Herpes is a viral skin infection affecting many different parts of the body. Herpes can occur in anyone who has ever been kissed on the lips or had sex. People with herpes may have sores or lesions in the skin. These look like blisters filled with clear or yellow fluid and can be painful. In a few days, the sores will break, ooze, turn into ulcers, scab over and then heal. After infection, the outbreaks tend to recur more often. As time goes on, however, symptoms are less severe and you may get fewer or even no outbreaks. Herpes is caused by a virus HSV and it must be treated by using the right antiviral herpes treatment. 

Let me show you the top 9 herpes products available today.

Herpes Treatment: The Best Products for Treating Herpes

Herpes treatment is available in the form of topical or oral medications. The former comes in two main forms, including creams and ointments. These products generally contain antivirals like:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

Some products with antiviral, essential oils can also be effective.

1. HERP-B-GONE- For Herpes, Cold Sores and Shingles

This is a product that works well for herpes, especially for recurrent outbreaks. It’s made with powerful, natural ingredients such as:

• Butylated hydroxyltoluene
• Coconut oil
• Lemon Balm oil
• Tea Tree oil
• Peppermint oil
• Thyme oil
• Oregano oil

All these ingredients are safe, fast-acting and soothing. Thus, using Herp- B- Gone twice daily can help get rid of herpes sores and prevent outbreaks.

Read more: 15 Shingles Symptoms to Look Out for

2. ProsurX- For Oral and Genital Herpes

ProsurX cream for herpes treatment is most suitable for use for sores on the lips, around the mouth and genitals. It contains 100% natural essential oils and antiviral nanoparticles. Some of the best anti-HSV ingredients of ProsurX include:

• Lemon Balm
• Aloe Vera
• Prunella Vulgaris
• Tea Tree
• John’s wort
• Vitamins A, C and E

Many doctors said that applying ProsurX 2-3 times daily can help provide quick relief from herpes. Also, this cream has been known to stop a herpes outbreak before it starts. If you apply it at early signs of an outbreak, you will never develop a blister.

Read more: How Many Herpes Outbreaks Do You Get During Your Lifetime?

3. Abreva- For Cold Sores or Fever Blisters

This cream has been approved to shorten the healing time of a cold sore. It contains Docosanol 10%- an active ingredient for inactivating herpes viruses. By applying Abreva 5 times per day, you can get rid of tingling, pain, burning, itching. Many people used this product at the first sign of a cold sore and they saw results in a few days.

  

4. Lysine Ointment- For Cold Sores

Lysine ointment is also one of effective products for herpes treatment. It works by reducing the itching, tingling, burning and pain of a cold sore. Just apply this ointment to the sores several times per day and the infection will heal soon. Lysine ointment is completely safe and natural. It contains Lysine Hydrochloride, Lemon Peel Oil, Wood Oil, Seed Butter and more.  

Read more: Why Lysine Is Important for the Body

5. HERP RESCUE- Immune Support Formula

This is one of the best supplement for herpes, cold sores and shingles in the market right now. It can help you by boosting the immune system to fight against herpes viruses. The supplement can also help sores heal faster and prevent recurrent outbreaks. Herp Rescue is all natural. The ingredients include:

• Lysine
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Oregano Oil
• Olive Leaf Extract

If you have recurrent herpes outbreaks, you should give this product a try.

6. HerpaOne- For Herpes Cold Sores          

HerpaOne is a rapid natural healing for sensitive sores. It is made with Lysine, Zinc, and a variety of essential oils, including:

• Peppermint oil
• Lemon grass oil
• Eucalyptus citriodora oil
• Cotton seed oil

These are known to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. People use this cream to relieve symptoms of pain, burning, itching, and blistering of a cold sore. 

Read more: The Differences between Cold Sore and Canker Sore

7. Organic Shingles Symptoms Relief Cream

This is one of the best creams for shingles infections. It can help treat pain and itching of shingles without causing any side effects. The cream is safe and effective. It is made from all natural and organic ingredients, including:

• Manuka Honey
• Coconut Oil
• Shea & Cocoa Butter
• Cehami

These are all antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Thus, the cream is great for shingles and any skin conditions you have.

Read more: 8 Useful Ways to Treat Herpes with Coconut Oil

8. Terrasil Shingles Skincare Ointment 

This is a gentle, fast, cooling and skin-soothing ointment for shingles. It can help moisturize the skin, treat pain, redness, itching, and burning. If you are dealing with these, give this product a try. Terrasil is made from beeswax, Jojoba oil and Peppermint. It is all natural and safe to use.

9. BULLETPROOF+ Deep Immune System Support- For Herpes and Shingles

If you have recurrent viral outbreaks, you should try Bulletproof deep immune support. It’s clinically proven to:

• Boost the immune system to fight herpes viruses naturally
• Keep cold sores, shingles and blisters at bay
• Shorten healing time
• Suppress future outbreaks
• Stop recurring symptoms

Bulletproof+ can work quickly and effectively.  By taking 2 capsules per day for a few days to weeks, you may see no outbreak recur in the future.

Read more: Foods to Eat for Herpes Outbreak

These above are 9 best products for herpes treatment. If you are having this condition, it’s a good idea to keep a cream handy.  If you are frequently stressed out, which causes more new outbreaks, take supplements. You deserve clear skin!

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the main cause of genital herpes in sexually active people. It’s a highly contagious virus spreading through skin-to-skin contact and sexual contact. So every sexually active person has an equal chance of contracting it. If you’re infected with this virus, it’s crucial to take a look at the virus and learn how to deal with it. The article will mention a useful and complete guide to genital herpes in women.

How Common Is Genital Herpes in Women?

Genital herpes is very common for both men and women. According to the CDC, about 776.000 new Americans have contracted genital herpes each year. We know that genital herpes infection is mainly caused by HSV2. Interestingly, this virus is also more common in women than in men. Approximately one out of five women get it, while the rate for men to contract it is only one out of nine.

