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I Sometimes Get A Herpes Breakout On/around My Mouth/lips. Is

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Posted on Fri, 28 Dec 2018
Question: I sometimes get a herpes breakout on/around my mouth/lips. Is there any medicine I can take as soon as I feel the flare up to diminish an outbreak? Have been using Abreva, but not as effective as I'd like
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
oral antivirals would work best

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Herpes is a viral infection. The most effective treatments to decrease the intensity and duration of a breakout would be oral anti viral medication.

Though topical meds like abreva can be helpful, the best options for effective treatment would be meds such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir.
A prescription would be required to obtain one of these. Your doctor would be able to write one of these for you

If taken as soon as any abnormal sensation occur, there should be a decreased intensity, the rash may still occur but it will resolve faster

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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I Sometimes Get A Herpes Breakout On/around My Mouth/lips. Is

Brief Answer: oral antivirals would work best Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Herpes is a viral infection. The most effective treatments to decrease the intensity and duration of a breakout would be oral anti viral medication. Though topical meds like abreva can be helpful, the best options for effective treatment would be meds such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir. A prescription would be required to obtain one of these. Your doctor would be able to write one of these for you If taken as soon as any abnormal sensation occur, there should be a decreased intensity, the rash may still occur but it will resolve faster I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions