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How to Relieve Herpes Outbreaks

Genital herpes has no cure, but prescription medications can provide relief during an initial or subsequent herpes outbreak, according to the Mayo Clinic. Oral ant-virals significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in most people--and because they inhibit the herpes virus' ability to replicate, using them can protect uninfected sexual partners, as well. There are also easy lifestyle modifications and home treatments that can relieve outbreaks.

Things You'll Need

  • Prescription oral anti-viral medications
  • Cotton underwear
  • Cornstarch
  • Black tea bags
  • Ice packs or other type of cool compress
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Instructions

  1. Herpes Outbreak Relief

    • 1

      See a health-care practitioner to get help for herpes. Only a physician can prescribe the oral medications that have been proven effective to treat herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famcyclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex). The Mayo Clinic advises there is a generic equivalent of acyclovir--the oldest herpes medication--so it shouldn't be as expensive as its brand-name equivalent.

    • 2

      Use oral anti-virals episodically, if appropriate. The Mayo Clinic advises that oral anti-virals can be taken at the first signs and symptoms of a herpes outbreak, rather than daily. Episodic therapy may be appropriate for you if you are not sexually active, are sexually active with a partner who has genital herpes or have infrequent outbreaks.

    • 3

      Take oral antivirals daily as a form of suppressive therapy, if this is more appropriate for your situation. The Mayo Clinic states that suppressive therapy is best if you have many outbreaks, if you're sexually active with an uninfected partner or with a sexual partner who has genital herpes caused by HSV-2 and you have HSV-1.

    Treating Herpes at Home

    • 4

      Wear loose, comfortable clothing and cotton underwear during an outbreak, advises the Mayo Clinic.

    • 5

      Take a couple of soaks in the bathtub to relieve herpes symptoms. The Mayo Clinic advises that using a drying agent in the tub, such as shaking cornstarch over the genitals, can be helpful.

    • 6

      Apply soothing agents to lesions to reduce itching and pain. A damp black tea bag might provide relief. You may also use an ice pack or another type of cool compress.

    • 7

      Avoid putting over-the-counter creams and ointments on herpes lesions. As noted by the American Social Health Association, this can hinder the healing process.

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