Herpes Explained: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

There is no cure for herpes, so if you get it, you have it for life. But before you have an anxiety attack about that, let's go over some of the facts. At first, a herpes diagnosis can feel earth-shattering — which is understandable and totally valid — but it isn't as life-altering as you may think. There is a huge stigma around herpes, mainly because the general population (and even some doctors) are uneducated about it (via The Washington Post). Before you assume that someone with herpes is gross or untouchable, you may want to read up a little more on it — and get tested. That's because you might have it and not know it. 

In fact, more than half of people worldwide have herpes. There are actually two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1 and HSV-2. About 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (that's 67% of the world's population) have HSV-1, which is commonly referred to as oral herpes. And an estimated 491 million people between the ages 15-49, about 13% of the global population, have been diagnosed with HSV-2, often called genital herpes (via the World Health Organization). 

Also — it is possible to get HSV-1 genitally and HSV-2 orally — more on that later. 

For those that do experience symptoms, they vary depending on how long you have had HSV. Have you ever heard of a cold sore? That's herpes. HSV-1 symptoms usually occur on or near the mouth and are commonly called cold sores or fever blisters because people typically experience them when they are sick, because the immune system is low (via Minars Dermatology). HSV-2 symptoms are usually present on or near the genitals or rectum.

For many, the first outbreak is usually the worst, with painful blisters, itching and discomfort, and sometimes even flu-like symptoms, like a fever, body aches, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Often people experience a tingling or burning sensation on the skin where the blisters may eventually form as a warning sign for an incoming outbreak (via the World Health Organization). On average, people get their first outbreak four days after initial exposure, but it can range anywhere from two to 12 days. The first outbreak can take up to two to four weeks to fully heal. And unfortunately, reoccurring symptoms are common. 

One study reports that 33% of people with oral herpes and 50% of those with genital herpes experience additional outbreaks at least once in their life. However, the good news is it does get better — symptoms tend to heal faster and feel less intense as time goes on. And research has shown that the frequency of outbreaks usually lowers over time (via the Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Time to bust the myth: It's not possible to get HSV from a toilet seat, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. You will also not get herpes by touching things like blankets, sheets, swimming pools, silverware, soap, or towels. Primarily, herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact — HSV simply can not live outside of the human body for very long, so the chances of getting it from touching a surface or object are extremely low (via Healthline). 

That being said, sharing sex toys or straws with someone who is experiencing symptoms directly after they have used the item is probably not a good idea, since it is possible to get herpes from an object that has come in contact with the virus by saliva or genital fluids, explains Healthline. But you don't have to avoid public bathrooms or stress about sharing a bed with someone.   

If you have herpes, you are not doomed to celibacy. While it may seem intimidating to get back out there given the stats, there are many ways you can have sex while reducing the risk of getting or spreading HSV. First and foremost, if you or your sex partner are experiencing any symptoms, avoid sexual activity that involves oral, genital, or anal contact, since HSV is most contagious when there are existing sores. But that doesn't mean that all intimacy is forbidden. Those diagnosed with HSV shared with VICE that they use an outbreak as an invitation to explore other forms of sexual connection with their partner, like mutual masturbation or using toys. Think of it as a way to get creative in the bedroom.

Also, using protection like condoms can help prevent HSV transmission. There's a 5.15% chance of spreading HSV while using a condom during penetrative sex, whether you're experiencing symptoms or not (via STD Center). HSV transmission is still possible while wearing a condom because it only covers so much surface area and there may still be some skin-to-skin genital contact (via the World Health Organization). Taking anti-viral prescription medications can also help greatly reduce the risk of HSV transmission, as well as the frequency and severity of symptoms (via Medical News Today).       

There are many at-home remedies you can try to help reduce the pain and irritation associated with HSV symptoms. It's important to always speak with a doctor about treatment options before trying anything. Medical News Today recommends trying over-the-counter pain meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or taking a sitz bath or warm epsom salt bath to help relieve pain. You may also want to try applying natural products to the irritated area, like aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly. Wearing loose clothing and avoiding sexual activity can also help reduce the chances of pain and irritation. 

Another at-home remedy that could be helpful is making a topical paste out of baking soda or cornstarch, according to Healthline. It may help to dry out the sores and reduce itchiness. To try it out, you can soak a Q-tip or cotton ball in warm water, sprinkle a little bit of powder on top, then apply directly to the affected area. You might also want to try applying apple cider vinegar topically, since it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Just be sure to dilute it by mixing one part vinegar with three parts of warm water, then applying it to the sores with a cotton ball or wash cloth.

Some people find that watching what they eat helps prevent or minimize HSV symptoms. Plus, a healthy diet can support your immune system, which can minimize outbreaks. Focus on eating lots of veggies high in antioxidants, like cauliflower, spinach, kale, and tomatoes. Also, add in foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease inflammation and boost immunity, like salmon, flaxseed, and chia seeds. Healthline also recommends eating foods with a lot of Vitamin C, which support your immune system and speed the healing of sores, like bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, mango, and papaya. 

Protein heavy foods are also helpful for fighting herpes, especially those high in the essential amino acid lysine and low in arginine. One study suggests that consuming high amounts of lysine, like 3 grams per day, in conjunction with a low-arginine diet, can help with HSV symptoms. Many animal products are rich in lysine, like yogurt, chicken, and cheese; however, there are many vegetarian sources of lysine as well, including avocados, chickpeas, soy, lentils, cashews, beets, potatoes, and so much more (via Healthline). It's also a good idea to limit your consumption of alcohol, processed foods, and sugar to avoid outbreaks. 

Many herbs and essential oils can help support healing, resulting in a faster recovery time and decrease uncomfortable HSV symptoms. Essential oils should never be directly applied to the skin, as they are very potent and can burn or irritate it. You should dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba, olive, or coconut oil, before applying it. Healthline recommends trying out a patch test by applying your diluted oil to a different part of your body (other than the sores) to test it and make sure it doesn't irritate your skin. 

Try applying a small amount of the diluted oil to your forearm and monitor it for 24 hours — if you experience any burning, irritation, or inflammation, wash it off with soap and water and don't use it again. If you don't experience any adverse effects, it should be safe to use on an outbreak. Some antiviral herbs that you could apply topically include tea tree oil, eucalyptus, ginger, thyme, oregano, licorice, echinacea, and lemon balm.