How to Deal With a Herpes Outbreak

Genital herpes is a condition caused mostly by infection with human herpes virus-2 (HHV-2), also known as herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). It is sometimes also triggered by genital infection with the cold-sore virus, HSV-1. After infection, the virus remains dormant in some nerve cells of the body; because of this, it can cause outbreaks throughout an infected person's life. While there is no cure for herpes, outbreaks can be managed with medicinal and other strategies.

Things You'll Need

• Antiviral medications as prescribed by a physician

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Instructions

Managing Herpes Outbreaks

• 1

  Visit your doctor in order to confirm the diagnosis of herpes; symptoms include a red rash over which appear blisters as well as a painful, burning or tingling feeling in the area before the rash appears. Your doctor can most easily diagnose the condition during an outbreak, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, blood testing can be used to check for the presence of HSV. If your doctor diagnoses you with genital herpes, she will likely prescribe you an antiviral medication like acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir which you can have on hand when an outbreak occurs.

• 2

  Take antiviral medications as prescribed by your doctor. It is important, in order for the medications to have their greatest impact on limiting the effects of an outbreak, to begin the medication as soon as you recognize the symptoms of an outbreak.

• 3

  Use in-home care to help speed the healing of your herpes outbreak. GlaxoSmithKline, which makes the antiviral medication Valtrex, recommends steps like keeping sores clean and dry and wearing loose undergarments in order to avoid irritating the sores.

• 4

  Manage the pain of herpes outbreaks with over-the-counter pain relievers, following manufacturer's instructions and your doctor's advice. Ice packs may also provide relief, according to GSK.