Acyclovir is a popular antiviral medication that is used to treat genital herpes. The medication is available in two forms an oral pill and a topical cream. It can be used to treat cold sores on the lips and face as well as genital herpes lesions.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus named Herpes Simplex Virus. The same virus causes fever blisters or cold sores on the lips, mouth, and face.

There are a few popular antiviral drugs that can help you in the treatment of genital herpes, and acyclovir is one of them. The oral pills can only be bought on a prescription basis. However, The Acyclovir cream for genital herpes can be purchased over the counter.

The cream helps in combating the symptoms of infections and fastens the recovery process. Let us discuss this antiviral drug in detail.

Uses of Acyclovir medication

Both cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the same virus called the Herpes Simplex Virus. Hence the topical medication, as well as the pill, can be used in the treatment of these blisters.

However, it is essential to note that the infection has no cure. Once the virus infects a person it remains in their nervous system in the dormant form. The virus can be reactivated due to external factors such as stress, sun exposure, extreme hot or cold weather, etc. This can cause future outbreaks and also increase your chances of infecting other people.

Acyclovir medication can help in the treatment of infections. However, it does not cure genital herpes or reduce the chances of future outbreaks. Also, using the cream does not prevent you from passing the virus to a partner.

The sooner you start the medication, the better it is. Using the antiviral cream shortens the duration of infection. It also helps in managing the symptoms effectively.

Instructions for use

Apply the Acyclovir cream for genital herpes directly in the infected area. Most people experience a tingling, burning, or itching sensation before the blisters appear. It is advisable to start the medication at this adage to shorten the duration, as well as the severity of the outbreak.

Before you apply the medicine make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water. Also, clean and dry the infected area. Use a glove or finger cot to apply the topical cream.

This will help in avoiding the spread of the virus to your fingertips. Pat the cream directly on the infection site. Avoid rubbing the cream in the surrounding areas.

Also, clean your hands immediately after applying the medication. The medicine needs to be applied five to six times a day for seven days. However, if you do not experience any benefits or if the outbreak becomes severe, you should contact your health care provider at the earliest.

Side effects of Acyclovir

The topical medication can cause a stinging or burning sensation when applied to lesions. However, these effects are temporary and are expected to go away in a few minutes. If the burning or stinging continues you need to contact your health care provider at the earliest.

There are not many severe side effects of Acyclovir cream for genital herpes. However, we recommend being cautious in its application. If you experience rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty in breathing, talk to a health care provider.

A few other side effects of the medication include

• Dryness, cracks, and peeling skin in and around the mouth

• Dryness of flakiness on the skin after application of medication

• Prolonged burning, stinging, or itching.

• Any other side effects that point to an allergic reaction

Also, you need to be careful while applying the medication. If you accidentally touch your eye, rinse your eyes with plenty of cold water.