Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP
Summary:
- Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Prescription medications can help treat genital herpes, while OTC remedies and professional advice can also play a role.
- Prescription antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are the most effective options for treating outbreaks and suppressing future occurrences.
- OTC treatments, such as pain relievers and FDA-approved topical options like Abreva®, may help alleviate symptoms but cannot replace prescription antivirals.
- Alternative approaches, including lysine supplements, essential oils, and dietary adjustments, lack robust clinical evidence and should only be considered under close medical supervision.
- Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and safe management of genital herpes.
Genital herpes can be disruptive and uncomfortable—but treatments are available to help
Genital herpes is a common viral infection caused by either type 1 or type 2 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Managing it effectively often requires medication to control outbreaks and reduce transmission risks.
Exploring your treatment options can help you find the right approach for your needs. Below, Lemonaid Health explores the different prescription medications for dealing with genital herpes, as well as over the counter (OTC) options and alternative treatment methods. Use what you learn here to have an informed conversation with a qualified healthcare provider and find the right genital herpes treatment for you.
Prescription medications
Prescription antiviral medications are the cornerstone of genital herpes treatment. These medications help control symptoms, reduce the duration of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners.
Acyclovir (generic of Zovirax®)
Acyclovir is available for both outbreak treatment and daily suppression. For initial infections, a dosage of 400 mg 3 times daily for 7–10 days is usually recommended. For recurrent outbreaks, a dose of 800 mg is typically taken twice daily for 5 days. For suppression, 400 mg is taken twice daily. It is affordable and widely used.
Valacyclovir (generic of Valtrex®)
Valacyclovir is a formulation of acyclovir that has better bioavailability—meaning more of it is often able to enter the body’s circulation and have an active effect. In addition to treating genital herpes, it is commonly used to treat herpes in and around the mouth. For initial episodes, a dosage of 1 g twice daily for 7–10 days may be used. A 500 mg dose is taken twice daily for 3 days to treat recurrent outbreaks or once daily for suppression. It is slightly more expensive but offers improved convenience due to less frequent dosing.
Famciclovir (generic of Famvir®)
Famciclovir is used primarily for outbreak treatment and should be taken after signs and symptoms of herpes appear. For initial outbreaks, the typical dosage is 250 mg 3 times daily for 7–10 days. Patients take two 500 mg pills twice daily for just one day in recurrent episodes. This shorter treatment duration makes it an appealing option for some.
Lemonaid Health makes these medications accessible online for individuals who have already been diagnosed with genital herpes. For new diagnoses or complex cases, an in-person consultation is recommended.
Over-the-counter medications
While over-the-counter (OTC) options cannot treat the virus directly, some of them may be able to help manage certain symptoms or complications during outbreaks. Here is a brief overview of the different kinds that might be useful.
Pain relievers
OTC pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can reduce discomfort and inflammation. They may be especially useful if you have very painful blisters. Some other OTC pain relief medications that may be able to help include acetaminophen and aspirin.
Topical treatments
Topical creams and ointments have not been found to reduce the pain caused by genital herpes. However, they may be able to help improve your odds of viral resistance.
The only FDA-approved topical OTC treatment is called Abreva®. It can help make the healing process faster after a genital herpes outbreak. Be cautious about using any other OTC treatments, as they have the potential to irritate the area where the outbreak occurred.
Remember, OTC options are not intended to replace antiviral medication, although they may be used to complement prescription treatments in some cases. Always talk to your healthcare provider before you start using any medications, including prescription and OTC options.
Alternative treatments
Some individuals explore natural or holistic remedies for managing genital herpes. While these options often lack robust clinical evidence, they may provide relief for mild symptoms.
- Lysine supplements: This is an amino acid that is commonly thought to reduce outbreak frequency for some individuals. Research suggests that doses over 3 g/d could improve the subjective experience of some patients with genital herpes, but further study is needed to provide any solid conclusions.
- Essential oils: There is limited evidence suggesting that tea tree oil and other essential oils could have antiviral effects that apply to treating genital herpes, but it is known that some can also be inefficient or come with a risk of cytotoxicity—meaning that they could damage or kill cells. More research is needed on the safety and efficacy of this method.
- Dietary adjustments: Some research suggests that the amino acids lysine and arginine may have some effect on genital herpes. Specifically, it is thought that lysine may be able to reduce the recurrence of the virus that causes genital herpes, whereas arginine may cause the virus to replicate. Since both lysine and arginine are found in certain foods, this has caused some speculation that a diet rich in lysine and low in arginine might help with managing herpes.
However, this theory has not been widely studied and many arginine-rich foods, like turkey, legumes, and whole grains, also have other health benefits—so avoiding these foods is not necessarily recommended.
Remember, you should always speak with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet, taking any kind of supplements, or trying other alternative medical treatments. A qualified medical professional can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of these approaches before you start any of them.
Consulting a healthcare provider
Working with a healthcare provider is crucial for managing genital herpes. They can confirm your diagnosis, recommend the right medication, and ensure proper dosing for your situation. Here are some situations where you should see a healthcare provider about genital herpes:
- The symptoms of your outbreak are getting worse despite medicine and self-care
- Your symptoms include severe pain and sores that do not heal
- You are experiencing frequent outbreaks
- You are experiencing outbreaks during pregnancy
A healthcare provider can also help you test for genital herpes and other sexually transmitted infections (STI)s. You can learn more about this topic below:
Learn More: Is it safe to have sex after a herpes outbreak?
If you’ve already been diagnosed with genital herpes, Lemonaid Health’s health practitioners may be able to help by prescribing safe, effective treatments.
Find help for genital herpes from Lemonaid Health
Managing genital herpes effectively requires a combination of the right medication, symptom management strategies, and professional medical advice. Prescription antiviral medications remain the most reliable treatment option, while OTC and alternative treatments can provide complementary relief.
Always consult your healthcare provider to create a tailored treatment plan that meets your needs. For ongoing support and convenient access to prescription medications, get started with Lemonaid Health today.
Zovirax®, Valtrex® and Abreva® are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Famvir® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