In fact, the rate of genital herpes may be also higher than what it has been reported. It’s due to the increasing number of genital herpes cases caused by HSV1. While HSV1 is mostly responsible for oral herpes (cold sores), it can lead to genital herpes through oral sex.

Risk Factors for Women Get Genital Herpes

Every sexually active person is always put at risk of genital herpes. But there’re some risk factors contribute to the danger of genital herpes in women you should know. These include

• Unprotected sex. Unprotected sex gives the HSV a good chance to spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Many sexual partners. The more sexual partners a woman has, the greater the risk of genital herpes she contracts.
• Touching herpes blisters. Herpes is especially contagious if the blisters break. Touching the fluid-filled blisters will spread the virus easily.

As the virus sometimes doesn’t show up symptoms, many people don’t know they have had it. But herpes still spreads to others even though it doesn’t present symptoms. One more thing is once contracted this virus, it stays forever in the body and causes herpes outbreaks.

Genital Herpes in Women- How to Recognize

Genital herpes can be mistaken with other STDs because of similar symptoms. In fact, if you look carefully, the symptoms of genital herpes will be different. Specifically, you may see

• Tingling and burning feelings in the genital area
• Blisters appear on the affected area, especially on the vaginal opening, buttocks, or the anus.
• The vaginal tissue becomes red and swollen
• Painful when urinating and intercourse
• Other symptoms, like fever, body aches, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes

Related: Do I Have Herpes or a Fungal Infection?

If you experience these symptoms, you should see your doctor for getting tested. There’re several ways to diagnose genital herpes in women. The test also depends on the stage of the exposure, such as

• A blood test. It’s available for some cases that physical symptoms of genital herpes haven’t shown up.
• A swab test. The test is used if you show up herpes blisters or sores in the genitals.
• PCR test. The test can tell you if you have this virus even though you don’t have symptoms.

Related: Top 8 Medical Tests Women Should Do When They’re in 30s

What Does Genital Herpes Do Inside Your Body?

There’s a fact that women who are infected with genital herpes are at high risk of getting HIV. The HSV is known as latent infections that last for the life of a patient and often spread through sexual contact. It can penetrate the body through the mouth, genitals, or a cut on your skin. After a period of time, one or more lesions may occur, which is considered the first genital herpes outbreak.

When the herpes blisters form, break, crust over, and disappear, it also enters into a group of nerve cells near your spinal cord. The virus can stay dormant at that place unless it’s triggered by stress.  If some certain triggers come, the virus reactivates and leads to other herpes outbreaks. You may develop herpes outbreaks for months or years depending on your immune system. The HSV can affect different parts in your body as well as various organs and tissues.

Is There Any Cure for Genital Herpes in Women?

There’s no cure for both genital and oral herpes. However, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medications to help remove this virus. Commonly, Acyclovir and Valacyclovir are the common prescribed antiviral medications for this virus. These medications can help to alleviate herpes symptoms and prevent it from coming back. Also, some topical creams, like Prosurx or Acyclovir can ease discomfort and eliminate sores quickly. Home remedies are another useful treatment. But if you experience any irritation, should stop applying them immediately.

Because of no cure for genital herpes, you should raise your awareness of how to prevent it. Prevention is always better than cure, it’s also the biggest key to avoid herpes and other STDs. If you or your partner is infected with this virus, you should take more precaution. The best ways for women to prevent genital herpes is to

• Ask your partner’s sexual history before engaging with sex
• Insist that your partner uses a condom when having sex
• Limit your sexual partners
• Abstain from sex if you see any symptom of genital herpes
• Ensure that you and your partner get tested for HSV

The rate of genital herpes in women is higher than the rate in men. The above complete guide helps women to identify their risks and symptoms of a genital herpes infection. From that, they can know how to remove and prevent herpes outbreaks.

 

If you’ve just find out that you have herpes, you may feel isolated, scared, and even shamed. But do not panic. Herpes is totally manageable. You can lead a normal life with happiness, confidence and good relationships. Millions of people with herpes can do, too. Here is how your life was after a diagnosis, and tips for better living with herpes.

How Does Herpes Affect Your Body?

Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the US. It’s currently affecting 1 in 6 Americans under age 50. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be responsible for herpes. It has 2 main types including HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 can cause painful blisters and sores on the lip, around the mouth. Meanwhile, HSV-2 can cause sores on or around the genital and anal region.

Unlike other diseases, herpes does not affect the body physically. Most people with the infection do not have any symptoms at all. But when they do occur, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Painful blisters or sores in the affected area
• Itching, tingling or burning
• Painful urination
• Vaginal discharge
• Lymph node inflammation in the groin

If you’re infected with herpes for the first time, you may also have flu-like symptoms. These include fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. The symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on every person. But often, they appear within 1 to 2 weeks after you’re exposed to the virus.

Without treatment, herpes can heal on its own. But the virus still lives in your body and waits to cause a new outbreak. It means that herpes can return at any time and you will have it again and again. While some people have 1 or 2 outbreaks a year, others get them every week or every month.

Learn more: Do I Have Herpes or a Fungal Infection?

How Does Herpes Affect Your Dating and Sex Life?

Herpes is super common. If you’ve ever had sex, even just once, you’re likely to get the virus. Research shows that there are many fears around people with herpes. First, they may feel a great deal of embarrassment and anger. Second, they may worry about giving the virus to their partners. Third, they may worry about discussing their disease with another person. In fact, all people with herpes feel sadness and fear that no one will want them in the future.

A herpes diagnosis can lead some patients to remain silent about it. This means they may keep their disease as a secret from their partners. Or, they may not seek proper treatment or get tested regularly. This can make their herpes get worse and spread it to others without knowing it.

Herpes is very contagious. It can spread through skin-to-skin contact and intercourse. But having herpes doesn’t mean that your partner was cheating on you. There are non-sexual ways in which a person can contract herpes. These are:

• Kissing
• Touching an active sore and then touch your genitals
• Sharing toilet seats, utensils, towels, and clothing
• Sharing cups, glasses, lipsticks and tools in public spas

Learn more: Can You Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) From Toilet Seat?

