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Step 1
Ask your doctor about nucleoside treatments. Nuecleoside treatments such as Penciclovir are a form of antiviral treatment for herpes simplex. These drugs work by reducing the duration of symptoms of a herpes simplex virus outbreak and speeding up the healing process. Thoroughly discuss this treatment option with your doctor before deciding.
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Step 2
Ask your doctor about fusion inhibitors. Fusion inhibitors work by preventing the fusion of the virus with the cell membrane. This prevents the virus from entering the cell. One example of a fusion inhibitor is the drug Docosanol, which is prescribed as a cream formula for surface application. Ask your doctor about this treatment and discuss any other medications you are taking. Telling your doctor of other medications will help he or she better assess whether or not you are eligible for the treatment.
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Step 3
Be aware of dietary supplements that may help you treat herpes symptoms. For those wanting to use dietary supplements, consuming lysine, an amino acid often found in lentils, can reduce the duration of an outbreak by inhibiting the replication of the virus. Arginine, another amino acid, can also inhibit the replication of the virus. However, foods high in arginine (such as peanuts) can interfere with the therapy of lysine. When consuming lysine, make sure your consumption of arginine is kept to a minimum. You are advised to consult with your doctor before consuming any type of dietary supplement in a regular basis.
