If you engage in high-risk sexual behavior or suspect you have oral or genital herpes, you will need to get tested. If you notice symptoms of oral or genital herpes, ask your doctor for a test and ask what treatment options are available.
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Method 1 of 3: Getting a Herpes Diagnosis
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of herpes
Before undergoing an oral or genital herpes test, observe the symptoms of the disease in your body. This not only helps you get a diagnosis and treatment faster, but also avoids unnecessary medical tests.
- Symptoms of genital herpes include: pain or itching that starts 2 to 10 days after contact with an infected sexual partner, formation of red bubbles or small blisters on the genitals, sores when the blisters or bubbles burst, scabs that form when the sores are healing. Genital herpes also causes pain when urinating or causes flu-like symptoms such as fever or muscle aches.
- Symptoms of oral herpes include: itching, burning, or tingling in the lips and mouth, flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and fever, and the formation of blisters or rashes that then burst repeatedly.
- Oral and genital herpes are sometimes accompanied by pain in the infected area.
Step 2. See a doctor as soon as possible
If you recognize the symptoms of oral or genital herpes, or even suspect that you have herpes, see your doctor immediately. A doctor's examination not only confirms the diagnosis, but also allows for prompt and effective treatment.
Doctors can confirm the diagnosis just by looking, or with additional tests
Step 3. Observe the case of oral herpes
Doctors can diagnose oral herpes just by looking at the area around the mouth. Then, you may be prescribed a medication, or not, containing the condition.
Step 4. Get tested for oral herpes
If your case of oral herpes is uncertain, your doctor can perform further tests. There are several options, all of which can confirm the diagnosis and help you get treatment.
- Doctors can perform a DNA test called Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). The doctor will take a sample in the infected area. Then, the sample will be tested further to determine if you have herpes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most commonly used NAAT test.
- The doctor may also perform a blood test to check for traces of the herpes virus in the blood. Blood tests usually cause little discomfort.
- In some cases, doctors may perform the Tzanck test, although it is rarely used. The Tzanck test is performed by exfoliating the base of the lesion and collecting a skin sample. After that, the doctor will examine the specimen under a microscope to determine if you have contracted oral herpes. This test can be painful and uncomfortable.
Step 5. Perform a physical examination
Like oral herpes, doctors can diagnose genital herpes by examining the genital area and anus. The doctor will perform additional tests from the lab to confirm the diagnosis of genital herpes.
Step 6. Have laboratory tests to confirm genital herpes
There are several types of tests that can detect genital herpes. With either a viral culture or a blood test, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
- Doctors collect tissue samples by exfoliating the lesions and sending a cell probe to a laboratory that can detect the herpes virus. This test may cause discomfort or pain.
- The doctor may perform a polymerase chain reaction, PCR test. A PCR test involves taking a blood or tissue sample, or a sample of spinal fluid to test for the presence of the herpes virus in DNA. Depending on the test method, you may experience some discomfort.
- The doctor may order a blood test, which can detect herpes virus antibodies in the blood. This test may cause some discomfort.
Step 7. Wait for herpes confirmation
After your doctor has done tests to confirm the diagnosis of herpes, wait for the diagnosis. This may take a few days. After receiving the test results, talk to your doctor and develop a treatment plan if necessary.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Oral Herpes
Step 1. Leave the herpes or blister alone
If oral herpes in the form of blisters is not too severe, you can just ignore it without treatment. Symptoms will go away in one to two weeks without treatment.
Use this option only if you feel fine and are not in contact with anyone
Step 2. Take a prescription antiviral medication
There is no cure for oral herpes, but antiviral medications can stop the spread and reduce the chance of recurrence. Antivirus can also minimize the transmission of the virus to others.
- Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
- Doctors may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream such as Penciclovir instead of pills. Creams have basically the same effect as pills, but are very expensive.
- Your doctor may prescribe medication only if you have symptoms or are infected, or may suggest daily use even if there are no visible signs.
Step 3. Communicate with your partner
If you have oral herpes, you should tell your partner that you have the herpes virus. Then, please decide the best way to deal with the virus as a couple. Oral herpes is very common and you don't have to worry about the stigma attached.
Talk to your partner about the best way to minimize the chance of spreading it or developing a new herpes
Step 4. Prevent transmission of oral herpes
Regardless of whether oral herpes is active or not, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting it. There are several ways to minimize the risk of transmitting oral herpes to you or your partner.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact when there is oral herpes or blisters. The fluid that comes out of the lesion will spread the disease.
- Do not use the same item if you have blisters or oral herpes. This includes cutlery, towels, lip balm, or sheets and blankets.
- Avoid oral sex if you have oral herpes or blisters.
- Wash your hands often, especially if you touch your mouth or come into contact with other people.
Step 5. Be aware of social stigma
Although oral herpes is very common, there are still people who accept the social stigma associated with herpes, and make them feel embarrassed, stressed, anxious, or depressed. Ignoring social stigma and cultivating feelings can help you deal with oral herpes.