Living With Herpes: What to Do After Your Diagnosis

Living with herpes is not too difficult as most of you think. Have you ever had a cold sore? It’s the same as herpes on the mouth caused by HSV-1. But now instead of getting herpes on your mouth, you have it in your genital area. Here are three most common things you have to face with after a herpes diagnosis.

Coping with emotional effects of herpes

It’s common for you to feel sad, upset, guilty or ashamed after a herpes diagnosis. You may also feel that your sex life is ruined, or that no one will want to love and date with you. Maybe right, but remember that no one can love you until you love yourself first. If you’re diagnosed with herpes, here are some facts to know to get your life back.

• Herpes is super common and you’re not alone.
• It really does not affect anything.
• It says nothing about your sexual history.
• You can manage herpes.
• You can protect your partner from getting herpes.
• Herpes teaches you to be more careful with your sex life and to treat your body better.

Living with herpes in a relationship

In a relationship, trust and honesty are important. If you’re diagnosed with herpes, telling your partner. This can help improve your relationship and get your partner to better understand about herpes. Also, it can protect him or her from catching the virus from you.

Here are some helpful tips for you.

• Educate yourself as much as you can
• Choose the right time
• Prepare for the talk
• Be open and honest
• Answer all your partner’s questions
• Explore your options
• Discuss your future

The best way to prevent herpes transmission is to abstain from sex. Doctors recommend you avoid all kinds of sex during an outbreak of herpes. Between outbreaks, you can have sex, but remember to use condoms. This can lower your risk of giving and receiving herpes by 30 percent.

Dealing with a herpes outbreak

After initial infection, the virus lies dormant deep inside the nerves. When getting the right condition, it activates again and causes a new outbreak.

Some factors can trigger a herpes outbreak. These are:

• Stress
• Hormone change
• Illness and infection
• Surgery
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Intercourse
• Weak immune system

Here are a few tips to cope with herpes outbreaks.

• Use antiviral medications
• Consider herbs or natural remedies
• Wear cotton underwear, loose-fitting clothing
• Have warm salt baths 3-4 times a day
• Use ice packs to ease swelling and pain
• Manage stress effectively
• Eat a balanced diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Get enough sleep and rest
• Use Lysine supplement

Learn more: Can I Drink Alcohol While Having a Herpes Outbreak?

A common topical antiviral medication for herpes in the market right now is ProsurX. It is famous for treating the symptoms and preventing outbreaks in the future. For recurrent outbreaks, Bulletproof deep immune support is effective. Don’t touch the sores. Use condoms every time you have sex. Speak to your doctor if your herpes doesn’t heal in 1 month.

Herpes is a highly contagious virus that can spread through skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Most sexually active people get this virus at some point in their lives. Once contracted this virus, it stays dormant in the nervous system and leads to many herpes outbreaks. Fortunately, healthy sex life and protected sex can reduce the chances of getting or spreading herpes. However, are condoms always effective in preventing herpes outbreaks? The answer is “No”. Sometimes, condoms break and can’t protect against herpes. Read to know more detail about the reasons condoms break and can’t protect against herpes.

Can Condoms Protect Against Herpes?

Although herpes is highly contagious, it can be prevented by condoms. In fact, condoms protect against herpes. They reduce your risk of getting and spreading this virus to others effectively. Researchers showed that people who often use condoms have a 30% lower risk of getting herpes than those who never used ones. However, they don’t eliminate the chance of contracting herpes.

A few people who use condoms during intercourse have reported that they still contract herpes. Why is that? Because they engage with a person who has herpes already, and condoms can’t cover the affected area. This gives the virus a chance to spread. Therefore, keep in mind that condoms are effective, but not always 100 percent. Herpes still spreads if your affected skin area isn’t covered.

6 Reasons Condoms Break and Can’t Protect Against Herpes

Occasionally, condoms break during intercourse. What happens if a condom breaks while you perform sex with a person who has herpes? Of course, you’ll get herpes as condoms can’t protect against herpes. Here’re 6 reasons condoms break and can’t protect against herpes.

1. Condoms Are Expired

Similar to everything, condoms have an expiration date. And if your condom breaks, you should take a look back at its expiration day. Most expiration dates of condoms are printed on the box. So be careful to take a little time to see the expiration day before using. Your accident during sex can occur because of a broken condom.

Related: FAQs After a Genital Herpes Diagnosis

2. Condoms Are Too Small

Choosing the correct size of condoms is important to help you protect against herpes. Why? Because another reason for condoms break and can’t protect against herpes is they simply don’t fit. When using too small condoms, they create pressure on the latex and increase the risk of a break. That’s why it’s always recommended to use the correct size condoms.

3. You Keep Them in Wrong Place

Do you always store condoms in your wallet? If yes, you should change this habit. Keeping condoms in the wallet or cars seem to be a good idea. But when you’re outside in 40 degree weather all the time, the heat may damage the integrity of the latex material and increase the risk of a break. Thus, don’t store them in your car or wallet. Condoms should be kept in a cool and dry place.

4. Condoms Are Not Used Correctly

When condoms are not used correctly, they easily break and can’t protect against herpes. Sometimes, the moment of sex is building up and you can’t control everything. Suddenly, you remember that you have to put a condom. But while you’re in a rush, a condom can be put incorrectly or you may break it with your teeth or nail. So it’s crucial to open a condom slowly and not tear it with your teeth. Moreover, make sure that you’re wearing it right way before starting having intercourse.

5. You Wear Two Condoms

Some people are worried about a condom can break during sex, so they wear two or three condoms for sure. However, you should know that the friction from many condoms will lead to breaking. Thus, if both combine an external condom for men and an internal condom for women, this still causes friction and break condoms as well. As a result, broken condoms can’t protect against herpes.

Related: 7 Amazing Tips to Treat and Avoid Spreading Herpes

6. Oil-based Lubricants Don’t Work With Latex Condoms

While some lubricants are used with condoms, others shouldn’t be used as they can tear your condoms. Using some products, such as oils, lotions, or lubricants don’t fit with latex condoms and cause them to break. If you don’t want to have a broken condom, avoid using Vaseline, coconut oil, and body lotions which contain oil as lubricants.

