Systemic treatment with acyclovir, valaciclovir, or famciclovir.
Prophylaxis for recurrences: If patient has more than six recurrences yearly, consider acyclovir 400mg p. o. b.i.d. or valaciclovir 1000mg p. o. daily. Use for 1year; then vacation to check for improvement. Often used for many years.Same regimen can be employed for recurrent erythema multiforme.
Drying measures: Zinc oxide lotion, calamine lotion.
HSV vaccines are in development; most promising for HSV-2 in women.
Neonatal HSV: Specific hyperimmune globulin and i.v. acyclovir.