Preventing outbreaks and treating them

Posted , 6 users are following.

When I was diagnosed with genital herpes, I was too in shock to really listen to my gyno as he explained how to take care of and prevent future outbreaks. My first outbreak was in January and now I have another, which is almost worse. Does anyone have good tips on how I can ease the pain and how I can get rid of the sores quicker? I currently take valtrex once daily.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    I had and outbreak one time down there and i just got in the shower 3 or 4 times a day to stop the minor pain then when the outbreak went away to take the scarring away i used coco butter
  • Posted

    Are you on daily suppression? Well I can tell you, I have had an ob every month since getting it in July, until recently it has changed and changed where it is breaking out.

    Some people say coffee and chocolate cause obs... I've not seen a difference really. Lots of alcohol, partying till the wee morning, will result in obs for sure.

    My period is when I have an ob now, but only inside. Aside from the last two months, I would break out w one or two bumps, even on daily suppression once or twice a month, but they were much bother. My nerve sensations were the biggest issue.

    I have found that taking a daily probiotic w a live culture to be the biggest help. Daily high doses of vitamin C, D, Bs, zinc and magnesium.

    • Posted

      I take Valtrex once a day. I did just get over being sick but I had no outbreaks when I was sick and I was sick for a whole month. I have the bumps right near the vaginal entrance so it's extremely painful. I have been using estrogen cream as well but not too sure if its helping; it's usually just messy and weird feeling. I will definitiy have to look into taking a daily probiotic. I'm a college student and I don't get the healthy foods I need. Thanks for your advice.
    • Posted

      Do not put hormone cream in herpes! Hormones are a trigger for herpes!

      Is it painful just when you urinate or use the bathroom? That's so strange that they're painful for you.. None of mine have been painful for me, but mine also didn't ulcerate after my initial but once and that was tender.

      Put Vaseline or petroleum jelly and a heavy serving on the sores to offer some protective covering. This helps w friction and when going to the bathroom. Are you taking your meds at the same time daily?

    • Posted

      No I take it whenever I remember. And idk if it is for sure estrogen. It's called Estrace. My gyno gave me a sample size but I couldn't remember when I was supposed to use it. I also have an acyclovir ointment which is sort of helping. And it just stings when I urinate. Sitting down I just have an uncomfortable moistness from the sores that makes it a bit uncomfortable. I've been wearing leggings all day though so I might try some loose fit sweats.
    • Posted

      I'm also finishing up my period which doesn't help.
    • Posted

      OK.. Well that is not good. You need to make a habit if taking it the same time every day for optimal results and to minimize transmission. Baking powder should help w that moisture.
  • Posted

    Oh yeah.. Epsom salt baths were the biggest help for me. That clears me up right away.
    • Posted

      Unfortunatly for me I only have a shower but next year I will have a bathtub. Thanks for the tip!
  • Posted

    Lakerkate,

    I was diagnosed several years ago at age 60 accompanied by the same shock, along with tremendous anxiety and depression.  It was life-changing for me.  Over the past 8 months I was taking Valtrex 500 mgs daily with some success.   I am in a relatively new relationship with a 62 year old with the libido of a 25 year old ---fortunately, he is tremendously understnding and accepting --took the herpes titer test before we had relations and he tested positive to previous exposure but is asymptomatic. Several days ago I went to my physician literally beside myself with the pain and anguish of yet another of my frequent outbreaks.  He prescribed 1000 mg of valtrex per day for prophylactic use and 3000 mg per day with an outbreak.  He has also given me Betamethasone Dipropionate cream.05%, which is sterioid cream to be applied to the sores.  The pharmacist advised me to use it sparingly only on the exact location of the sore, because it is very strong.  Hope this can help, my heart goes out to you.

    • Posted

      I was just googling to see if I could use the same ointment that I use for eczema and your comment came up. Thank you so much for the info! I've had HSV for 24 years and rarely get obs anymore but when I do they're always different and different duration time. Hoping this will help it clear up faster too. Thanks again!! =)

  • Posted

    Is it too late to get the herpes vaccine once you have already had an outbreak?  And I take bleach bathes... put a half cup of pure bleach in a full tub of warm water. Obviously bleach is not good for your skin if you soak too long. Soak for ten mins. It seems to dry it out and all your cuts and scrapes don’t get infected and heal faster as well.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.