|  | Conditions Treatments | Herpes

Herpes Simplex Labialis Treatments

Labialis is a manifestation of oral herpes, caused by HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus 1). The primary treatment is antiviral drugs administered topically or orally. Those who experience frequent outbreaks may be put on daily treatment by their physician. There is no cure for oral herpes or any other herpetic condition, but treatments are effective; additionally, many people have fewer outbreaks over time.

  1. Acyclovir

    • Acyclovir is the oldest antiviral drug used for the treatment of herpetic conditions,which also include genital herpes, chickenpox, shingles, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr. Acyclovir is marketed as Zovirax and can be administered both topically and orally. According to Zovirax's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, Zovirax should be administered during prodrome (the symptoms of herpetic outbreak that occur before the outbreak itself, including burning or tingling in the area that will be affected). This is a common indication for the treatment of herpetic conditions, as the efficacy of antivirals in treating herpes viruses is highest before blisters occur.

    Valacyclovir

    • Valacyclovir is a drug that uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. However, valacyclovir (marketed as Valtrex) delivers the medication more effectively and so can be taken less often than acyclovir. According to the manufacturer of Valtrex, GlaxoSmithKline, treating cold sores with Valtrex is a one-day treatment plan that involves one dose during prodrome followed by another twelve hours later. Treatments that use acyclovir as an active ingredient, like Zovirax and Valtrex, counteract the virus by interfering with its reproduction.

    Famciclovir

    • Famciclovir, marketed as Famvir, is a drug that uses penciclovir as its active ingredient and, like valacyclovir, can be taken less often than acyclovir. Famvir has been shown to decrease the time it took blisters to heal as well as improving pain and tenderness associated with cold sores, according to its manufacturer, Novartis. Novartis recommends taking one dose of Famvir within one hour of developing prodrome symptoms.

    Daily Treatment

    • According to MedlinePlus, chronic outbreak of herpes labialis may lead a physician to prescribe daily suppressive therapy, consisting of a daily dose of an antiviral agent. This should reduce the number of outbreaks and may prevent outbreak in some people.

    Other

    • Over-the-counter medications may improve symptoms for herpes labialis. However, only therapies that contain an antiviral agent like acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir target the cause of the condition, HSV-1.

Herpes - Related Articles