How to Tell if You're Having a Chronic Herpes Breakout

Nearly 90 percent of the adult population carries the virus that can cause genital herpes. Fortunately, only about 10 to 20 percent of people actually experience a herpes outbreak. Genital herpes are viral warts that can break out during times of increased physical and/or emotional stress. The herpes lesion is typically a red, bumpy, sometimes weepy lesion that can be very painful. Many people living with herpes will know that they are about to experience a breakout BEFORE any lesions appear. They can feel the pain and burning associated with herpes prior to lesion eruption--this is sometimes called a prodome. It is critical to pay attention to this prodome since treatment works best at the very early warning signs. Here are ways to know if you are experiencing an outbreak.

Things You'll Need

• Accurate clinical information and knowledge about chronic herpes infection
• Readily available anti-herpes medication that can be started ASAP
• Clear and careful communication with all of your sexual partners

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep in tune with your stress level--both physically and emotionally. Practice stress management, exercise and healthy eating, which go a long way in relieving the stresses of life.

• 2

  As someone with chronic herpes, pay attention to your body. When you first start to feel the burning and tingling symptoms, immediately start your medication as prescribed by your health care provider. Herpes is a viral infection that responds best to anti-viral medication BEFORE any lesions appear.

• 3

  Continue to take the prescribed course of therapy for your herpes outbreak and inform your health care provider that you are self-treating. Do NOT have any sex (even with condoms) during a breakout!

• 4

  Call your health care provider if your usual herpes outbreaks are not responding to therapy or are actually getting worse. You will need to be seen clinically ASAP.

• 5

  Be certain that you have enough refills when you go to pick up the herpes medication. Never be caught short.

• 6

  Find the appropriate support you need. There are numerous herpes support groups and information that can be found locally and on the Internet.