Genital herpes sores can occur in a wider variety of locations depending on where the virus entered the body. These locations may include:. There are also a few additional herpes outbreak symptoms which are only associated with genital infections, such as:. After the initial outbreak is over, the symptoms are likely to return.
Most people with herpes have several outbreaks each year. However, over time, those outbreaks may become less frequent, especially if you take antiviral medication for herpes. For example, sores may last for only about a week and feel less painful than during the first outbreak.
The symptoms of herpes can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few things you can easily do at home to help ease these symptoms, including:. Taking proper care of your skin and overall health while experiencing an outbreak can help to prevent complications like infection and assist in faster healing for your sores. While there is no cure for herpes, there are treatment options available for people with frequent outbreaks.
If you want to minimize your outbreaks, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can take a swab from a sore or do a blood test to confirm if the herpes virus is the cause of your outbreaks. Herpes treatment involves taking antiviral medicine.
There are antiviral creams and ointments which may be applied to provide relief for burning, itching, or tingling associated with herpes blisters. During an outbreak, a shot of intravenous medication or oral pills may be recommended to help shorten the duration of symptoms. For those with frequent outbreaks, doctors may prescribe a daily antiviral medication, also known as suppressive therapy. These medications can make outbreaks less severe and less frequent while also reducing the risk of transmission to others.
Cold sores take time to heal and they're very contagious, especially when the blisters burst. Kissing a baby if you have a cold sore can lead to neonatal herpes , which is very dangerous to newborn babies.
A GP may prescribe antiviral tablets if your cold sores are very large, painful or keep coming back. Newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system may be referred to hospital for advice or treatment.
Once you have the virus, it stays in your skin for the rest of your life. Sometimes it causes a cold sore. Most people are exposed to the virus when they're young after close skin to skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore. N Engl J Med , Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, Alexander L, Naisbett B. Patient and physician partnerships in managing genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus 2 infection increases HIV acquisition in men and women: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
AIDS , Barnabas RV, Celum C. Infectious co-factors in HIV-1 transmission. Herpes simplex virus type-2 and HIV new insights and interventions. Curr HIV Res , The effects of herpes simplex virus-2 on HIV-1 acquisition and transmission: a review of two overlapping epidemics. JAIDS , The acquisition of herpes simplex virus during pregnancy. Kimberlin DW. Herpes simplex virus infections in the newborn. Semin Perinatol , Effect of serologic status and cesarean delivery on transmission rates of herpes simplex virus from mother to infant.
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It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores. Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol acetaminophen or Motrin ibuprofen or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices. The infected area should be kept clean and dry. Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus. It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.
When to Call the Doctor Even though HSV sores can hurt and be unsightly, most cases of herpes do not cause serious illness. Contact the health provider if: Sores are present and you think it might be a first herpes infection. The diagnosis is usually made by examining the sores.
If the sores have not healed, sometimes a laboratory test is done. Sores do not heal by themselves or show signs of infection such as pus, spreading redness or fever. Sores are near the eyes. You have another health condition with a weakened immune system.
Other Important Points During a flare-up: Avoid touching the sores or the skin around that area. Other parts of the body can become infected.
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