How Can I Manage Genital Herpes?

Do you use an antiviral medication and pain relief cream prescribed by your doctor?

Do you wash your hands before and after applying the cream or jelly on your genitals?

Do you keep the affected area clean and dry?

Do you avoid wearing tight clothing that can irritate blisters or sores?

Do you avoid touching blisters and sores?

Do you know that you can apply an ice pack wrapped in flannel to relieve pain?

Do you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain?

Do you apply petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or a painkilling cream to reduce pain while urinating?

Do you practice pouring water over your genitals while urinating to reduce the pain and burning sensation?

Do you avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex as long as you have sores?

Do you soak in a warm bath?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage genital herpes. Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication that can prevent your symptoms from getting worse and help them disappear faster. Antiviral drugs can be in the form of pills, skin creams or intravenous injections. The affected area on the genitals should be kept clean by rinsing with plain or salt water. This will prevent the blisters from becoming infected. The affected area should be dry, because wet ulcers heal longer. You should wear cotton or non-synthetic underwear and avoid tight clothing that can further irritate blisters and sores.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage genital herpes. Genital herpes can be a painful condition. You can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain, but you can also wrap an ice pack in flannel and apply it to the affected area. Herpetic blisters and sores can be especially painful when urinating. You can try pouring water on your genitals while urinating to relieve the pain. You can also apply Vaseline or pain relief cream to the affected area. Do not touch blisters and sores, and be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the cream to herpetic lesions.