So you’ve received the news that you have genital herpes. Don’t panic you are not alone. There are millions of people who have the herpes virus as well. While there is no cure, there is treatment to manage outbreaks. Also, outside factors such as stress can also contribute to current and future outbreaks. If you are currently having a herpes outbreak that is longer than usual, here are steps you can take to alleviate the pain and ease the symptoms.
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- Keep yourself away from stressful environments and people. If you find yourself getting fatigued or stressed around certain people or situations, do yourself a favor and remove yourself from them. You are more likely to get repeat outbreaks with a lower immune system. Stress and fatigue often wreak havoc on the body.
- Wear the right clothes. Avoid wearing nylon or any type of synthetic material underwear. Instead opt for cotton underwear. Also wear loose fitting pants as well. Wearing the wrong type of material can cause you to prolong your outbreak.
- Be proactive about easing your symptoms. By being smart and proactive about easing your outbreak you can heal the sores and also relieve your pain. Take ibuprofen or aspirin if the pain is very uncomfortable. You can also apply a cold compress to the sores if you are experience discomfort and itchiness. Doing little things like this can bring a lot of relief.
- Be hygienic with your sores. This means to take the time to wash sores with unscented soap and water and also ensure they thoroughly air dry. Also do not under any circumstances pick at your sores, since this can lead to infection and prolong the healing process even longer. Also make sure to wash your hands after touching a sore. If your outbreak is not in the genital area but oral herpes, do not share your utensils and make sure they are thoroughly cleaned.
- Notify your partner about your outbreak. If you have herpes but your partner doesn’t, you both should do all you can to keep it that way. During an outbreak do not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, especially if you have sores. If you have oral herpes, do not kiss or have oral sex. Even with the use of a condom certain infected areas can be exposed and infect your partner. It’s always best to be safe than sorry.
- Talk to your doctor about suppressive therapy. There is an antiviral medication that you can take on a daily basis to reduce the amount of outbreaks you have. This medication can also lower the risk of infecting your partner with the virus as well. Speak with your doctor to see if this can help calm your frequent outbreaks.
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I know it can be hard to date when you have this virus, but there are a many people who have it and those who don’t are more often than not, understanding about your situation. Know what the symptoms of an outbreak are and do all in your power to alleviate as much pain and discomfort as possible.
