Herpes treatment: what works, what helps, and when to get care

Most people with herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) can manage it well with simple tools. The two big goals are to shorten outbreaks and cut the chance you’ll pass the virus to someone else. You can do both with the right medicine and a few common-sense habits.

Antiviral pills are the main tool. The three commonly used drugs are acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. They work best started early — ideally within 48–72 hours of a tingle or first sore. For many people, a short course at the first sign of symptoms stops an outbreak from getting worse. If outbreaks are frequent, daily suppressive therapy can reduce how often they happen and lower transmission risk to partners.

Practical outbreak care

When a sore appears, keep the area clean and dry. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help with pain. A cool compress or a sitz bath eases discomfort for genital lesions. Topical numbing creams (lidocaine) can relieve pain for a short time, but they don’t treat the virus itself. Avoid picking or rubbing sores to prevent spreading the virus to other body parts or people.

Testing is straightforward if you’re unsure. A swab from an active sore can confirm herpes by PCR or culture. Blood tests can show past exposure (HSV-1 vs HSV-2 antibodies), but they don’t tell you the site of infection. If you think you’ve been exposed, talk to a clinician about testing and treatment options.

How to reduce transmission

Don’t have sex while sores or symptoms are present. Using condoms lowers risk but doesn’t eliminate it — herpes can spread from skin the condom doesn’t cover. Daily suppressive antiviral therapy cuts transmission risk and is often recommended when one partner is HSV-positive and the other is not. Honest communication with partners and routine STI check-ups matter.

Special cases: pregnancy and newborns require urgent attention. If a pregnant person gets herpes near delivery, doctors may recommend antiviral therapy or consider delivery options to protect the baby. Tell your obstetrician early if you have a herpes history.

Home remedies can ease symptoms but won’t replace medicine. Rest, hydration, and stress reduction help your immune system. Avoid triggers you’ve noticed — like sun exposure for oral herpes — to lower the chance of recurrences.

There’s ongoing research into vaccines and new treatments, but for now, antivirals plus smart precautions are the best approach. If outbreaks are severe, frequent, or affecting daily life, see a healthcare provider — they can tailor treatment and answer questions about testing, partner safety, and pregnancy.

If you’re unsure where to start, a primary care doctor, sexual health clinic, or pharmacist can point you to reliable testing and reputable antiviral options. Quick action and clear communication make herpes manageable for most people.