What Treatment Options Are Available For A Herpes Rash
Although herpes cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent rashes and sores. Many people with herpes do not develop clinical signs, though its still possible to spread the infection even when no symptoms are present. If you experience repeated or severe outbreaks, your healthcare provider might prescribe antiviral medications that can help shorten outbreaks or make them less frequent. You can take an antiviral pill every day to prevent outbreaks, which is called prophylaxis. Healthcare providers often recommend this treatment to patients who have frequent, painful outbreaks. If youve been previously diagnosed with herpes, Nurx can prescribe oral or genital herpes treatment online and deliver the medication to your door with free shipping. To request herpes treatment from Nurx, get started here.
Antiviral ointments and creams can also treat the symptoms, which include tingling, itching, burning, or pain. The most commonly prescribed antiviral medications include valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir. Over-the-counter creams and ointments are available, which may lessen symptoms and shorten the healing period.
Dont Miss: How To Clear Herpes On Lips
Stage : Blister Formation
Depending on the severity and the person, the infection can lead to the formation of blisters within a few days. Blisters are seen as clusters of fluid-filled sacs that are clear, yellowish, or white . The fluid in a herpes sore is generally a mixture of plasma, interstitial fluid, cellular debris, and the virus itself. The blisters can be itchy and painful and usually last around two days before they burst on their own.
You are the most contagious during this stage since the concentration of the virus on the surface of the body is at its highest.
Are Cold Sores Contagious
Yes, cold sores are extremely contagious. You can become infected with the virus through kissing, touching your fingers to your mouth or eyes , and by sharing infected items. Although the virus doesnt pass through the air, it has been shown to survive on hard surfaces.
Make sure you follow good hand-washing practices, washing with soap for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer when needed. Avoiding close contact with those who have visible signs of the virus and not touching your mouth, eyes and nose are all ways you can help protect yourself against contracting the virus and passing it on to othersvi.
Read Also: How Effective Is Valacyclovir For Herpes
Who Gets Herpes Simplex
Most people get HSV-1 as an infant or child. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. An adult does not have to have sores to spread the virus.
A person usually gets HSV-2 through sexual contact. About 20% of sexually active adults in the United States carry HSV-2. Some people are more likely to get HSV-2. These people:
- Have had many sex partners.
- Had sex for the first time at a young age.
- Have another sexually transmitted infection.
- Have a weakened immune system due to a disease or medicine.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Rid Of Herpes 2
Herpes Rash On The Finger
Herpetic whitlow is a painful infection of the finger, caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 . Small blisters form on the hand and fingers, usually around the fleshy area of the fingertips. Symptoms of herpetic whitlow include swelling, pain, blisters, sores, and a change in the skin tone on your finger.
Recommended Reading: How Do Know If You Have Herpes
How Is Herpes Simplex Treated
Some people have few to no herpes outbreaks and choose not to have treatment. But many people prefer to use medications that shorten outbreaks and reduce symptoms.
During an outbreak, you may use an antiviral ointment or cream to help lessen your symptoms and help them go away faster, but it only works if you start it soon after you start an outbreak. Many people with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to keep outbreaks at bay.
Your provider may prescribe a topical medication or oral medication such as:
Read Also: Do You Have To Take Medication For Herpes
Herpes Rash On The Face
Groups of fluid-filled blisters appearing on red swollen areas of the skin, or the mucous membranes, can be an indication that herpes rash on the face is present. Sores may appear on the neck, cheeks and nose and could be mistaken for spots however, there is a clear difference in appearance. Herpes sores are white, yellow, or red translucent bumps which are filled with a clear liquid. They often appear in honeycomb like clusters, whereas pimples are pink filled with white pus, and appear sporadically around the face.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Herpes 2
How Do You Get Herpes
The skin on your genitals, mouth, and eyes can be infected easily. Other areas of skin may get infected if theres a way for the herpes virus to get in, like through a cut, burn, rash, or other sores. You dont have to have sex to get herpes. Sometimes herpes can be passed in non-sexual ways, like if a parent with a cold sore gives you a peck on the lips. Most people with oral herpes got it when they were kids. A mother can pass genital herpes to a baby during vaginal childbirth, but thats pretty rare.
You can spread herpes to other parts of your body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.
Herpes is most contagious when sores are open and wet, because fluid from herpes blisters easily spreads the virus. But herpes can also shed and get passed to others when there are no sores and your skin looks totally normal.
It Is A Sore But Not A Herpes
While genital ulceration is often associated with herpes, it can be the result of several other conditions, including but not limited to, other sexually transmitted diseases, inflammatory conditions, skin irritation, and allergic skin lesions. In addition to herpes, the main sexually transmitted diseases that present with a genital ulcer are primary syphilis and chancroid. In the United States, syphilis infection is more common than chancroid.
