What is the Best Medication for Treating Genital Herpes?

The treatment of genital herpes varies depending on the specific condition of the patient. Genital herpes can be classified as primary, recurrent, frequently recurrent, severe primary infection symptoms, or extensive skin lesions. Common treatment drugs include aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir.

1. Primary Genital Herpes

For patients with primary genital herpes, antiviral drugs such as aciclovir can be used for treatment. A certain dose is taken orally five times a day. Alternatively, valaciclovir or famciclovir can be used, with a certain dose taken orally twice a day or three times a day respectively. The patient usually needs to continue the treatment for 7 to 10 days.

2. Recurrent Genital Herpes

For patients with recurrent genital herpes, it is important to start treatment within 24 hours of the appearance of prodromal symptoms or skin lesions. Antiviral drugs such as aciclovir, valaciclovir, or famciclovir can be used, with the dosage and administration being the same as for primary genital herpes. The patient usually needs to continue the treatment for 5 days.

3. Frequently Recurrent Genital Herpes

For patients with frequently recurrent genital herpes (more than 6 recurrences a year), aciclovir can be taken orally twice a day. Alternatively, valaciclovir can be taken orally once a day, or famciclovir can be taken orally twice a day. It is important to note that these treatment drugs need to be taken for a long period of time, typically for 4 months to 1 year.

4. Severe Primary Infection Symptoms or Extensive Skin Lesions

For patients with severe primary infection symptoms or extensive skin lesions, aciclovir can be administered intravenously based on the patient's weight. The drug is administered every 8 hours for 5 to 7 days or until the clinical symptoms resolve.