If you have had high-risk sexual behavior and are concerned that you have contracted herpes or are experiencing a possible rash of oral or genital herpes, it is important to get tested to get a diagnosis. The only definitive way to know for sure if you have contracted the infection is to see your doctor. Herpes is a virus that has two distinct strains: HSV-1 and HSV-2; both can manifest as sores in the genital area (HSV-2) or oral blisters (HSV-1 or herpes simplex). Although there is no cure, it is still possible to manage the virus if the test is positive.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get the Diagnosis
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Before undergoing tests for oral or genital herpes, pay attention to the symptoms on the body. These not only help you diagnose and treat the ailment faster, but save you from unnecessary medical tests.
- Symptoms of genital herpes include: pain or itching that begins two to ten days after exposure to the virus with an infected partner, small red bumps or blisters in the groin area, ulcers that develop when blisters burst or the bulges, scabs that form when ulcers heal. You may also experience pain when urinating or complain of flu-like symptoms, such as fever or muscle aches.
- Symptoms of orolabial herpes include: itching, burning or tingling in the lips and mouth, flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat and fever, blistering and subsequent rupturing or rashes on the skin.
- Both forms of herpes can be accompanied by mild or severe pain in the affected area.
Step 2. Go to the doctor as soon as possible
If you recognize symptoms of one of the two forms of infection or simply suspect that you have it, get examined as soon as you can. This allows you not only to get a certain diagnosis, but also to treat the breakouts quickly and effectively.
The doctor is able to determine if it is actually herpes just by observing the signs or he can prescribe further tests
Step 3. Look for a case of orolabial herpes
Doctors can more easily diagnose the disorder by simply looking inside the mouth. if it is indeed herpes infection, he may decide whether or not to prescribe medications.
Step 4. Get some tests for cold sores
If your doctor is unable to diagnose the infection with certainty, they may recommend that you perform other tests. There are several alternatives to choose from, but all of them are able to define if it really is this infection, in order to help you establish a drug treatment.
- The doctor may decide to perform a Nucleid Acid Test (NAT), which consists of collecting a sample of infected material with a swab; further analyzes are then performed on the sample to determine if it is herpes. The most common test performed within NAT tests is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Your doctor may also order a blood test to look for traces of the virus in your blood system. this type of test usually creates less discomfort.
- In some cases, you may also undergo the Tzanck test, although nowadays it is rarely performed. The examination consists of scraping the base of the lesion to take a sample of tissue, which will be examined under a microscope to determine if it is oral herpes; this test can cause some pain and discomfort.
Step 5. Undergo a physical exam
As with cold sores, the doctor is also able to diagnose the genital form by observing the groin and anal area. They may also consider having you do further tests to confirm the infection.
Step 6. Do some lab tests to be sure it's herpes virus infection
There are several types to diagnose this disorder, from viral cultures to blood tests, and they all can help the doctor confirm the presence of the virus and find an effective therapy.
- The doctor could take a tissue sample by scraping the lesion and send it to an analysis laboratory to obtain certain information; this withdrawal can create discomfort or pain.
- It may also require a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which involves taking a sample of tissue, blood, or spinal fluid and having it tested for the presence of the virus in DNA. Depending on the method used, it is possible to experience some discomfort during the collection.
- Another diagnostic method is blood analysis, through which it is possible to detect whether antibodies to the herpes virus have developed; it is a less invasive examination.
Step 7. Wait for confirmation of the infection
Once all the necessary checks have been carried out, you must wait for the response times; it may take several days. Once you have obtained the results of the tests, contact your doctor and define the treatment plan together, if necessary.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Cold Sores
Step 1. Avoid touching the blister on the lip
If the rash - which consists of a blister or a sore around the mouth - is not particularly severe, you can leave it undisturbed and treatment is not necessary; the symptoms will disappear on their own within a week or two without the need for specific treatment.
Do this only if you feel good and there is no risk of coming into contact with other people
Step 2. Take prescription antiviral medications
There is no cure for cold sores and taking antivirals only helps speed up the healing process of the rash, reduce the severity of relapses, as well as minimize the risk of infecting others.
- The most common drugs to treat cold sores are aciclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valaciclovir (Valtrex).
- The doctor may also prescribe antivirals in the form of a topical cream, such as penciclovir, in place of the tablets; these products have a similar effect to tablet medicines, but are more expensive.
- Your doctor may advise you to take medicines only if you have symptoms or if you develop a rash or even if there are no obvious physical signs.
Step 3. Inform your partner or partners
An important aspect of "living with" herpes is making your partner aware of your infection; you can then decide how best to deal with the virus as a couple. Cold sores are a very common ailment and you shouldn't give it a negative connotation.
Talk to your partner to find the best solution to reduce the risk of infecting him or developing further rashes
Step 4. Prevent the spread of the virus
Regardless of whether the infection is in a dormant state or blisters have developed, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease as well; there are several solutions to minimize the risk of infecting others.
- Avoid skin contact when you have blisters or rashes; the liquid leaking from the lesions spreads the virus.
- Do not share items if you have contracted the virus; these include cutlery, glasses, towels, lip balm or bedding.
- Avoid oral intercourse if you have blisters or injuries.
- Wash your hands often, especially if you touch your mouth or come into contact with other people.
Step 5. Be aware of the risk of infection stigma
Although cold sores are very common, some people still give a negative connotation to the manifestation of these outbreaks, which can cause feelings of shame, stress, anxiety or depression. Learn to deal with this possible stigma and your feelings about it so you can better manage having a cold sore.
- You may feel uncomfortable when you are first diagnosed with such an infection; keep in mind that this is a completely normal initial reaction.