Recommended Reading: How To Naturally Treat Herpes
How Can Herpes Be Prevented
To stop the spread of the virus from the affected part to other parts of the body, the following options can be helpful:
- Cleaning the hands: Washing the hands upon contact with the sore
- No-touch method: Using a cotton-tip swab to apply an antiviral cream to the cold sore
When a person has oral herpes, they can prevent the virus from spreading to others by following a few precautionary tips:
- The person should avoid kissing anyone.
- The person should refrain from oral sex.
- The person should not share personal items such as cups, towels, and lip balms.
- If there is tingling, burning, itching, or pain in the area of the body where the person had a herpes sore, they should keep that area from coming in contact with others directly or through articles such as towels or cosmetics.
If a person has genital herpes and they want to prevent the spread of the virus, what they can do is:
- Not to have sex with healthy partners until the sores clear up
- Use a latex condom to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
- If a woman is pregnant and she or her partner is having genital herpes, they need to inform the doctor. The pregnant lady might need to take medicines so that she does not pass the virus to her baby.
Home Care For Shingles
Colloidal oatmeal baths are an old standby for relieving the itch of chickenpox and can help with shingles, as well. To speed up the drying out of the blisters, try placing a cool, damp washcloth on the rash If your doctor gives you the green light, stay active while recovering from shingles. Gentle exercise or a favorite activity may help keep your mind off the discomfort.
Don’t Miss: Can Valtrex Stop The Spread Of Herpes
Is It Possible To Prevent Cold Sores
The best way to prevent a herpes simplex infection is to avoid physical contact with someone elseâs cold sores. Items that touch the lips but cannot be washed or sanitized, such as lipstick or lip balm, should not be shared. During an outbreak, frequent hand washing and sanitizing with 60% ethanol-based hand sanitizer will help reduce the spread of the virus to other parts of the body or to other people. Wash hands immediately after applying topical treatments to a cold sore. L-lysine and other supplements have not been shown to consistently reduce outbreaks.
To prevent future outbreaks,
- avoid long periods of time in the sun and use sunblock on lips and face,
- reduce stress by getting adequate rest and relaxation,
- avoid trauma to the mouth or involved area, and
- take any antiviral medication exactly as prescribed.
Pimples Test Negative For All These Tests
What do I do now?
Once you successfully identify the nature of your sores, which should be an easy task now that you know what herpes looks like, the management is not that complex either. Since pimples are a hygiene issue, it only means a more thorough cleaning with effective products such as acne ointments, antibacterial soap and creams, oil ointments for inflammation, and patting with a warm, wet cloth a few times a day.
See Also: Raising Awareness About Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
On the contrary, if you have even a little doubt that your sores may be herpes, you should visit your primary care physician and get an anti-viral prescription. Herpes may be incurable but anti-viral is more than enough to stop it from affecting your quality of life at all. Early identification is the key to a better life.
I am Jeannette, the medical writing specialist here at Family Medicine Austin. I have over five years of experience working with a range of medical and healthcare across the U.S.
Recommended Reading: Should I Take Antivirals Daily For Herpes
Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic
You can see a GP, but they’ll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
They’ll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
Herpes Simplex Vs Chickenpox
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Getty Images / AlesVeluscek
Chickenpox is caused by a herpes virus called varicella-zoster virus . While chickenpox can cause blistering and crusting sores like HSV, there are certain tell-tale signs that differentiate them.
With the chickenpox, note that each blister in this photo has its own red base and is not clustered in a group like HSV.
And, unlike HSV, a chickenpox rash can leave behind scars after it heals.
Also Check: How To Cure Herpes Simplex 2 Naturally
Does Herpes Look Like A Pimple
Does Herpes look like a pimple? is another good question.
Mainly because, yes, they can look really similar.
Heres the differences between a herpes sore and a pimple.
A pimple is caused by oils being trapped under the skin. Eventually the oils collect up in a blister. A pimple looks like herpes because it has red skin with a white blister on top.
The difference however are many. Usually there is only one blister whereas herpes can have many blisters located together. Another difference between pimples and herpes is the location of the pimples.
Usually pimples occur on the oily parts of the body such as the face, cheeks, arms, neck, and back.
Herpes occur primarily around the mouth, especially on the lips. Genital herpes occurs in the groin area.
How Can I Tell If Its Scabies Or Herpes
Scabies is caused by tiny eight-legged mites that burrow into the skin to live, feed, and lay their eggs. There are millions of cases of scabies worldwide each year.
