Herpes virus type 1 usually causes blisters around the mouth, and herpes virus type 2 usually causes genital outbreaks. Blisters are often painful, burn, or itch. You may also experience moderately enlarged lymph nodes. You might feel tingling or pain in the affected area just before an outbreak. Fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, and decreased appetite often occur, especially during the first outbreak. It’s important that you doctor does a thorough examination, as there are other conditions that can cause similar bumps around your genitals, anus, or perianal area. These include syphilis, chancroid, carcinoma, trauma, or psoriasis.
Medications for oral and genital herpes include acyclovir (better known by the brand name Zovirax), valacyclovir (better known as Valtrex), and famciclovir (better known as Famvir). These don’t cure herpes, but they help relieve symptoms and shorten the outbreak’s duration. The treatment is most effective when it’s begun within 1 day of the outbreak onset. If the doctor prescribes an episodic treatment, the patient should be given the medication or a valid prescription for it so that they can administer it at the first sign of a new outbreak. Within 12 months of their first outbreak, about 90% of patients report at least one recurrence.
Side effects don’t usually occur, but can include fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Taking a tablet with food can help prevent an upset stomach. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t let the swab touch anything after it’s come into contact with your skin. If you need to apply more ointment, get a new swab instead of adding more medicine to the used swab. Throw the swab away promptly after applying the ointment. Ointments are usually only recommended for oral herpes. If you experience oral and genital herpes, don’t apply medication intended for oral herpes on your genitals. [6] X Research source
If your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, take it as directed.
Daily suppressive therapy can reduce the number of outbreaks by 70 to 80%. If you have a partner who doesn’t have herpes, taking a daily medication can also reduce the risk of spreading it to them.
Episodic therapy might be your best option if you don’t like taking pills, or if taking a daily suppressive medication isn’t affordable.
To ease symptoms on/in mouth: gargle (do not swallow) hydrogen peroxide (caution it can stain clothes), make sure to allow it to spread over the bumps on lips as well for roughly 30 seconds. Rinse with water, dry off, and add Neosporin to lips (like chapstick). Don’t apply ointment to genital herpes sores without consulting your doctor. Herpes outbreaks can affect sensitive mucous membranes in and around the genitals. Applying medicated ointments to these areas without your doctor’s approval can be harmful. [11] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen. In combination, alcohol and acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
Use a hot or cold compress every 3 hours to relieve pain, itching, and swelling. If you experience burning, go for ice instead of heat. Promptly machine wash the cloth you used on a hot water cycle to prevent spreading the infection.
Air can help speed healing. For this reason, you should also avoid bandaging the area. Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester.
Epsom salt soaks can cleanse the area and soothe pain and itchiness.
Never pick at or try to pop sores. You’ll worsen itching and pain and risk spreading the infection. Practicing healthy hand hygiene is absolutely essential. It’s easy to spread herpes to other people or other parts of your body during an outbreak.
A healthy diet can help keep your immune system strong and reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Learn more about your specific daily recommended values at https://www. choosemyplate. gov.
Proper rest will help keep your immune system strong.
Breathe in and out slowly when you’re stressed, close your eyes, and imagine that you’re in a relaxing, comfortable place. Control your breathing and visualize calming scenery for 1 to 2 minutes, or until you feel more relaxed. When you feel overwhelmed, break large problems up into smaller, actionable steps. Don’t be afraid to turn down extra commitments if you have a lot of your plate. Talk to friends, relatives, or coworkers if you need help getting things done. For example, ask someone to help you with a project at work, or see if a friend can watch your kids while you run errands.
Keeping yours skin moisturized can also minimize irritation and reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
