If you think you have herpes sores, see your health care provider right away. Your health care provider can prescribe medications that quicken healing, make symptoms less painful, and lower the risk of getting outbreaks while you are taking the medications. These medications don't kill the virus and don't prevent you from getting outbreaks in the future. Once you catch the herpes virus, you always have it. However, outbreaks usually become fewer and cause less severe symptoms as time goes on.
Outbreaks usually end after five or six years of getting herpes.
Herpes cannot be cured. Keep sores clean and dry. Wear loose, cotton underwear and clothes to keep your clothes from chafing against the sores. Take warm or cool baths. Drink plenty of water.