- Talk to a counselor, family doctor, or friend to learn how to manage these feelings.
Step 6. Pay attention to blister symptoms and act promptly
If you notice any signs that some lip rash is developing, treat them right away to reduce their duration and make them even less severe.
- The main symptoms include: itching, burning or tingling near or inside the mouth and lips, sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing or swollen lymph nodes.
- Call your doctor to prescribe medications to reduce discomfort and control relapses if needed.
Step 7. Wash your blisters gently
Wash them as soon as possible, as soon as you notice them; in this way, you facilitate their healing and prevent them from spreading.
- Use a small towel wet with soap and water and gently blot the rashes; be sure to wash the cloth with a very hot water cycle and detergent before using it again.
- You can also apply a topical anesthetic cream, such as tetracaine or lidocaine, to the blisters after washing them, to relieve pain and itching.
Step 8. Find pain relief
The outbreaks caused by herpes simplex are often very painful, but there are several options to reduce the pain and discomfort they cause.
- If you have any pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Applying ice or a warm washcloth can also soothe the discomfort.
- Gargle with cold water, a solution of water and salt, or eat popsicles to relieve blister pain.
- Do not drink any hot drinks, do not eat spicy or salty foods, and do not ingest acidic substances, such as citrus juices.
Step 9. Prevent blisters and rashes from forming
There are some factors that can contribute to their development; by taking precautions, you can prevent or minimize relapses.
- Apply sunscreen or lip balm with protection factor and / or zinc oxide to reduce the risk of a herpetic episode due to sun exposure; in this way, you also keep your lips more hydrated and there are less chances of new outbreaks.
- Do not share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has the infection.
- Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and try to relax, to strengthen your immune system and stay healthier overall.
- Reduce stress levels to minimize relapses of outbreaks.
- Wash your hands often to ward off possible illness, but also wash them every time you touch the blisters.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Genital Herpes
Step 1. Take prescription antiviral medications
There is no cure for this type of infection, but managing the breakouts with antivirals can speed up the healing of the blisters and reduce the severity of relapses, not to mention that it decreases the chances of infecting other people.
- It is important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as symptoms begin to help reduce the severity of the breakouts in the long run.
- The most common drugs to treat genital herpes are aciclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valaciclovir (Valtrex).
- Your doctor may decide to let you take your medications only when you have symptoms or blisters or may advise you to take them every day, even if you don't have any obvious discomfort.
Step 2. Inform your partner (s) of the infection
An important aspect of "living with" genital herpes is making your partner aware that you have contracted the virus; this is a correct and responsible behavior that you must adopt, also to avoid further problems in the future.
- Don't blame him for everything; remember that the virus remains dormant in the body for years and it is therefore difficult to understand who can have transmitted it to you.
- Talk to your sexual partner about the infection so that you can better manage the problem and reduce the chances of getting him or her having further outbreaks.
Step 3. Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner
Regardless of whether the virus is dormant or if you have currently developed injuries, you must take steps to prevent your partner from becoming infected; there are several ways to prevent this risk.
- This is an extremely common disorder; have your partner get tested, as they may already have contracted the virus and in this case you don't have to worry or fear passing it on.
- Avoid sexual intercourse if you or your partner have herpetic outbursts.
- Use a latex condom every time you have sex.
- If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, be sure to tell your gynecologist, so as to avoid the risk of passing the virus to the unborn baby.
Step 4. Be aware of the stigma
Although the mentality regarding sex today is more open, there is still a tendency to attribute a negative connotation to genital herpes, which can induce feelings of shame, stress, anxiety or depression. Face this stigma and your emotions associated with the virus, to learn how to manage and overcome it, thus returning to lead a normal life.
- Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and wonder if they will find other partners willing to have sex in the future. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but be aware that this infection is very common and it is wrong to have such feelings.
- Talk to a counselor, family doctor, or friend to help you manage these emotions.
Step 5. Join a support group with people who have the same problem as you
By finding yourself with other individuals living with genital herpes, you can find unconditional support from people who can understand what you are experiencing; it can also be useful for effectively managing the different aspects of the infection.
Step 6. Pay attention to the symptoms of rashes and treat them promptly
If you notice any recurrence in your genital herpes symptoms, you need to act immediately to decrease the duration of the blisters and do everything possible to reduce their severity.
- Symptoms of genital herpes are: herpetic lesions, fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and headache.
- Contact your doctor and get a prescription to reduce and treat relapses.
Step 7. Clean the wounds and keep them dry
If external blisters have formed, you should clean them with rubbing alcohol on the first and second day they develop to kill the virus and disinfect the area. You can also use a warm soapy water solution if the alcohol causes you too much pain.
- Cover the affected area with sterile gauze or swab to prevent fluid from the blisters from spreading and contaminating other areas.
- Do not break the blisters, otherwise you can provoke an infection; see your doctor if any lesions have formed inside the body.
Step 8. Respect a healthy lifestyle
Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and maintain hygiene to stay healthy and maintain a strong immune system; By following an overall healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the chances of relapse.
- Some people have found that alcohol, caffeine, rice, and even nuts can trigger a herpes outbreak. Keep a food diary to see if there is any specific food that can induce a herpetic episode.
- Reduce your stress so that you are less likely to relapse.
Step 9. Take care of personal hygiene and make it a priority
Good sanitation affects the breakouts and can reduce them. Shower, change clothes, and wash your hands regularly to decrease the risk of new episodes or otherwise heal faster.
- Shower at least once a day, but consider showering twice if you've noticed symptoms of herpes.
- Wear clean, comfortable clothing and don't forget to change your underwear every day.
- Wash your hands often to avoid the risk of disease, but also whenever you come into contact with a herpes blister.