What Happens If a Condom Breaks and Can’t Protect Against herpes?

If a condom breaks while you engage sex with a person who has herpes, you may be infected with this virus. Here’re things you should do

• Stop intercourse. As herpes is highly contagious, it easily spreads to others. You must stop intercourse immediately.
• Get herpes tested. A swab test and blood tests can help you to detect the virus
• Receive treatment. There’s no cure for herpes, but certain treatments can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent this virus from coming back. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir are commonly prescribed medications for herpes. You can apply topical creams, such as Prosurx to treat.
• Practice a healthy sex life. A healthy sex life helps to reduce your chance of getting STDs. You should use protective methods, such as condoms or dental dams during intercourse.

Condoms are effective in reducing your risk of getting herpes. But there’s many things can break your condoms during sex. If a condom breaks, it can’t protect against herpes. Therefore, it’s really crucial to know the reasons condoms break and avoid them.

 

Alcohol and herpes: Can I drink alcohol while having herpes? This is a so common question that all may want to know about herpes infections. In this article, you’ll find the answer.

When you’re having a herpes outbreak, certain foods or drinks can relieve the symptoms. But they can sometimes weaken your immune system, triggering a new outbreak. In many cases, these foods and drinks can interact with your herpes medications. This results in mild or serious side effects. Some side effects may affect your liver. Alcohol is among the most common drinks you should be cautious of.

What Is Herpes and How to Get Rid of It?

Before looking at the relationship between alcohol and herpes, you need to clarify what is herpes and how do you get it.

Herpes is a skin infection characterized by sores on the genitals or the mouth. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. This virus includes two main types: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Both types can cause outbreaks of sores on anywhere of your body including:

• areas above the waist: mouth, throat, lips, eyes, and face
• areas below the waist: butt, inner thighs, penis, vagina, vulva, anus

A herpes outbreak looks like a group of itchy, painful blisters or sores that come and go. The blisters can break open, turn into sores and then begin to heal. They usually occur with other symptoms like:

• pain, itching or swelling around the affected area
• burning and pain while peeing

If you’re first infected with HSV, you may experience some flu-like symptoms such as:

• fever
• chills
• headaches
• fatigue
• tiredness
• weakness
• body aches
• swollen glands

These symptoms usually appear 2-20 days after virus exposure. After healing, the virus lies dormant in your body and waits to causes a new outbreak.

Herpes is very contagious. You can get the virus from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Some behaviors and lifestyles factors can put you at risk of catching herpes. They include:

• having oral, vaginal or anal sex
• touching your partner’s genitals or mouth and then touching yours
• kissing someone who has oral herpes
• sharing drinks, toothbrushes, utensils, or towels with an infected person
• giving birth vaginally can pass herpes on to your baby

Herpes is most contagious during an active outbreak. But even when no sores are present, the virus can also be transmitted. To prevent herpes transmission, it’s important to take some tips below:

• Do not have sex while you’re having a herpes outbreak
• Use condoms every time you have sex
• Avoid oral sex if sores or blisters are visible

In most cases, antiviral medications are used to treat and prevent herpes outbreaks. One of the most common herpes creams on the market right now is ProsurX. It is made with antiviral nanoparticles and natural, essential oils. ProsurX can help get rid of pain and stop an outbreak before it starts very well. People with herpes can also use Zovirax or Valtrex fight the infection and reduce outbreaks.

Read more: Genital Bumps: Is It a Yeast Infection, Herpes or Something Else?

Alcohol and Herpes: Does Alcohol Affect Herpes Outbreaks?

So, does alcohol affect herpes? Is there any link between alcohol and herpes?

The answer is yes.

Alcohol can affect your current outbreak and trigger a new one by some ways:

First, alcohol weakens your immune response, making you more vulnerable to herpes infections. People with weakened immune systems often experience more severe symptoms during an outbreak. Besides, they tend to have more outbreaks of herpes than others.

Second, alcohol slows down the healing process of herpes. Also, it reduces the effectiveness of the pills and causes some side effects. For example: nausea and vomiting

Third, alcohol leads to some level of intoxication in an infected person. It leaves you dehydrated and fatigued and interacts with your herpes medications.

Finally, alcohol affects your liver. It destroys your liver cells, causing scarring of the liver. In some cases, alcohol can lead to cancer.  

Other factors that can cause herpes outbreaks include:

• Colds and sunlight
• Sexual intercourse
• Hormonal changes
• Weak immune systems
• Illnesses and infections
• Other sexually transmitted diseases
• Trauma to the body and surgeries
• Foods rich in Arginine: chocolate, grains, nuts and seeds
• Acidic foods such as sugar, beer or beef

Read more: Can I Die if I Have Herpes?

Can I Drink Alcohol While Having a Herpes Outbreak?  

Alcohol and herpes have a very close connection. So, can you drink alcohol while having herpes? The answer is Yes and sometimes is No. If you drink too much, it can worsen your symptoms and trigger new outbreaks. If you drink moderately (no more than 2 drinks a day), it may be okay. However, you should discuss with your doctor first if you’re using any prescription medicines.

Summing Up

There are no specific warnings about drinking alcohol while having herpes. However, alcohol abuse can suppress your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight the HSV or prevent new outbreaks. Moreover, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of your herpes medications and cause some side effects. So if you’re suffering from herpes and you want to heal more quickly, avoid alcohol.

Read more: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Do I have herpes or a fungal infection? This is a question that most people ask their doctors when they get sores or blisters in the genital area. A fungal infection and herpes can look similar, but they can still have some differences. In this article, we’re going to talk in detail about these two conditions. And how to differentiate between them.

