Sterilization and Disinfection

Use acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) or ibuprofen (Excedrin, Advil, Motrin) for fever and muscle aches. There is data suggesting acetaminophen may be triggering asthma development in some children so parents should check with their child’s pediatric doctor before using over-the-counter drugs containing acetaminophen.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Avoid physical contact with the lesions and any lesion secretions.
For mild infections, self-care may be adequate for treatment. Other treatments termed "home remedies" are not considered cures but can ease or hasten recovery. These remedies include aloe vera gel, cornstarch paste, and tea or mint leaves.
A doctor will base a presumptive diagnosis on information provided by the patient and on the physical examination. The characteristic appearance of the herpes sores leaves little doubt about the diagnosis. Further testing is usually not necessary.

If a definitive diagnosis is needed, because, for example, the infection involves other organ systems, the doctor may conduct laboratory tests listed below:

A sample (tissue or fluid) from the sores to identify the virus as HSV
A viral culture analysis
A staining test called the Tzanck smear (shows nonspecific cell nucleus changes due to HSV)
Antigen and antibody studies (serologic and PCR tests to determine if infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV- 2)Treatment includes medication for fever (see above) and taking plenty of fluids.

A topical anesthetic such as viscous lidocaine (Dilocaine, Nervocaine, Xylocaine, Zilactin-L) may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with oral blisters and lesions.
Oral or IV medication does exist for HSV but is not recommended for people with a normal immune system. It is used only for people with weakened immune systems, infants younger than 6 weeks of age, or people with severe disease.
Some people may require hospital admission.
Those with severe local infection
People whose infection has spread to other organ systems
People with weakened immune systems
Dehydrated individuals who need IV hydration
Infants younger than 6 weeks of age
Mild uncomplicated eruptions of herpes simplex require no treatment. Severe infection may require treatment with an antiviral agent. Oral antiviral drugs include

acyclovir (Zovirax),
valacyclovir (Valtrex),
famciclovir (Famvir),
topical acyclovir or penciclovir (Denavir), (creams) may shorten attacks of recurrent HSV-1 if it is applied early, usually before lesions develop.
These drugs may stop viral replication in the skin but do not eliminate HSV from the body or prevent later outbreaks (HSV reactivation). These drugs are used more frequently with HSV-2 infections. Most investigators suggest consulting an infectious disease expert when HSV infected people need hospitalization. Research findings suggest laser treatments may speed healing and lengthen the time before any recurrent soresTo reduce the chance of acquiring HSV-1, avoid touching saliva, skin, or mucous membranes of people who have HSV-1 lesions. Prevention of genital HSV may be accomplished by latex condoms, but protection is never 100%.

Oral Herpes (HSV-1) Risk Factors

Unfortunately, everyone is at risk to get HSV-1 infection. The majority of children between 6 months to 3 years of age are exposed to HSV-1 simply by contact with other humans. By 14-49 years of age, about 60% of the population has been infected, and by age 60, about 85% of the population has been infected with HSV-1.

Oral Herpes (HSV-1) Prognosis

The sores and symptoms of oral herpes usually completely disappear in two to three weeks with no scarring. However, the sores may reappear under certain stressful situations. Rarely, some complications develop in a few individuals:

atopic eczema,
encephalitis,
keratoconjunctivitis,
pharyngitis,
hepatitis,
herpes whitlow (HSV blisters or lesions on the finger(s).