How herpes is treated and what patients can expect
By Cynthia Lodite, July 6, 2026Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are two types of herpes simplex virus.
“Type 1 (HSV-1) mostly spreads by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1. Type 2 (HSV-2) spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes,” WHO states.
In a WHO report, most people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and the infection can cause painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time.
WHO further confirms that medicines can reduce symptoms but can not cure the infection.
Treatment
According to the WHO, medicines are often used to treat first or recurrent symptomatic episodes of herpes, and they can decrease how long symptoms last and how severe they are, but they can not cure the infection.
Treatment for recurrent episodes is most effective when started within 48 hours of when symptoms begin.
Antiviral medicines commonly given include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.
Taking a lower dose of one of these medicines every day (suppressive therapy) can also decrease how often symptoms occur.
Daily treatment is often recommended for people who get very painful or frequent recurrent episodes or who want to lower the risk of giving herpes to someone else.
Medicines to help with pain related to sores include paracetamol (acetaminophen), naproxen or ibuprofen. Medicines that can be applied to numb the affected area include benzocaine and lidocaine.
Symptoms
Most people with herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Many people aren’t aware they have the infection and can pass along the virus to others without knowing.
Symptoms can include painful, recurring blisters or ulcers. New infections may cause fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms may be different during the first episode (or ‘outbreak’) of infection than during a recurrent episode. If symptoms occur, they often begin with tingling, itching or burning near where the sores will appear.
Common oral herpes symptoms include blisters (cold sores) or open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.
Common genital herpes symptoms include bumps, blisters, or open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.
These sores and blisters are typically painful. Blisters may break open, ooze and then crust over.