Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two viruses known as herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Genital herpes is primarily spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sexual encounters.
Herpes Viruses
Once infected, the virus may be dormant for many years and then come up again at any time. This infection doesn’t have a cure, but some medications can help manage, prevent, and lower the risk of passing it to your sexual partner.
Read Also: A New Approach to Treating Herpes Could Prevent Future Resistance to Treatments
The symptoms of genital herpes may begin between two to twelve days after exposure but may be very mild. These symptoms may include ulcers, white blisters, scabs, red bumps, itching, pain, and flu-like symptoms.
Medications such as valacyclovir can be used to keep it from flaring up. These medications won’t cure genital herpes, but they may help keep it under control.
If you find that you get frequent flare-ups you may want to take extra steps in managing genital herpes by eating healthily and changing some lifestyle habits. This article discusses managing genital herpes to ensure you keep it in check.
-
Let Your Skin Breathe
Genital herpes outbreaks cause blisters and these will open into ulcers. If urine comes into contact with the ulcers this can sting. Pouring water over the area as you pee may help. Be sure to drink plenty of water, so that the urine is kept dilute and is less likely to sting.
During an outbreak, you may want to avoid tight-fitting clothes, especially underwear. You can opt for soft cotton underwear that does not rub. In addition, avoid wearing tight-fitting trousers, leggings, or shorts, that could rub on the area and prevent healing.
-
Find Your Trigger Points
Several factors may trigger the symptoms of genital herpes. Some people’s triggers may be the friction of sexual intercourse, which leads to skin irritation. If sexual intercourse is your trigger, you can use lubricants with silicone – they are not sticky like water-based ones and are safe with latex condoms.
Some women may also have hormonal changes as triggers, especially when menstruating, leading to outbreaks. Talk to your doctor about using contraceptive pills or HRT to change your hormonal swings. Also, people with weakened immune systems tend to experience more outbreaks.
Pay close attention to your triggers and once you find them, consult your doctor.
Read Also: Study: Charcoal Enhances Efficacy of Herpes Medication
-
Shower With Warm Water
Warm water offers relief and lowers irritation. Warm water also washes out dirt that can delay healing. As a result, taking regular warm showers will help ensure you keep the infected area clean and prevent additional recurrences.
-
Avoid Touching Your Sores
Genital herpes causes sores that tend to be itchy, and you may be tempted to scratch them. However, these sores may have fluid inside them that can rupture when scratched, so you need to be careful. Wash your hands before touching the sores to remove any pathogens from your fingers that could infect the sore, and also wash afterward to remove the viral fluid.
During your first outbreak, these fluids could be transferred to unaffected places on your body and lead to additional sores.
Once the first outbreak is over, you will have antibodies that prevent you from spreading it to new places.
-
Take oral medication preferably
When going for medications, choose one of the antiviral pills: Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex, or Famvir. They can be taken at the beginning of an outbreak to reduce the severity and suppress outbreaks. Talk to your primary physician to decide which option is the best for you.
Avoid using creams such as cortisone cream, which may encourage the virus to grow by inhibiting the immune system.
-
Keep Sores Dry And Clean
After taking a shower or being in contact with water, you’ll need to dry the sores gently so as not to rub away any new skin that might be forming.
Read Also: Herpes Could Finally Be Cured With CRISPR According to Study
-
Diet Is Important
Your body needs all the right foods to be healthy. If you are getting too many flare-ups, this could be the incentive you need to improve your diet: eat a wide range of fresh foods, and reduce sugar and junk food.
-
Take Supplements
Consider taking vitamin C to strengthen your immune system. Or perhaps a multivitamin and mineral pill to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need.
-
Blow Dry
If you are so sore that drying with a towel hurts, a great way to dry the infected area quickly after a shower for example is by using a blow dryer. When using a blow-dryer, ensure that it is on low heat. Avoid using high heat as it may irritate the sores
-
Keep Your Hands Clean Before And After Touching Your Sores
As we mentioned before, your hands should always be clean when touching your sores as dirty hands harbor many microbes which may cause more infections.
Read Also: STDCheck Review: An STI Testing Service Used By Those Seeking Confidentiality
Bottom Line
Although genital herpes may come back, you can find treatments that can keep it under control. In addition, you may also need to make lifestyle changes and adopt healthy habits that will be instrumental in controlling outbreaks.
In short, you may manage your outbreaks by staying clean, avoiding your triggers, adopting healthy habits, and taking supplements to boost your immunity.
References
