Treatment and Prevention
Sometimes, herpes esophagitis can resolve on its own over several weeks. If it doesn't resolve by itself, a medical professional may need to prescribe you medication. According to MedlinePlus, the three main antiviral drugs for treating herpes esophagitis are acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. Your medical or dental professional may also recommend that you take pain medication and eat a soft, nutrient-rich diet while the infection takes time to clear over a few days or weeks.
If you believe you have symptoms, you should see a medical or dental professional for diagnosis and treatment. Contacting your dental or medical professional will help you get started on a treatment path to reduce the severity of your symptoms and speed up the healing of your herpes outbreak.
If you have a weakened immune system, it is especially important to steer clear of possible infections and see a healthcare professional if you believe you've had herpes exposure. Mayo Clinic recommends practicing proper hygiene to reduce your chances of contracting the virus in the first place. Preventive measures include washing your hands with soap and water often, avoiding skin-to-skin contact, and not sharing items that have touched the mouth of someone experiencing an HSV outbreak.
And as general guidance for prevention and catching issues early, you should keep up with regularly scheduled medical and dental checkups. Rest assured that the HSV virus affects many people across the world, and in otherwise healthy people, it rarely results in complications such as herpes esophagitis. And if you do have herpes esophagitis, you're now equipped with the knowledge to seek treatment confidently!