What else can I do about genital herpes?

What else can I do?

You can take some simple steps to help yourself when you have an outbreak of genital herpes.

• Keep the sores and the skin around them clean and dry. Wash the area with dilute salt water, and then pat yourself dry or use a hairdryer.
• Never touch your sores.
• Mild painkiller tablets (such as aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen or acetaminophen), may help with relief of pain in genital herpes, but will not help sores heal faster.
• Try to avoid stress, and make sure you follow a good diet and get plenty of rest - otherwise you may be more vulnerable to recurrent attacks.
• If urine makes the sores sting, pour warm water over the area while you urinate. You may find this easiest to do in the shower or the bath.
• Avoid sexual contact until the outbreak has healed.
• Talk to someone - you'll be amazed how relieved you feel. Your doctor, a nurse, or a trained counsellor can help you understand herpes and take control of your treatment. You could also join one of the many support groups available. Click below for information for Patient associations. Another person who has already been through this may help you put your feelings into perspective.

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