Herpes Treatment – What Works Fast and Safely

If you’ve got a cold sore or genital herpes flare‑up, the first thing you want is relief. The good news is that doctors have solid medicines that cut the outbreak short, and there are everyday steps you can add to speed up healing.

Common Antiviral Medications

The backbone of herpes care is antiviral drugs. Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are the three names you’ll hear most often. They work by stopping the virus from multiplying, so the sore doesn’t grow larger and pain fades quicker.

For a first‑time outbreak, doctors usually prescribe a short 5‑day course of valacyclovir (1 g twice daily) or famciclovir (500 mg twice daily). If you have frequent flare‑ups – say more than four a year – they might suggest a suppressive dose: valacyclovir 500 mg once daily keeps the virus quiet for most people.

Topical creams like docosanol (Abreva) can help if you catch the sore early. Apply it at the first sign of tingling, and you may shave off a day or two from the outbreak.

Home Care Tips

Medicine does most of the heavy lifting, but simple home habits make a big difference. Keep the area clean with mild soap and water; avoid picking at scabs – that just spreads the virus.

Ice or a cool damp cloth can numb pain for a few minutes. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen work well if the sore hurts while you’re waiting for meds to kick in.

Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in lysine (like dairy, fish, and legumes). Some people find that cutting back on arginine‑rich foods (chocolate, nuts) reduces how often they get outbreaks, though evidence is mixed.

Stress is a known trigger. Even short breathing exercises or a quick walk can lower stress hormones enough to keep the virus from reactivating.

If you have genital herpes, use condoms during sexual activity and avoid sex when a sore is visible. This lowers the chance of passing it on and also reduces irritation that could prolong healing.

Remember to finish any prescribed antiviral course even if the sore looks better halfway through – stopping early can let the virus bounce back.

Bottom line: start antivirals as soon as you notice symptoms, keep the area clean, manage pain, and add simple lifestyle tweaks. With those steps, most people see a noticeable improvement within two to three days.