Acyclovir is able to treat herpes. Acyclovir can be used clinically in both topical and oral formulations to treat herpes zoster and herpes simplex. For herpes simplex, if the area is small, acyclovir ointment can be applied topically and acyclovir tablets can be taken orally. For herpes zoster, if the herpes formation and skin damage is extensive, in addition to topical acyclovir ointment, other anti-inflammatory and astringent ointments, such as zinc oxide cream or topical fusidic acid cream, may also be used to control the development of inflammation. Oral acyclovir tablets can also be taken for antiviral treatment, which can effectively control the replication and proliferation of the virus to a certain extent.