It’s important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as you have symptoms of genital herpes, which may lessen the severity of the virus in the long term. Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may advise taking medication only if you have symptoms or an actual outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
Do not blame your partner for anything. Remember that herpes can remain dormant in your body for years so it can be difficult to tell who infected you. [2] X Research source Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
Avoid or limit sexual contact to one person who is infection-free if you can. Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes. Use latex condoms every time you have sex or make genital contact. If you’re pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure to let your doctor know so that you don’t transmit it to your unborn child.
Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and they may even wonder if anyone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is common and you don’t need to feel this way. [4] X Research source Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
The symptoms of an outbreak may include: herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence.
Break the blisters in the shower by using clean washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle in your washing machine before using it again. Clean the blisters with rubbing alcohol on the first and second days to kill any virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm soapy water if the alcohol is too painful. Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading. Do not break internal lesions. Consult your doctor if you have an outbreak that is on the inside of your body.
Some people report that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger their outbreaks. Keep a daily food journal to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks.
Shower at least once daily, and consider taking two showers a day if you are showing symptoms of an outbreak. Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak.
Use this option only if you feel well and are not likely to come into contact with anyone.
Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream like Penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills but are very expensive. [9] X Research source Your doctor may advise using the medication only if you have symptoms or an outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
Talk to your partner about the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks. [10] X Research source
Avoid skin to skin contact when you have blisters or cold sores. The liquid secreted from the lesions spreads the disease. Don’t share items if you have blisters or cold sores. This includes, eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balm, or bedding. Avoid oral sex if you have any cold sores or blisters. Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with others.
You may feel embarrassed when you are first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a completely normal initial reaction. Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
The symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may include: itching, burning, or tingling near or on the mouth and lips; sore throat; fever; trouble swallowing; or swollen glands. [14] X Research source Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary. [15] X Research source
Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water and gently wash the blisters. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again. You can put a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine on blisters after you’ve washed them to relieve pain and itching. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort. [18] X Research source Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain. [19] X Research source Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters. [20] X Research source Don’t consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits. [21] X Research source
Apply sunblock or lip balm with SPF and/ or zinc oxide to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores from sun exposure. This will also you’re your lips moisturized and less likely to have a flare up. Don’t share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes. Get regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being relaxed will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks. Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak.
