The symptoms of genital herpes include: pain or itching that begins two to 10 days after being exposed to an infected sexual partner, the formation of small red bumps or tiny blisters on your genitalia, ulcers that develop when the blisters or bumps rupture, scabs that materialize while the ulcers heal. It may also be painful to urinate or you may have flu-like symptoms such as fever or muscle aches. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The symptoms of oral herpes include: itching, burning, or tingling of the lips and mouth; flu-like symptoms such as sore throat and fever; and the formation and subsequent breaking of blisters or a rash. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Both oral and genital herpes may be accompanied by mild to severe pain on the affected area.
Your doctor may be able to confirm a diagnosis simply by sight or may order additional tests.
Your doctor may conduct a DNA test called Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). Your doctor will swab the affected area and collect a sample. She’ll run further tests on the sample to determine if you have herpes. The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most commonly used of the NAAT tests. Your doctor may also order blood tests to examine your blood for traces of the herpes virus. Blood tests usually cause only minor discomfort. In some cases, doctors may perform a Tzanck test, though they are rarely used now. A Tzanck test requires scraping the base of lesions and collecting a skin sample. After this, your doctor will examine the specimen under the microscope to determine if you have oral herpes. This test may cause some pain and discomfort. [7] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
Your doctor may collect a tissue sample by scraping your lesions and send the cell probe to a laboratory that can detect the herpes virus. This test may cause some discomfort or pain. Your doctor may run a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test. The PCR test involves getting a blood or tissue sample, or a sample of spinal fluid to test for the presence of the herpes virus in your DNA. Depending on the method in which your DNA is tested, you may experience some discomfort. Your doctor may conduct a blood test, which can detect herpes virus antibodies in your blood. This test may cause minor discomfort.
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. 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.
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. Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary.
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.
If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort. Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain. Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters. Don’t consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits. [18] 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.
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. Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
Herpes is incredibly common. Have your partner tested for it, because they may already have it as well, and if so, you don’t need to worry that you are going to pass it on. Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes. Use latex condoms with every time you have sex. 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. [23] 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. [25] 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.
Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading. Avoid breaking blisters, as this can lead to infection. 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.
