Final answer:
HSV esophagitis is typically treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir to manage symptoms and keep the virus dormant.
Step-by-step explanation:
To treat HSV esophagitis, antiviral medications are usually prescribed. These include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. These medications work by keeping the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in its dormant phase, thereby reducing the severity of the symptoms. While there is no cure for herpes infections, these antiviral drugs can prevent or shorten outbreaks. In cases related to HSV-1, in addition to systemic treatment, topical medications such as creams with n-docosanol and penciclovir can be used for symptomatic relief of itching and burning.