Herpes treatment online

Response time: 1-2 working days

Board-certified dermatologists
Affordable expert care
Free choice of pharmacy

Close-up of cold sore on lip, a person is touching herpes simplex virus outbreak (HSV-1) with inflamed and crusted blisters

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Amit Om
Dermatologist

Why get virtual dermatology treatment via Miiskin?

Consultations are around $59 and prescription renewals are $30.

You get treatment provided by a board-certified dermatologist.

You can buy your medicine at a local pharmacy the same day.

Cold sore on the lip and genital herpes skin outbreak – close-up images showing common symptoms of herpes simplex virus

What is herpes?

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, leading to cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, while HSV-2 is usually responsible for genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection that results in painful sores in the genital or anal area. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected skin or bodily fluids, even when sores are not present. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent outbreaks. While there is no cure, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce transmission risk.¹

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Signs and symptoms of herpes

Painful blisters or sores on the mouth, genitals, or surrounding areas

Burning or pain during urination (genital herpes)

Itching or tingling before sores appear

Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches)

Crusting and healing of sores over time

Recurring outbreaks in the same area²

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Can herpes be treated online?

Can an online dermatologist diagnose and treat herpes?

Definitely. The board-certified dermatologists within the Miiskin network are highly experienced in managing herpes and other common skin issues through online consultations. With over 50,000 consultations completed, you can feel confident that you’ll be receiving top-quality care.

Do I need a prescription for herpes?

Yes, you need a prescription to get antiviral medication for treating herpes. Miiskin connects you with board-certified dermatologists who can assess your condition and provide the necessary prescription.

How can I get an online treatment for herpes?

You can get an herpes treatment online by having a virtual consultation with an independent, board-certified dermatologist through Miiskin. They’ll review your symptoms and, if appropriate, prescribe the right treatment—all online. Consultation price is around $59 and medication renewals are $30 approximately.

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phone showing a prescription request and answer from a doctor with herpes diagnosis

License: North Carolina.

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Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their own private practices. Miiskin does not employ dermatologists and does not sell or distribute medications. Any prescriptions issued by the dermatologists can be filled at third-party pharmacies of the patient’s choice.

What medications are commonly prescribed for herpes?

Commonly prescribed medications for herpes are antiviral drugs that help reduce symptoms, speed up healing, and lower the risk of transmission. These include:

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

Acyclovir 400 mg tablets – prescription antiviral medication for herpes treatment

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Velaciclovir 500 mg tablets – prescription antiviral medication for herpes treatment

Famciclovir (Famvir)

Famciclovir 500 mg tablets – prescription antiviral medication for herpes treatment

How much does herpes medication cost?

The price of antivirals for herpes can vary significantly depending on your pharmacy and state. With Miiskin, you can choose where to purchase your medication—so compare options to find the best price for your treatment.

Famciclovir

Generic versions often often cost between $15 to $60 for a 30‑day supply, depending on dosage and pharmacy.

Acyclovir

Generic versions often range from $15 to $30 for a 30‑day supply of standard-dose tablets.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Generic versions often cost around $50 to $80, making it more expensive than acyclovir and famciclovir for a 30‑day supply.

Types of herpes treatment

Immediate outbreak relief

If you’re having a herpes outbreak, short-term antiviral treatment (1–5 days) can help reduce symptoms and speed up healing. You can get 1 of 3 effective prescription options that vary in duration and dosage.

The typical dosages prescribed to patients vary depending on the medication prescribed and whether it is a first occurrence or a recurrence.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex):

◦ First outbreak: 1,000 mg twice daily for 2–10 days

◦ Recurrent outbreak: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days or 1,000 mg once daily for 5 days

Acyclovir (Zovirax):

◦ First outbreak: 400 mg three times daily for 7–10 days

◦ Recurrent outbreak: 800 mg twice daily for 5 days or 800 mg three times daily for 2 days

Famciclovir (Famvir):

◦ Recurrent outbreak: 1,000 mg twice in one day (single-day dose) or 125 mg twice daily for 5 days

Daily preventative treatment

If you get frequent outbreaks or want to lower the risk of passing herpes to a partner, daily antiviral medication can help. These medications are equally effective options, differing in how often they’re taken.

For daily suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks and lower transmission risk, the typical adult doses are:

Valacyclovir (Valtrex):

◦ 500 mg once daily (for fewer outbreaks and lower transmission risk)

◦ 1,000 mg once daily (for frequent outbreaks)

Acyclovir (Zovirax):

◦ 400 mg twice daily

Famciclovir (Famvir):

◦ 250 mg twice daily

These doses are used long-term and are effective only if taken consistently every day. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your symptoms, outbreak frequency, and medical history.

