When it comes to treating herpes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Medications can be used to control outbreaks, but there is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medications can help prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines can also reduce your chance of transmitting the virus to others.
Most people with herpes are treated with an antiviral medication. An antiviral cream or ointment can help relieve burning, itching, or tingling sensations. An oral (pill) or intravenous (injection) antiviral medication can also help shorten an outbreak of herpes. Many people choose to treat herpes simplex because it can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of an outbreak.
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are many ways to treat symptoms and manage the infection. Genital herpes outbreaks tend to occur less frequently and become shorter and less severe after a few years, regardless of whether they receive treatment or not. Antiviral drug treatment can help people who are affected by outbreaks of genital herpes stay symptom-free for longer periods of time. If you don't get treatment for herpes, you may continue to have regular outbreaks or they may only happen rarely.
