Aciclovir is available as tablets or a cream. Milder herpes infections, such as cold sores, can be treated Aciclovir cream, but more severe infections require Aciclovir tablets.
What is Aciclovir Cream?
Aciclovir cream is available over the counter from many high street chemists; it is for external use only, do not use inside the vagina, eyes or mouth. In order to be most effective, it should be used as soon as you notice your symptoms. The cream is best used at 3-5 evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. You should be careful not to wash the cream off the affected area straight after use, i.e. by swimming or showering etc. You must make sure you wash your hands before and after touching the infected area to prevent the virus from spreading.
What are Aciclovir Tablets?
Aciclovir tablets are prescribed to people with genital herpes and more severe herpes infections. If the person suffers from frequent outbreaks, the use of Aciclovir tablets can reduce the regularity of future occurrences. For people with weakened immunity, Aciclovir can be used to help prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body where it could cause more severe infections. A doctor will recommend a dosage of Aciclovir tablets, but it is usually 2-5 tablets per day.
Does Aciclovir Cure Herpes?
Herpes is a viral condition. There is currently no cure for herpes, although the symptoms will subside. Therefore, Aciclovir does not cure herpes, it just alleviates the symptoms. It does not prevent you from passing the infection on to someone else, and it does not prevent future outbreaks of the virus. It is recommended that you avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with the affected area. Using a condom during sexual activity, and refraining from kissing or any other form of direct oral contact with the affected area will help to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
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