How to Manage Your Herpes Flare-up

Across the globe, a million people get a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) daily, many of which are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). Annually, there are 374 million new sexually transmitted infections, some of which can spread from a pregnant mother to their child. 

With 500 million people infected, one of the most common STIs is a herpes simplex genital infection. While this is an incurable condition, it often shows no symptoms for long periods. 

When you do get a flare-up, it can cause unpleasant symptoms and make your personal life more difficult. To find out how to manage a herpes flare-up, let’s examine the condition, what symptoms to look for, and how to cope once they arrive.

If you live in the Las Vegas, Nevada area and are looking for help with herpes or other STDs, Dr. Staci McHale’s award-winning team at New Beginnings OB-GYN can help you find the treatment you need.

Understanding herpes

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that causes skin blisters and itchy sores. This virus is spread through skin and saliva contact and infects people through sexual intercourse, oral sex, skin contact, touching open sores, or during pregnancy. 

Although it is generally known to affect either your mouth (HSV1, or oral herpes) or genitals (HSV2, or genital herpes), this virus can also affect other parts of your body, including your eyes and other parts of your skin. 

Herpes symptoms

Many people have herpes without showing any symptoms. During flare-ups, you may experience things like cold sores, genital or anal sores, painful urination, fever, muscle aches, or tingling and itching in your groin. 

The first outbreak of genital herpes can last up to a month, with following outbreaks lasting about three days to a week.

Management of flare-ups

Herpes is a lifetime condition that stays dormant in your nerve cells. It can be triggered by several factors such as stress, sun exposure, illness, fever, and menstruation. 

To manage herpes flare-ups at home, you can try a variety of remedies including: 

• Compresses: a hot or cold compress can help to relieve discomfort
• Removing moisture: moisture can irritate blisters and sores, so keep your genitals as dry as possible and wear loose-fitting, cotton undergarments and clothes
• Sitz baths: this is a warm, shallow bath you can do in your bathtub or in your toilet with a small plastic tub to alleviate pain
• Painkillers: over-the-counter medications can be used to alleviate pain associated with herpes flare-ups
• Health changes: a combination of sleep, a healthy diet, and working to strengthen your immune system can help with outbreaks

Avoiding triggers can help to reduce outbreaks, and using protection can prevent others from getting it if you have an outbreak. Condoms and antiviral suppression therapy are ways to control herpes and still have a normal sex life.

This isn’t a condition that can be cured, but we can help you cope. If you’re struggling with herpes or other STDs and need help, make an appointment with Dr. McHale and New Beginnings OB-GYN today.