Herpes Overview

Herpes is a skin condition that affects the area around the mouth or the genitals. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus includes two main types of HSV. These are HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 can be responsible for oral herpes, while HSV-2 can be to blame for genital herpes. People usually refer oral herpes to as a cold sore or fever blister. It occurs in or around the mouth and the lips. Genital herpes, on the other hand, is most commonly found in or around the genital and anal area. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes. This happens during oral-genital sex and can make up 40% of all cases of genital herpes.

Herpes is a very contagious disease. If not treated, the virus can spread to other people, including your baby, or your partner. Here are a few common habits and behaviors that can be to blame for herpes transmission:

Sexual intercourse. Any kind of sexual contact (including oral, vaginal or anal) can lead to transmission.

Skin-to-skin contact. Kissing someone with herpes. Touching a herpes sore. Scratching the affected area. Rubbing an infected area of skin on your own body. These acts can put you at an increased risk of contracting herpes.

Object-to-human. Using personal items of an infected person makes you more susceptible to herpes.

Mother-to-child. A mother with genital herpes can pass the virus to her baby through delivery. 

Learn more: How Do I Know if My Child Has Herpes?

Fungal Infection Overview

Fungus is everywhere around us. It lives in moist, warm areas, such as the air, soil, plants, water and the human body.Most of the time, fungus is harmless and causes no health problems. But when it multiplies and grows out of control, an infection may occur.

Fungal infections can affect the skin or internal organs, such as the lungs. For skin infections, they are more common and tend to appear everywhere on the body. Here are a few fungal infections of the skin that you need to know.

Athlete’s foot. This is a fungal infection of the feet that most commonly occurs in athletes.

Jock itch.It usually appears in the groin, inner thighs, genitals and buttocks. Men and adolescent boys are most at risk of jock itch.

Ringworm.Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called tinea. It can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, groin, feet, beard, or other areas. A red, itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash is a common symptom of ringworm.

Yeast infection. This infection results from candida. It can affect the mouth, causing oral thrush. Yeast infection can also occur in the vagina, called vaginal yeast infection.

A person is more likely to develop a fungal skin infection if they:

• Are obese
• Have diabetes
• Sweat a lot
• Wear tight shoes or clothes
• Use public showers frequently
• Go barefoot everywhere
• Have close contact with a person or pet that has the disease

Learn more: Foods to Avoid When You Have Jock Itch

How to Know If You Have Herpes or a Fungal Infection

Herpes can be misdiagnosed as a fungal infection and vice versa. This is because both conditions cause a rash with sores or blisters. Besides, they are contagious and can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact. To know if you have herpes or a fungal infection, carefully examine your symptoms. If necessary, ask your doctor about diagnosis and testing. Here are a few simple ways to find out you have herpes.

Watch for herpes symptoms

After infection, it can take 2 weeks for herpes to show up symptoms. A fungal infection, on the other hand, only needs 4 to 10 days.

Notice if there is a red or itchy skin

If you see a rash with redness, itching, or burning on your skin, it means that you have herpes. These symptoms often occur before an outbreak. Fever, sunlight, stress, and trauma can contribute to the problem.

Look for blisters on or around your genitals

Herpes usually causes painful blisters that can break, ooze and form scabs. The whole process can take 7-10 days before healing. A fungal infection rarely causes sores or blisters. It only happens in severe cases or due to scratching.

Notice any pain while urinating or having sex

A fungal infection, like yeast infection can be mistaken for herpes. They can both cause:

• pain during sex and/or urination
• abnormal discharge

However, there are differences between the two conditions. A fungal infection usually causes a white, thick, cottage cheese discharge. And the discharge will be odorless. Herpes, on the other hand, causes a clear, white, or off-white pale discharge with an odor.

Examine your risk factors and behaviors

You’re more prone to get herpes if you have the following risks:

• Being female
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having unprotected sex (especially oral sex)
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having another STD, such as genital warts, HIV or syphilis

Common infections that can be mistaken for herpes

• Contact dermatitis
• Yeast infections
• Jock itch
• Scabies
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Learn more: Herpes and Eczema: What’s the Difference?

Fungal infections, such as jock itch and yeast infections can look like herpes. To confirm if you have herpes or a fungal infection, talk with your doctor. If you are tested positive for herpes, use ProsurX immediately. This is one of the best antiviral creams that can help get rid of herpes in a few days. Many people use this cream to get relief, reduce transmission and prevent new outbreaks. Doctors say that ProsurX can kill the HSV both on the surface and lower layers of the skin. Thus, it can help stop an outbreak before it develops. To get the best results, you should follow the instructions on the product. For severe cases, ask your doctor about oral medication.

Learn more: Herbal Teas Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

There’s an equal chance for anyone who is sexually active to contract genital herpes. Because of a highly contagious infection, herpes is very common. But many people with the virus don’t know they have had it. Until the virus is spread to others, they may realize the fact that they have contracted herpes. When you find out your partner has genital herpes, how your feeling is? Of course, you could be shocked and have a lot of questions. Here’re the frequently asked questions (FAQs) if your partner has genital herpes.

1. Could I Have Been Infected With Genital Herpes, Too?

When your partner has genital herpes, this FAQ may be the first one on your mind. The answer for it is depending on which types of intercourse you perform. It includes protected or unprotected sex. Also, it depends on how long you have been engaging with each other.

When you’ve had several times and use condoms each time, your risk will be lower than if you’ve had intercourse without protection for a long time. However, it still has an opportunity to get herpes during any sexual activity. Even though you haven’t seen any herpes symptoms, don’t always think that you’re clear. In fact, herpes usually doesn’t show up symptoms even if you’ve contracted it already. What’s more, herpes can be spread even if there’s no symptom.

2. How Can I Detect if I’ve Been Infected With Herpes?

If your partner has genital herpes, you’re more likely to have it. The simple way to find out whether you’ve been infected with herpes is to get tested. See your doctor and do some necessary tests to detect herpes.

A swab test is more accurate than blood tests, but it’s only done if you develop herpes blisters or sores in the genitals. Otherwise, your doctor may suggest IgG and IgM tests to look for antibodies for herpes that your immune system has made when you were infected. But positive blood test results don’t always mean you’re infected with genital herpes.

