If you've engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors and are likely to get herpes, or if you currently have a possible outbreak of oral or genital herpes, it's important to get tested for it. The only definitive method of confirming if it is herpes is through a doctor. This is a virus that has two strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2. These strains manifest as genital sores (HSV-2) or blisters in the mouth (HSV-1 or herpes simplex). Although there is no cure for this disease, you can control the virus after having undergone some tests.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get a Herpes Diagnosis
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of herpes
Before getting tested for oral or genital herpes, pay attention to the symptoms of the disease in your body. Not only can this help you get a diagnosis and treatment faster, but it could also save unnecessary medical tests.
- Symptoms of genital herpes are pain or stinging that begins two to ten days after exposure to an infected sexual partner, formation of small red bumps or tiny blisters on the genitals, ulcers that develop after the blisters rupture, or lumps, or scabs that materialize during the healing period of the ulcers. You may also feel painful urination or have flu-like symptoms, such as fever or muscle aches.
- Symptoms of oral herpes are stinging, burning, or tingling of the lips and mouth; flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat and fever; and the subsequent formation and rupture of blisters or a rash.
- Both oral and genital herpes can occur along with mild to severe pain in the affected area.
Step 2. Go to the doctor as soon as possible
If you recognize the symptoms of either of these two strains or if you even suspect that you might have one of them, see your doctor as soon as possible. Not only can this help you confirm a diagnosis, but it will also help you treat the flare quickly and effectively.
Your doctor may confirm a diagnosis just by looking at the outbreak, or may order additional tests
Step 3. Observe a case of oral herpes
Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose oral herpes just by looking at the area of your mouth. If this is the case, he might prescribe you some medications.
Step 4. Get tested for oral herpes
If you're still not sure whether you have oral herpes, your doctor may order more tests. There are several different options that you could turn to that will allow you to confirm a diagnosis and help you get treatment.
- Your doctor may perform a DNA test known as a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). To do this, you will rub the affected area with a swab and collect a sample. Then, they will perform additional tests on the sample to determine if it is a case of herpes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most widely used NAAT.
- Your doctor may also order blood tests to look for signs of the virus. These tests generally only produce minor discomfort.
- In some cases, doctors may perform a Tzanck test, although it is rarely used very often these days. This test consists of scraping the base of the lesions and collecting a skin sample. Your doctor will then examine the sample under a microscope to determine if you have oral herpes. When taking this test, you may feel some pain and discomfort.
Step 5. Get a physical exam
Like oral herpes, your doctor can diagnose genital herpes just by examining your genitals and anal area. He will probably order additional lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Step 6. Get laboratory tests to confirm the presence of genital herpes
There are several types of tests that can help you detect genital herpes. From viral cultures to blood tests, with them, your doctor can confirm a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
- Your doctor may scrape your lesions to collect a tissue sample and send it to a laboratory that can detect the virus. This test may cause you some discomfort or pain.
- Your doctor may perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test consists of obtaining a sample of blood, tissue or cerebrospinal fluid to detect the presence of the herpes virus in your DNA. Depending on the method used to examine your DNA, you may feel some discomfort.
- Your doctor may perform a blood test to detect the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus. In this test, you may feel minor discomfort.
Step 7. Wait until the results that confirm the herpes arrive
Once your doctor runs tests to confirm a herpes diagnosis, wait for it to arrive, which could take a few days. After receiving the results, talk to your doctor and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.
Method 2 of 3: Treat Oral Herpes
Step 1. Don't touch cold sores or blisters
If an outbreak of oral herpes, which is made up of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, is not very serious, you can let it run its course and not do any treatment. Your symptoms may go away after a week or two without treatment.
Only use this option if you feel good and don't run the risk of coming into contact with anyone
Step 2. Take prescription antiviral medications
Oral herpes has no cure, and treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks early and reduce the severity of recurrences. It could also decrease the chance of passing the virus to other people.
- Medications commonly prescribed to treat oral herpes are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
- Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream such as penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills, but they are not as expensive.
- Your doctor might recommend a medication only if you have symptoms or a flare, or do it even when you don't have any signs of flare-ups.
Step 3. Communicate with your partner (s)
A key part of living with this virus is communicating with your partner (s) so they are aware of your condition. That way, both of you can decide the best ways to control the virus. Oral herpes is very common and you don't need to worry about any stigma you may have.
Talk to your partner about the best ways to minimize the chances of infecting her or causing more outbreaks
Step 4. Prevent the transmission of oral herpes
Regardless of whether it is a case of latent oral herpes or a cold sore outbreak, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease. There are several ways to minimize the risk of virus transmission.
- If you have blisters or cold sores, avoid skin-to-skin contact. The fluid secreted by the lesions spreads the disease.
- If you have blisters or cold sores, don't share items with anyone. This includes eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balms, or bedding.
- If you have any blisters or cold sores, avoid oral sex.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with other people.
Step 5. Be aware of possible social stigmas
While oral herpes is very common, some people may experience social stigmas attached to an outbreak, which could lead to feelings of shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing possible stigmas and your own feelings can help you cope with the disease.
- The first time you receive the diagnosis, you may feel embarrassed, which is a completely normal reaction.
- See a counselor, doctor, or friend to help you deal with your feelings.
