How to Soothe Herpes Sores

The blisters and sores associated with herpes can be painful. Whether you have herpes simplex or herpes zoster, you must not itch or touch the area. There are some ways that you can relieve the pain that you feel when you have an outbreak. Learn how to soothe herpes sores so that you do not risk the chance of itching and spreading the virus to other areas of the body or to someone else.

Things You'll Need

• Pain reliever Cotton underpants

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear loose clothes when you have an outbreak. This is especially true for genital herpes and shingles. You don't want anything rubbing on the blisters or open sores.

• 2

  Wear cotton undergarments if you have genital herpes. Cotton is preferred for any woman, but men should try to wear cotton underpants as well.

• 3

  Keep the areas around the outbreak clean and dry. Do not use a towel to wipe the area, but rather pat dry and wash the towel after every use.

• 4

  Run lukewarm bath water if you have genital herpes and soak in the tub for a time. This will soothe the herpes sores. If you have had painful urination, you may want to urinate in the soothing lukewarm water before you get out. Then take a shower to wash.

• 5

  Use a washcloth with cool or lukewarm water to apply to the outbreak. This will work for all herpes sores. Make sure to wash the washcloth before using again.

• 6

  Use Motrin, Advil or Tylenol for the pain. This will relieve the pain for a time. You can also apply all the forementioned steps with this step to relieve the pain.