Related: What Does It Mean if You Have Positive Herpes IgG and IgM Test Results?

3. What Should I Do to Protect Myself from Genital Herpes?

It’s definitely one of the FAQs when your partner has genital herpes. The unhappy fact is there’s not 100% effective protection for herpes. That’s because the virus can be passed through the uncovered area. Even so, using condoms can lower your risk of getting the virus up to 90%. You should ask your partner to tell you if he/she notices early symptoms of a herpes outbreak. One more thing is to abstain from sex when your partner is developing a herpes infection. Let’s wait until the infection is healed to engage with sex and don’t forget to use protective methods.

4. Could My Partner Get Genital Herpes From a Toilet Seat?

It’s sometimes believed that genital herpes can be transmitted from public places, such as toilet seats or a hot tub. But in fact, this’s very rare. Many people who are in a monogamous relationship often doubt that their partners cheated them because of a herpes infection. Remember that, however, people can have had herpes for years or longer without realizing it. So, if your partner has genital herpes, both should have a conversation.

Even though your partner could have contracted this virus from a previous sexual partner, there’re other causes increase his/her risk for herpes. For example, he/she can get it from you while you even don’t know. This virus also spreads through sharing underwear with a person who has herpes. Along with that, using the same razors or clothes also the cause of genital herpes in your partner.

Related: Can You Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) From Toilet Seat?

5. Can Genital Herpes Be Treated?

The answer is “No”. There’s no cure for this virus, but it can be managed. If your partner has genital herpes, some treatments are available for the infection. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir are the common prescribed antiviral medications for herpes. These can help to alleviate the herpes symptoms and prevent further recurrences. Along with that, your partner can try certain OTC or ointment, like Prosurx. This cream is effective in getting rid of herpes on the skin’s surface and in deep skin layers. Thanks to that, it rapidly clears active outbreaks and stops herpes recurrence before they start. Home remedies are also another cure option for this virus, but you should test them before applying to avoid irritation.

6. What Should I Do to Help My Partner?

Some people can’t accept their partner who has a genital herpes infection and leave them to seek someone else. However, if you left your partner, you would have nearly one-fifth chance of meeting another man with this infection, or about one-fourth chance of having another woman who is contracted herpes. Thus, instead of leaving your partner alone, you should support him/her to cope with the disease.

If your partner doesn’t know how to dealing well, you can suggest joining a support group or need a doctor’s advice. Or when the infection is harming your relationship, both can try couple’s therapy.

Related: Why Am I Having More Frequent Herpes Outbreaks?

Genital herpes is a common STD for sexually active people. Because of an STD, you may be shocked if your partner has genital herpes. Then, a lot doubting questions appear in your mind which make you stressed out and full of doubt. But don’t worry, the answers for the above FAQs can help to put your mind at ease.

Herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is an incurable STD. Once you are infected, you will have the virus for the rest of your life. Some people develop herpes outbreaks every week, others do not. This can vary from person to person and depend on many factors. Read on this article to know why you are getting herpes outbreaks so often and how you can manage them.

How Long Does A Herpes Outbreak Last?

Herpes can take in two forms: oral herpes and genital herpes. Oral herpes results from HSV-1 and can develop on the lips, around the mouth. Genital herpes, on the other hand, is caused by HSV-2. It can commonly be found in the genital and anal area.

After HSV exposure, herpes can take 2 to 12 days to develop symptoms. It usually starts as a small blister or a group of blisters on your skin. The blister can be red, itchy or painful. It can break and turn into a sore, causing other symptoms like:

• Itching, tingling, or a burning sensation
• Pain and swelling around the affected area
• Trouble peeing (genital herpes)
• Painful intercourse (genital herpes)
• Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue (the first outbreak)

After a few days, the sore begins to heal and new skin will form. Without treatment, an outbreak of herpes can go away on its own in 2-3 weeks. But several factors can slow the healing time of a herpes outbreak. These are:

The herpes type that you are suffering from. Research has shown that HSV-1 infections can heal faster than HSV-2 infections.

The number of herpes outbreaks that you have had in the past. The number and the severity of herpes outbreaks tend to decrease over time. So if you have had multiple outbreaks in the past, you are likely to heal faster.

The time you use treatment. Using antiviral drugs at the early signs of outbreak can shorten healing and suppress future outbreaks. Many people use ProsurX when they feel an outbreak is coming. It helps lessen the symptoms and prevent the blisters from appearing on the skin. With this treatment, it takes less than one week to being symptom free.

Read more: How to Identify if You Have Genital Herpes or Genital Pimples

Why Do You Get Herpes Outbreaks Every Week?

Herpes affects people differently. For some people, the first outbreak is the only outbreak. Others have 4 to 6 outbreaks a year. In some cases, people develop outbreaks every week, or every month before period. The number of herpes outbreaks may depend on the following factors:

How long you’ve been infected with the HSV. As mentioned earlier, over time, the severity, the duration and the number of herpes outbreaks will decrease. If you’ve had herpes for a long time, you will no longer have frequent outbreak.

What type of herpes you have, and where it is located. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes and HSV-2 can also cause oral herpes. This occurs when you have oral sex with a person who carries the virus. HSV-2 tends to cause more recurrent outbreaks than HSV-1. The outbreak rate will decrease as the following: genital HSV-2 > oral HSV-1 > genital HSV-1 > oral HSV-2.

Your immune system. An immune system is important to protect your body from viruses. If it is weakened, you are more likely to develop recurrent outbreaks.

Other factors that increase your risk of frequent herpes outbreaks include:

• Colds and sunlight (oral herpes)
• Hormone change (due to pregnancy or menstruation)
• Sexual intercourse (including oral, vaginal or anal sex)
• Trauma to the lips, mouth or face
• Physical and emotional stress
• Others infections (HIV or HPV)
• Surgery

Read more: How to Tell if a Herpes Outbreak Is Coming

How Do You Manage and Prevent Herpes Outbreaks?

If you have herpes outbreaks every week or so often, see your doctor. A few tips below can be effective to ease symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.

