Advances in antiviral therapy in dermatology.

For years, investigators have sought to control viral transmission and to find appropriate treatment for people who have viral infections. Exposure control (e.g. vaccines, sanitation, vector control, blood testing, condoms/abstinence, and education) has been extremely important in management of viral spread. Several antiviral agents have received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration over the past few years. There continues to be extensive research on new antiviral agents as well as new vaccines to control viral disease and spread. Most viral diseases continue to be treated symptomatically; however, the discovery of new and improved antiviral agents has added great power to our ability to treat certain hard-to-control viruses that plague patients.