There are several different kinds of antiviral agents that are prescribed to fight viral skin infections. These medications can be divided into systemic antivirals and topical antivirals.

Systemic antivirals are usually given orally in pill form. However, they sometimes may be administered intravenously (into a vein). This is most likely in situations where the patient is suffering from a suppressed immune system (due to HIV infection, organ transplantation or another condition), is unable to swallow oral medication, has impaired memory or mental capacity or does not have quick access to a hospital should complications arise during drug therapy.

Topical antivirals are usually available in various forms, including creams, ointments, gels, patches and sprays. In addition, most topical antivirals can be further subdivided into one of three major classes:

• Cytodestructive drugs (destroys infected tissue)
• Immunoenhancing drugs (enhances immune system)
• Viricidal drugs (destroys viruses)