Managing Herpes Outbreaks

Use antiviral medication. Go to a drugstore or visit Amazon to buy an antiviral topical cream. ProsurX is one of the best and most common creams for herpes in the market right now. It is known to kill the HSV both on the surface and lower layers of your skin. Therefore, it can relieve symptoms, shorten healing and stop an outbreak before it occurs. Apply ProsurX 2- 3 times daily for 3 days to 1 week and you can get the best results. Other medications can be used to treat herpes: Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex.  

Use warm water to ease the discomfort. Take warm baths and showers can give you some relief from herpes symptoms. So, do this 3 or 4 times a day.

Use different towels for your face and body. Herpes is very contagious, especially when the sore is visible. To reduce the spread of herpes, use one towel for your genitals and one for the rest of your body.

Dry yourself after a shower. After a shower or bath, blow dry your genitals thoroughly. It can keep your area dry and speed up healing.

Avoid touching the sore. Touching or scratching a herpes sore can worsen the symptoms and make the virus spread. So, be careful.

Wear comfortable underwear. This allows your skin to breathe, thus healing faster. Choose underwear made from cotton, not from synthetic.

Use supplements. Supplements can help boost the immune system, shorten healing time and suppress outbreaks. Consider bulletproof deep immune support. You can also take Zinc, Lysine, Probiotics or Vitamin B complex.

Use topical herbs or essential oils. Some herbs and oils can be useful to treat recurrent herpes outbreaks. These are aloe Vera, tea tree oil, Neem extract, Echinacea extract, or Licorice extract.

Read more: 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks

Preventing Herpes Outbreaks Every Week

Some lifestyle behaviors can cause frequent herpes outbreaks. To prevent transmission and avoid future outbreaks, you should:

Talk to your partner about herpes. Telling your partner that you have herpes. Allow him/her to decide whether to stay in a relationship.

Practice safe sex. Sexual intercourse is the most common way to spread herpes infections. So, avoid all kinds of sexual contact when you are having a herpes outbreak. Do not give/receive oral sex to/on a person who has herpes.

Use protection between outbreaks. Condom is important to prevent STDs during sex. Though it does not offer 100% protection, it can reduce the risk of transmission.

Talk to your doctor. If medications do not help or your infection gets worse, talk to your doctor. They can help you make treatment choices to suit your condition.

Read more: What Should I Do When My Partner Has Genital Herpes

It seems to be awful after a genital herpes diagnosis. You may have numerous questions about the condition and how to live peacefully with it. In reality, herpes is a highly contagious STD and there’s no cure for it. However, certain treatments help to relieve and prevent it from coming back. Your healthy lifestyle and sex life also play a key role in dealing with this virus after diagnosing. Here’re some frequently asked questions (FAQs) after a genital diagnose you may concern.

 FAQs After a Genital Herpes Diagnosis

1. If I Continue to Engage With Sex, Is My Partner Infected With Genital Herpes?

Of course! Your partner will be put at high risk of contracting genital herpes if you engage with sex. To reduce your partner’s risk of getting herpes, you should wait until the genital herpes is healed. However, the virus still spreads without any noticeable symptoms. That’s why you should use protective methods every time you have sex, such as condoms or dental dams. Although a condom isn’t 100% effective in preventing herpes because of not covering all affected areas, it helps lower the risk of getting herpes.

2. Should I Tell My Partner that I’m Diagnosed With Genital Herpes?

It’s necessary to tell with your partner about your condition before starting to have sex. Because of a highly contagious infection, your partner can be infected. So, tell your partner that there’s always a chance of getting herpes from you. But there’re also many ways to reduce the risk. Then, both of you should work together to find the best ways to deal with the condition and protect your partner from contracting it. If you feel it’s hard to begin a conversation with your partner, here’s how to tell your partner about genital herpes.

3. How Dangerous Is Genital Herpes?

This is one of the FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis. Genital herpes is painful, uncomfortable, and distressed, but it’s not a life-threatening STD. Even so, it could increase your risk of getting HIV because the sores may be one of the main ways for HIV come into the body. Moreover, herpes virus and HIV can make both conditions worse.

The condition is also more serious during pregnancy. If you have genital herpes near the end of pregnancy, the risk will be highest. At least 30%-50% of newly infected pregnant women spread this virus to their babies. But don’t panic, your doctor may perform a cesarean section if you have a herpes outbreak at the delivery time.

Learn More: Can I Have Dating Someone With Herpes?

4. Is There Any Way to Completely Remove Genital herpes?

One of the FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis is always about herpes treatments.  As mentioned above, there’s no cure for herpes. It means that the virus lives forever in your body and can be reactivated under certain triggers. Fortunately, several treatments are available for dealing with herpes. If you’re diagnosed with herpes, your doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir. These antiviral medications can make the symptoms appear less often and reduce the severity of your condition. It’s more effective when you combine with topical ointments and creams like Prosurx. The topical cream is great to ease the symptoms and prevent herpes from coming back.

5. How Many Genital Herpes Outbreaks Do I Get Throughout My Life?

In many FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis, the question is very interesting. In fact, the number of genital herpes outbreaks will depend on your immune system. While many people have no genital herpes recurrence during their lifetime, some people suffer from herpes outbreaks often. During the first year of herpes infection, you can averagely notice 4-6 recurrences. But others can only have one or two outbreaks and never gave it again. Therefore, a strong immune system is the main key to fight off herpes triggers, which helps lower herpes outbreaks. As long as you boost your immune system, the number of herpes outbreak will be reduced.

The interesting news is the frequency of herpes outbreaks can be reduced over time. As your body produces antibodies to fight off herpes later, the genital herpes recurrences are also reduced. Even so, it’s crucial to enhance your immune system and avoid herpes triggers. Listen to your body carefully to define what your triggers are and avoid them. Commonly, stress, multiple sexual partners, poor diet, and infections trigger a herpes outbreak.