How does it work?

Start consultation to get a diagnosis and treatment for your herpes.
Get an answer from an online dermatologist in your state.
Buy your medication at a pharmacy nearby and start treatment.

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Process to getting a prescription for herpes treatment
Through Miiskin, you get in touch with a dermatologist using an online dermatology consultation. The dermatologist will review your case and will write you a prescription for herpes if it is suitable for you. Then you can pick it up at the pharmacy of your choice.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Frequently asked questions about herpes

Dr. Amit Om answers the most popular questions about herpes.

Can herpes be diagnosed through an online consultation?

Dr. Om says that herpes can often be diagnosed through an online consultation with a board-certified dermatologist— if you have visible symptoms like sores, blisters, or rashes. Services like Miiskin allow you to upload photos and describe your symptoms to a licensed dermatologist, who can then evaluate your condition and, if appropriate, provide a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. However, in some cases (like no visible symptoms), a physical exam or lab test (such as a swab or blood test) may still be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

What is suppression therapy for herpes?

Dr. Om explains that suppressive therapy involves taking daily antiviral medication, even when no symptoms are present, to prevent frequent outbreaks and reduce the chance of transmitting herpes to a sexual partner. It is especially helpful for people with frequent recurrences or those in relationships with an uninfected partner.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

According to Dr. Om, genital herpes spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It can be transmitted even when no visible sores are present due to viral shedding. Sharing sex toys or touching infected areas and then other parts of the body may also cause transmission.

Can I give herpes to a partner if I don't have an outbreak?

Dr. Om says that you can still transmit herpes to a partner even without visible symptoms due to asymptomatic shedding—when the virus is active on the skin without any sores. However, to further reduce the risk, use condoms, avoid sex during outbreaks, and consider daily suppressive therapy.

Can you spread herpes while on suppressive therapy?

Dr. Om says that while it is technically still possible to transmit herpes while on suppressive therapy, the risk is significantly lower. Taking daily antiviral medication (like acyclovir) significantly reduces the chance of transmitting herpes to a partner. For even better protection, combine medication with condom use and avoiding sex during outbreaks.

Can you have genital herpes and not know it?

Yes. Many people with genital herpes have mild or no symptoms and may not realize they’re infected. However, even without symptoms, they can still transmit the virus to others, making regular testing and honest communication with partners important.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

There is no cure for genital herpes, according to Dr. Om, however, the infection can be managed effectively with antiviral medications. These treatments help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

How often do herpes outbreaks occur?

Dr. Om says outbreak frequency varies by individual. Some people have several outbreaks per year, especially during the first year of infection, while others may have only one or none at all after the initial episode. Triggers like stress, illness, and hormonal changes can increase the likelihood of outbreaks.

Can I get herpes from someone with no visible sores?

Dr. Om says that herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible sores or symptoms but it is much less likely. This is due to asymptomatic viral shedding, which means the virus is active on the skin without any noticeable signs.

Can I still have sex if I have genital herpes?

Yes, you can have a healthy sex life with genital herpes, explained Dr. Om. Using condoms, avoiding sex during outbreaks, and taking daily antiviral medication can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting it to sexual partners. Open communication with your partner is also important.

How long do herpes outbreaks last?

Dr. Om says that the first outbreak usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks and may be more severe. Recurring outbreaks are typically shorter, around 5 to 10 days, and less painful. With treatment, healing time can be reduced.

Is genital herpes dangerous?

Dr. Om explains that for most people, genital herpes is not dangerous but can cause emotional distress and discomfort. However, in rare cases, it can lead to complications such as severe infections in newborns if the mother has herpes during delivery or more serious symptoms in people with weakened immune systems.

Can I get a herpes prescription online?

Yes. Online platforms like Miiskin offer virtual consultations with board-certified dermatologists who can evaluate your symptoms and provide prescriptions for herpes medications without needing an in-person visit.

Can herpes be passed through oral sex?

Yes. HSV-1, which commonly causes cold sores, can be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex. Likewise, someone with genital herpes can potentially transmit the virus to a partner’s mouth during oral sex.

What triggers herpes outbreaks?

Herpes outbreaks can be triggered by a variety of factors that weaken or stress the immune system. Common triggers include physical or emotional stress, illness or fever, fatigue, sun exposure (especially for oral herpes), hormonal changes like menstruation, and friction or trauma to the affected area during sexual activity. Even certain foods, immune-suppressing medications, or surgery can play a role in triggering a recurrence.³

References:
¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex
²https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161
³https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22855-herpes-simplex