicelaanswered
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.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
What is the best treatment for genital herpes?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joel Gallantanswered
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.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 27, 2011
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