1. Treat Episodic Outbreaks
If your case of herpes simplex is moderate in nature, your doctor is most likely to prescribe antiviral treatments (topical or oral) to use when an outbreak occurs. Known as episodic therapy, this strategy treats your sores as necessary, reducing their severity and speeding healing. The most commonly prescribed drugs given to manage skin-based virus outbreaks are acyclovir, valaclovir and famcyclovir. These drugs are most effective if you use them as quickly as possible following the onset of a herpes simplex outbreak.
2. Suppressive Therapy Can Work Wonders
You might have a more complicated form of the virus, which means you'll have more frequent and more severe outbreaks. If so, your doctor may prescribe what's known in medical circles as suppressive therapy. Unlike episodic therapy, suppressive therapy's aim is to prevent outbreaks altogether. If your doctor elects to use this option, you'll be given pills to take on a daily basis. These drugs will work to stop breakouts, and many patients report that they effectively prevent sores from appearing altogether.
3. Prevent Secondary Infections With Topical Supplements
Should you suffer from recurring lesions or sores, you should be wary of the possibility of bacterial infections forming beneath your broken skin. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend topical antibacterial ointments which can kill any bacteria lingering around the site of your lesion and prevent secondary complications.
4. Manage Genital Herpes Outbreaks
To increase your comfort during a flare-up of genital herpes, wear loose-fitting pants and apply a cool or warm damp cloth to ease the sting while otherwise keeping the area dry and clean. Don't touch, squeeze or pick at your sores. They'll go away on their own. It's also tempting to compensate by using body-grooming products such as a douche or perfume, but these compounds can also irritate your outbreak, and you should avoid them altogether until the sores heal.
