It also reduces viral shedding, which affects the duration of contagiousness. It may be used in the first episode and for recurrence. Warm baths may relieve the pain associated with genital lesions. Gentle cleansing with soap and water is recommended. If secondary infection of the skin lesions occur, a topical antibiotic ointment can be used.
Oral antibiotics are sometimes necessary.
Acyclovir-resistant strains of herpes virus are appearing rapidly. If symptoms are not rapidly relieved by acyclovir, further evaluation by a physician is indicated. Once infected, the virus stays in the body for the rest of a person's life. Some people never have another episode, and some have frequent recurrences throughout the year. Subsequent infections tend to occur after sexual intercourse, exposure to the sun, and after stressful events.