6. Can I Get Herpes Sores on Other Parts of the Body?

In some cases, people with herpes will have lesions and outbreaks at any area of the body. These outbreaks can be a part of the typical genital herpes recurrence. So, it’s normal to have herpes sores on other parts of the body. This is especially common for people with a weakened immune system. Herpes sores can occur in the lips, arms, and legs. If you notice herpes lesions on any part of the body, it’s still better to talk with your doctor.

Learn More: Which Parts of the Body Can Be Infected With Herpes

7. Can I Have Oral Herpes From Genital Herpes?

It’s possible. Genital herpes can spread and lead to oral herpes through your hands. After touching herpes sores in the genitals without washing your hands, you’re more prone to oral herpes if touch the lips. Thus, masturbation during a herpes outbreak is also risky. It’s advised to avoid performing oral sex because this virus can spread to your partner’s mouth.  

It’s terrible at the moment you’re diagnosed with genital herpes. However, the above FAQs after a genital herpes diagnosis are helpful to put your mind at ease. No matter why you’re infected with the virus, it’s best to learn how to live with it. There’re many treatments as well as tips to deal with herpes. Keep in mind that boosting the immune system is very important in killing off this virus.

 

 

 

Herpes is a viral condition that affects more than half the world’s population. It not only causes you pain and embarrassment but also affects your sex life. Although herpes is so common, people don’t actually know about it very well. To help get the answers you need, here are questions you can ask your doctor about herpes.

1. What type of herpes do I have?

Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It includes two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is more common than HSV-2. It causes oral herpes, characterized by the appearance of sores on the lips or around the mouth. HSV-2, on the other hand, causes genital herpes, characterized by sores on or around the vagina or penis.

Both forms of herpes are very painful. If untreated, they may return frequently. More seriously, they may lead to further infections.

2. Is herpes contagious? How can it be transmitted?

Herpes is highly contagious. Any kind of contact with the secretions of an infected person can lead to transmission. Kissing and skin-to-skin contact are two most common ways to spread HSV-1. You may also get HSV-1 from sharing a cup or eating utensils with an infected person. For HSV-2, sexual contact can make the virus spread to others. Using condoms during sex is the only way to reduce your risk of getting HSV-2. However, condom does not cover the entire genital area. So, you still can contract this virus while using a condom.

3. Can I get herpes from oral or anal sex?

Herpes can be transmitted even when the sores are not visible on your skin. Sexual contact is the most common way of spreading the infection. In fact, any kind of sexual contact with someone who has herpes can put you at risk. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex are common ways. Most commonly, HSV-1 appears around the mouth. But, it can be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex.  HSV-2, on the other hand, commonly occurs in the genital area. But it can be spread to the mouth through oral sex. Also, you may get anal herpes if you have anal sex with someone who has genital herpes.

Here are Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Oral Sex with Herpes

4. Can I get genital herpes without having sex?

You don’t have to have sex to get genital herpes. The virus can be spread easily in non-sexual ways, for example during pregnancy and delivery. A mother with genital herpes may pass the virus on to her baby through delivery.

5. How do I know if I have herpes?

The most common signs of herpes are blisters or sores on your mouth or genitals. Other symptoms include:

• Itching, tingling, or burning sensations
• Pain or swelling around the affected area
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, or fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches

To confirm the diagnosis, check out with your doctor.

Here are 6 Diseases That Can Be Mistaken for Herpes

6. Can I have herpes and never show symptoms?

Herpes symptoms often show up around two weeks after infection. But most of the time, the virus does not cause any symptoms. That’s why many people don’t know they have herpes until they experience visible sores. Usually, the virus that causes herpes lies dormant in the body. When the immune system is weak, it reactivates and causes outbreaks.

7. Herpes and cold sores: Are They the Same?

Cold sores and herpes are basically the same thing. Cold sores are often referred to as oral herpes. They are caused by HSV-1, characterized by sores around the mouth. Cold sores may develop on the nose and fingers as well. Some people also call cold sores “fever blisters”. It is because these painful blisters often appear when we are sick or have an illness.

8. Can herpes be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for the virus that causes herpes. But, you can treat and prevent herpes outbreaks by using antiviral drugs. You can find them in topical forms, tablets or capsules. Prosurx is one of the most common creams for herpes. It has been shown to be effective at relieving symptoms and preventing future outbreaks. You should apply Prosurx to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Repeat this treatment for a few days to get the best results.

Other drugs that can help treat herpes are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. You can ask your doctor if these meds have potential side effects for you.

Here’s How Can I Use Olive Leaf Extract to Treat Herpes?

9. What are my risks of contracting herpes?

There are a number of factors that can make you more likely to get herpes. These risk factors are:

• Kissing
• Having unprotected sex
• Sharing personal items, such as lip balm, lipstick, cups, toothbrushes and towels
• Having prolonged, skin-to-skin contact
• Having a weakened immune system
• Suffering from viral infections, such as HIV
• Having dental trauma (which may trigger oral herpes)

Here are 8 Factors That Can Trigger Herpes Outbreaks

10. Will antibiotics help herpes?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. So, you can’t use it to treat herpes, a viral infection. To this case, using antibiotics can cause unpleasant side effects. In the long-term, they can reduce the effectiveness for you in the future. So, don’t overuse antibiotics and talk to a doctor if you are considering taking any medicine.

11. How can I prevent herpes?

It is possible to prevent herpes if you don’t have it yet. The few tips below can be helpful for you.

• Don’t have sex at a very young age
• Don’t have sex with multiple partners
• Avoid having sex with a person who has multiple partners
• Practice safe sex and avoid oral sex
• Use protection like condoms and dental dams during sex
• Don’t touch another person’s herpes sores
• Avoid sharing items with a person who has herpes

If you’ve already had herpes, you can stop others from getting the virus by:

• Use medication to lower your risk of spreading herpes
• Be honest with your partner about your disease
• Avoid kissing others when you are having a herpes sore
• Abstain from sex during a herpes outbreak
• Know when an outbreak is coming to stop it timely

Here are 7 Super Foods to Shorten Herpes Outbreaks