Herpes is a latent infection which can go in and out of a dormant state, but lives in your body forever. When out of dormancy, you may have sores, spread the virus to other parts of your body, or spread it to other people. The healthiest way to live with herpes is to minimize the amount of time you have sores, avoid spreading the virus, and stay as comfortable as possible during outbreaks. In addition to using antiviral medications, there are other things you can do which may decrease the frequency and length of outbreaks or decrease the chance of spreading herpes.
Decrease Outbreaks
Step 1
Minimize and develop coping mechanisms for all kinds of stress. The Mayo Clinic says stress may increase the likelihood that herpes awaken from dormancy.
Step 2
Avoid triggering oral herpes outbreaks, or cold sores. Use sunscreen and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun.
Step 3
Get plenty of sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and get plenty of exercise. The American Social Health Association's Herpes Resource Center recommends getting a sufficient amount of physical activity as a way to control your number of outbreaks, and the Mayo Clinic explains that herpes outbreaks may be brought on by a lack of sleep.
Step 4
Limit or eliminate the amount of cigarettes you smoke, alcohol you drink, and caffeine you consume. Lisa Marr, author of the book "Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells You What You Need to Know" maintains that exposure to alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine may bring the herpes virus out of dormancy for some people.
Step 5
Keep a diary of what you eat, what you do, and when you have outbreaks. Pay attention to your own personal outbreak pattern and avoid any foods or activities which precede outbreaks.
When You Have An Outbreak
Step 1
Avoid spreading the virus. Keep your herpes sores from coming into contact with others and avoid having sex with an uninfected partner whenever you are having a genital herpes outbreak or feel one coming on. Don't share towels, silverware, razors, beverages, or lip balm with anyone when you have a cold sore.
Step 2
Avoid autoinoculation, or spreading the virus from one part of your body to another. Wash your hands after touching any of your sores.
Step 3
Help your sores to heal promptly. Wear cotton, avoid tight clothing, and allow as much air as possible to get to your sores.
Step 4
Relieve your discomfort. Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or aspirin, or apply ice to the sores if you're in pain.
Tips and Warnings
- The American College of Gynecologists notes that both body-related and feelings-related stress may bring on herpes outbreaks (See References 1, page 242; 2, pages 137-140, 3, 4, 6, pages 315-322, 7, 8). Oral herpes outbreaks can be brought on by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (See References 4 and 7). Both Marr and the American Social Health Association's Herpes Resource Center indicate that triggers for herpes outbreaks vary from person to person (See References 1, page 242; 3, and 7). Oral herpes is also known as cold sores or HSV1 and genital herpes is also known as HSV2. .
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Journal
- Loose-fitting cotton clothing
- Acetaminophen or aspirin
- Ice
References
- "Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells You What You Need to Know"; Lisa Marr, MD; 2007
- "Contagious Diseases Sourcebook"; Joyce Brennfleck Shannon, editor; 2010
- The Mayo Clinic: Genital herpes
- The Mayo Clinic: Cold sore
- The Mayo Clinic: Herpes treatment options
- "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sourcebook"; Laura Larsen, editor; 2009