- Maybe you were embarrassed when you were first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a very normal initial reaction.
- Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you process your feelings.
Step 6. Watch for symptoms of herpes and treat it immediately
If you notice symptoms of oral herpes, treat it as soon as possible. Early treatment can minimize duration and reduce intensity.
- Symptoms of oral herpes include itching, burning, or numbness near or in the mouth and lips, sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen glands.
- Call your doctor and ask for a prescription to recover and minimize the chances of herpes coming back.
Step 7. Gently wash the blisters
Clear oral herpes as soon as you see it. This can recover and minimize deployment.
- Use a washcloth soaked in warm soapy water and wash the blisters. Wash the cloth with hot soapy water before using it again.
- You can apply a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine to the blisters after washing to reduce pain and itching.
Step 8. Relieve pain
Blisters or oral herpes are usually painful. There are several ways to minimize that pain and discomfort.
- If it hurts, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to minimize discomfort.
- Applying ice or a warm washcloth can reduce pain.
- Gargling with cold or salt water, or eating a popsicle, can reduce the pain of the blisters.
- Avoid hot drinks, spicy or salty foods, or acidic foods like oranges.
Step 9. Take precautions
There are certain factors that contribute to the appearance of oral herpes. With the necessary steps, you can prevent or minimize the chances of relapse.
- Apply sunscreen or lip balm with SPF and/or zinc oxide to prevent sunburn. Moist lips are also less likely to get oral herpes.
- Do not share eating and drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes.
- Exercise regularly, adopt a balanced diet, and relax to support the strength and health of the immune system.
- Reduce stress, it will help minimize herpes reappearance.
- Wash your hands regularly so you don't get sick easily, and every time you come into contact with someone with herpes.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Genital Herpes
Step 1. Take a prescription antiviral medication
Since there is no cure for genital herpes, treatment with antiviral drugs can stop the spread and reduce the chance of recurrence. Antivirus can also minimize the possibility of transmitting the virus to others.
- It's important to get a diagnosis and start treatment once you develop herpes symptoms, and that in turn can reduce the intensity of the virus in the long run.
- Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
- Your doctor may recommend taking the medication only if you have symptoms or are infected, or may suggest daily use even if there are no visible signs.
Step 2. Communicate with your partner
If you have genital herpes, it is very important to tell your partner that you have the herpes virus. This is a responsible action and can help avoid problems later on.
- Don't blame your partner. Remember that herpes can be present in the body, but it is not active for years so it is difficult to know who infects it.
- Talk to your partner and discuss the best way to minimize transmission or spread.
Step 3. Prevent the transmission of genital herpes
Regardless of whether genital herpes is active or not, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting it. There are several ways to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to you or your partner.
- Herpes is very common. Have your partner get tested because he or she might get it too, and if so, you don't have to worry about passing it on.
- Avoid sex if you or your partner has genital herpes.
- Use a latex condom every time you have sex.
- If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, tell your doctor so that the fetus does not get infected.
Step 4. Be aware of social stigma
Although sexual awareness has become more widespread, there is still a social stigma attached to genital herpes. This stigma can lead to shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Overcoming the negative connotations and feelings associated with genital herpes can help you live a normal life.
- Many people are embarrassed when first diagnosed with genital herpes, and wonder if anyone will ever want to make love to them again. This is a very normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is very common and you shouldn't feel like it.
- Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you process your feelings.
Step 5. Try joining a genital herpes support group
Groups like this can offer unconditional support, they understand what you're going through. Getting involved in a support group also helps you deal effectively with various aspects of the virus.
Step 6. Watch for symptoms of herpes and treat it immediately
If you notice symptoms of oral herpes, treat it as soon as possible. Early treatment can minimize duration and reduce intensity.
- Symptoms include lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache.
- Call the doctor and ask for a prescription to recover and minimize the chance of herpes reappearing
Step 7. Clean the blister and dry it
If there are external blisters, clean them with alcohol on the first and second day to kill the virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm soapy water if the alcohol stings too much.
- Cover the area of infection with sterile gauze or bandage to prevent the blister fluid from spreading.
- Do not pop the blisters as this can lead to infection. Consult a doctor if your herpes is in the body.
Step 8. Live a healthy lifestyle
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and keeping the body clean will strengthen and nourish the immune system. Efforts to maintain overall health can reduce the chances of herpes recurrence.
- There are reports that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger herpes. Keep a food journal to find triggers from foods.
- Reduce stress, which will help minimize the chances of herpes coming back.
Step 9. Prioritize cleanliness
Clean conditions will reduce the transmission of herpes. Bathing, changing clothes, and washing hands can minimize the chance of relapse or help speed recovery.
- Bathe at least once a day, and consider bathing twice a day if you show symptoms of herpes.
- Wear clean, loose clothing, and change your underwear every day.
- Wash your hands regularly so you don't get sick easily, and also every time you come into contact with herpes.
