Acyclovir cream is used to treat viral skin infections, especially those caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is an antiviral medication that works by reducing the replication of the virus inside cells, which contributes to relieving symptoms and speeding up the healing of blisters and skin lesions. It treats conditions such as herpes labialis and genital herpes in their early stages or as a preventative treatment to reduce recurrence.
Acyclovir is also sometimes used to treat mild shingles on the skin and chickenpox in some limited skin conditions to reduce the spread of the rash and speed up its disappearance. The drug is most effective when used immediately at the onset of symptoms, such as a tingling or itching sensation before the blisters appear.