1st April 2022

You are an F2 in your GUM placement. Mr Nikkins is a 28-year-old who has come to see you

You are an F2 in your GUM placement. Mr Nikkins is a 28-year-old who has come to see you as he has noticed spots on his penis that he has felt embarrassed about but feels that the burning sensation they cause merits medical attention. He has not had this problem before. He admits to having multiple female sexual partners over the last 6 months and to not always using a condom. 

On examination you see 3 erythemic vesicles on the glans of the penis, no ulceration. You suspect this could be herpes simplex. You send a viral culture, which confirms the diagnosis.

What would be the appropriate first-line treatment?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.