Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can infect the mucous membranes of the mouth and of the genitalia. Herpes causes small painful sores in these areas. It is typically spread by skin-on-skin contact, although it is only contagious during active infections (meaning when herpes sores are present and just before or after these sores appear). Herpes outbreaks can be treated either when the sores are just appearing (at the beginning of an outbreak) or in between outbreaks (to prevent them).
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is one of the oldest medications for herpes treatment. Acyclovir works by blocking the virus from getting into cells and reproducing. It cannot cure herpes because the virus can lay dormant in cells, allowing it to hide from the immune system and from the effects of acyclovir. However, acyclovir can reduce the length of herpetic outbreaks and lessen their intensity. It can also be used to help prevent further outbreaks. According to the American Social Health Association (ASHA), acyclovir has been used to treat herpes since 1982 (when it was available in the form of an ointment ) and has been made in pill form (to be taken orally) since 1985. It has been found to be safe to use even in people who have used it for 10 or more years.
Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir (often sold under the brand name Valtrex) is actually a derivative of acyclovir and uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. This means that valacyclovir is a specially made chemical that is absorbed more readily by the body but, once inside the bloodstream, it is ultimately converted into acyclovir. Valacyclovir is typically only found in pill form and requires less frequent dosing than acyclovir.
Famciclovir
Famciclovir (marketed under the name Famvir) uses a different chemical (called penciclovir) to stop the herpes virus from replicating. However, the mechanism is the same as acyclovir. Famciclovir is similar to valacyclovir in that it is readily absorbed by the body, allowing lower doses to be given less frequently, which helps prevent side effects.
Lysine
According to the Mayo Clinic, some people also treat herpes by ingesting high amounts of the amino acid lysine. The research on this supplement is not conclusive, but in theory it works by changing the balance of amino acids in cells infected with the virus. Because proteins are made up of amino acids, this change could make it harder for the virus to make proteins that it needs to replicate. Lysine can be taken in pill form or in the form of creams and ointments applied to the affected area.
