For which condition should Acyclovir treatment be initiated as soon as possible at the first sign of lesion?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is most effective when administered early in the course of a herpes virus infection. In the case of genital herpes, initiating treatment at the first sign of lesions can significantly reduce the duration of symptoms and the overall viral load in the body. This is particularly important because genital herpes can recur, and early intervention helps mitigate the severity and duration of these recurrences.

For cold sores, while Acyclovir can be effective, many patients may only use topical treatments or over-the-counter medications, as the severity is usually less than genital herpes. Herpes zoster, or shingles, is treated effectively with antivirals like Acyclovir, but it is typically recommended to start treatment within 72 hours of the onset of the rash for maximum benefit, making the urgency less immediate than in genital herpes cases. Varicella, or chickenpox, also benefits from antiviral treatment, yet the same immediacy of treatment initiation is not as critical as it is for genital herpes outbreaks.

Thus, starting Acyclovir at the very first sign of a genital herpes lesion is crucial for effective management, which is why this condition is emphasized as requiring prompt treatment.