Herpes may be confused with scabies because both conditions can cause a skin rash of small, itchy bumps and blisters that spread through person-to-person contact. As with herpes, the scabies skin rash is sometimes seen in the genital area. It can be transmitted through close physical or sexual contact because the mites can move from one body to another. If youve never had scabies before, it can take two to six weeks to develop symptoms after the mites move in.
Unlike herpes, you can also get scabies from bedding, clothes, or furniture thats infested with mites, since the mites can live for about three to four days without being on a human.
Also unlike herpes, scabies is most commonly found on the hands, arms, and legs, and the most common symptom is severe itching that occurs mainly at night.
Your dermatologist can tell if you have scabies by examining your skin or looking at a small piece of skin under a microscope, notes the American Academy of Dermatology.
Scabies is easily treated with a medicated cream or lotion that kills the mites.
You May Like: What Are The Signs Of Genital Herpes
How Herpes Is Treated
There is no cure for herpes.
- The health care provider may prescribe antiviral medicine to help speed up the healing process. It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores.
- Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
- If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
- The infected area should be kept clean and dry.
- Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus.
- It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.
Dont Miss: How To Soothe Herpes Breakout
Symptoms Of Vaginal Herpes
Women who suffer from HSV may not even know that they have been infected. The signs and symptoms of HSV are sometimes a bit too mild to get noticed. The first outbreak is the most severe and the second may or may not appear. The earliest symptoms may include:
- An itching or burning sensation
- Pain in legs, buttocks or vaginal area
- Vaginal discharge
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen area
Picture 1
Don’t Miss: How Many Different Types Of Herpes Are There
How Did I Get Herpes
In 90 percent of cases, genital herpes is the result of contracting HSV-2 through direct genital-to-genital contact 1. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, genital herpes can also be spread through oral sex 1. The HSV-1 virus that causes oral herpes can be passed to an uninfected sexual partner, especially when oral lesions are present 1. Genital outbreaks caused by HSV-1 are typically milder and shorter, and result in fewer subsequent outbreaks.
Speaking of HSV-1, hereâs where herpes gets complicated for both genders: the HSV-1 that causes fever blisters also causes the body to produce antibodies to fight off subsequent herpes infections 1. So when youâre exposed to HSV-2, symptoms are so mild as to almost go undetected.
- In 90 percent of cases, genital herpes is the result of contracting HSV-2 through direct genital-to-genital contact 1.
- So when youâre exposed to HSV-2, symptoms are so mild as to almost go undetected.
You May Like: How To Treat Herpes Zoster
Herpes On The Tongue: Common Symptoms Prevention And Treatment
What is herpes on the tongue? What causes it? And how do you treat it? Many people are familiar with cold sores that appear on the lips, but this painful chronic condition can appear inside the mouth too.
If you have herpes on your tongue, read on to learn more about this oral health issue. In this article, well explore the common causes and remedies of this condition and also answer questions such as:
- What are the causes of herpes on the tongue?
- What does herpes in the mouth look like?
- Are there different stages of oral herpes? What are they?
- How can you prevent oral herpes?
- How do you treat herpes on the tongue?
Don’t Miss: How Do You Test For Herpes
Causes Of Oral And Genital Herpes
Herpes is very infectious and also very common. Two studies published in PLOS ONE estimated that in 2012, 67% of people worldwide who are under 50 are infected with HSV-1, and 11.3% of people ages 14-49 are infected by HSV-2. Some people may not be aware that they are infected because it is possible for the virus to stay dormant and not cause any symptoms until an outbreak is triggered. People with herpes sores often confuse them with common skin problems such as rashes, pimples, bug bites, razor burns, ingrown hairs, or yeast infections.
Herpes sores are caused by one of two subtypes of the herpes simplex virus :
What Does A Herpes Outbreak Feel Like
Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks of exposure.
The first outbreak is usually the worst. At first, you might develop some flu-like symptoms. Then you might feel itchy or have an uncomfortable feeling around your genitals or mouth before the lesions appear.
Future outbreaks are likely to be milder and resolve faster.
You may have heard that herpes is only contagious during an outbreak. However, it can be transmitted even though there are no visible signs. You can have herpes and not know it.
For those reasons, its important to try to talk with your sexual partners before assuming or blaming.
It can be a challenging situation to cope with. Learning you have herpes can stir a variety of emotions. Its normal to have mixed feelings and wonder what to expect.
Its important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider as quickly as possible. If you have herpes, your healthcare provider can provide important information about managing your condition.
Make a list of questions before you go, which can help you get the most out of your visit. Let your healthcare provider know if youre having trouble understanding the information.
The more you know and understand about herpes, the better prepared youll be to manage your symptoms and condition. Your healthcare provider will help you create a treatment plan that works best for your medical needs.
Don’t Miss: Does Planned Parenthood Check For Herpes