Step 6. Pay attention to the symptoms of flare-ups and treat them as soon as possible
If you see symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak, treat them promptly. In this way, you could minimize the duration and severity of the outbreak.
- Symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may be stinging, burning, or tingling near or on the lips and mouth; throat pain; fever; swallowing problems; or swollen glands.
- Contact your doctor and, if necessary, request a prescription to minimize and cure new outbreaks.
Step 7. Wash the blisters gently
Wash off the cold sore as soon as you notice it. This can help heal the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.
- Soak a washcloth in warm soapy water and wash the blisters gently. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy water cycle before reusing it.
- After washing the blisters, you can apply a topical cream, such as tetracaine or lidocaine, to them to relieve pain and itching.
Step 8. Relieve cold sore pain
The blisters or cold sores related to oral herpes are often very painful. There are different ways to minimize pain and discomfort from cold sores.
- If you are in pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to minimize the discomfort.
- Applying ice or warm cloths can ease the pain.
- Gargling with cold water or salt water, or eating popsicles can ease the pain caused by blisters.
- Do not consume hot drinks, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic food such as citrus fruits.
Step 9. Avoid blisters and breakouts
There are some factors that can contribute to the appearance of oral herpes outbreaks. By taking the right preventive measures, you can prevent or minimize the reappearance of flare-ups.
- Apply sunscreen or lip balm with SPF or zinc oxide to prevent cold sore outbreaks from sun exposure. This will also ensure that your lips are moisturized and less likely to break out.
- If you or someone else has oral herpes, don't share any type of eating or drinking utensils.
- Exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and relaxing will help you and your immune system stay strong and healthy.
- Limit the level of stress in your life, so you can minimize the reappearance of flare-ups.
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid illness, but also do it every time you come in contact with an outbreak.
Method 3 of 3: Treat Genital Herpes
Step 1. Take prescription antiviral medications
Because there is no cure for genital herpes, receiving antiviral drug treatment can help heal outbreaks quickly and reduce the severity of recurrences. It can also reduce the chances of passing the virus to other people.
- It is important that you obtain a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as the symptoms of genital herpes appear in order to lessen the severity of the virus in the long term.
- Medications commonly prescribed to treat genital herpes are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
- Your doctor might recommend a medication only if you have symptoms or a flare, or do it even when you don't have any signs of flare-ups.
Step 2. Communicate with your partner (s)
A key part of living with this virus is communicating with your partner (s) so they are aware of your condition. It's the kindest and most responsible thing you can do, and it could help you avoid problems later.
- Do not blame anything on your partner. Remember that herpes can lie dormant in the body for years, so it can be difficult to determine who infected you.
- Talk to your partner about the best ways to minimize the chances of infecting her or causing more outbreaks.
Step 3. Avoid transmitting genital herpes to your partner
Regardless of whether the disease is latent or you have an outbreak of lesions, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the virus. There are several ways to minimize the risk of transmission to you or your partner.
- Herpes is a significantly common disease. Get your partner tested, as they may already have it, and in that case, you don't need to worry about spreading it.
- If you or your partner have a genital herpes outbreak, it is best to abstain from sex.
- Use latex condoms every time you have sex.
- If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, be sure to tell your doctor to avoid passing the virus to your unborn child.
Step 4. Be aware of social stigmas
Even when sexual politics has progressed, there are still social stigmas attached to genital herpes, which can cause embarrassment, stress, anxiety or depression. Addressing the negative connotations and your own feelings related to the disease can help you move on and lead a normal life.
- Many people feel embarrassed the first time they are diagnosed with genital herpes and might even wonder if someone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but keep in mind that this disease is common and you don't need to feel this way.
- With the help of a counselor, doctor, or friend, you can deal with your feelings.
Step 5. Join a support group for people with genital herpes
With the help of a support group of people with genital herpes, you can gain the unconditional support of those who understand what you are experiencing. It can also help you to effectively deal with the various aspects of the virus.
Step 6. Pay attention to the symptoms of flare-ups and treat them as soon as possible
If you notice symptoms of a genital herpes flare, treat them promptly. This can help you minimize the duration of the outbreak and may make it less severe.
- Symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak can be herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches.
- Contact your doctor and ask him to prescribe a medication to minimize and cure the reappearance of flare-ups.
Step 7. Clean the blisters and keep them dry
If you have external blisters, clean them with isopropyl alcohol during the first two days in order to eliminate viruses and sterilize the affected area. You can also use warm soapy water if the alcohol is causing you too much pain.
- Cover the affected area with a sterile gauze or pad to prevent fluids from the blisters from spreading.
- Avoid breaking the blisters, as you could cause an infection. If you have an outbreak inside your body, see your doctor.
Step 8. Live a healthy lifestyle
Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining hygiene will keep your immune system healthy and strong. Make sure you stay in general health to reduce the chances that breakouts will reappear.
- Some people claim that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger breakouts. Keep a journal of everything you eat on a daily basis to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers.
- Limit the level of stress in your life to minimize the reappearance of flare-ups.
Step 9. Prioritize hygiene
Sanitary conditions will promote cleanliness and reduce flare-ups. Taking a shower, changing clothes, and washing your hands are ways you can minimize the reappearance of breakouts or help them heal more quickly.
- Take a shower at least once a day and consider showering twice a day in case you have symptoms of an outbreak.
- Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily.
- Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick, but also every time you come in contact with an outbreak.