Sun exposure and exercise with genital herpes

Posted , 4 users are following.

It’s my first outbreak and I’m waiting for my test results to come back. I love working out and going to the gym and running. I haven’t ran at all due to the friction and irritation but I have gone to the gym during this first outbreak regardless of pain to keep my mentally sane. I was later told by my nurse that sweating can prolong the outbreak and make it heal slower since it needs to stay dry to scab over. Does anyone exercise during outbreaks? I’m going crazy without working out sad

I also read online that you should not go in the sun as it can cause flare ups of oral hsv1. It’s the hottest days of summer this week and all I want to do is be able to go lay at the beach. Is it okay for me to go to the beach and not go in the water? I assume if it’s covered and not exposed to the sun I should be fine? Any input would be greatly appreciated during this difficult time sad  

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes it is better during outbreaks to avoid exercise. It is the same logic if you have common cold or any viral infection. It is better to avoid giving more stress to your body and better allow your immune system to fight in peace. Also exercise may lead to friction that explodes blisters and may lead to scars later on.  It is not related to sweating per se. 

    Yes it is not advised to be exposed to sun during outbreak as it can flare herpes. 

    Ofcourse between outbreaks you can exercise and go to beach. 

    You will read other opinions but im convinced with my opinions 😀

    • Posted

      Thanks for your response! I just want to clarify: Is it not advised to go in the sun with genital herpes? I know they say that for oral hsv1 since it is directly exposed but when I mentioned it to my nurse she said she had never heard of it for genital herpes. 
    • Posted

      First your swim suit still allows heat and uv rays to reach your genitals. Second the whole body get stressed and affected by sun rays and that flares the virus. 
  • Posted

    Thank you! I will be sure to stay out of the sun and let it run it’s course.
  • Posted

    Hey there, yes Sun exposure is the worst for us having herpes. I have genital herpes and I say it was the worst thing to do exposing yourself from the sun because you will experience the very worst outbreaks in your life. And about the gym, I dont think it can lower the healing process of the herpes because I, too still go to the gym even I still have the outbreak I dont mind it at all. Good Luck! I too have outbreaks now.

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