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Drug Treatment of Herpes Simplex Infection

Article information

J Korean Med Assoc. 2008;51(10):942-948
Publication date (electronic) : 2008 October 31
doi : https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.10.942
Eun-So Lee, MD
Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. esl@ajou.ac.kr

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of Herpesviridae family viruses which belong to DNA viruses. HSV-associated diseases are among the most widespread infections, affecting nearly 60% to 95% of human adults. Labial herpes typically results from infection with HSV type 1 (HSV-1), whereas most genital herpes is caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2). They are incurable and persist during the lifetime of the host, often in latent form. Antiviral agents do not cure HSV infections, but rather modify the clinical course of the disease. Topical, oral, or intravenous antiviral agents may be used in the management of HSV infections. Acyclovir, valacyclovir hydrochloride, and famciclovir are the 3 antiviral drugs commonly used to treat symptomatic HSV infections. However, it is very difficult to choose an appropriate drug and dosing regimen.

Keywords: Herpes simplex virus; Antiviral agents; Therapy

References

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Article information Continued

Copyright © 2008 Korean Medical Association

Figure 1

Figure 1

Herpes labialis.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Herpetic whitlow.

Figure 3

Figure 3

Eczema herpeticum.

Table 1

Chronic suppressive therapy for herpes labialis

Table 1

Table 2

Intermittent episodic treatment for genital herpes

Table 2

Table 3

Chronic suppressive therapy for genital herpes

Table 3