Herpes is a common virus that can cause you to develop painful and itchy sores. When these sores appear, it is called an outbreak. Oral herpes is a herpes infection in the throat, mouth, or around the lips. Genital herpes is when the virus comes into contact with the genitals, butt, or anus.
You may or may not experience herpes symptoms. But herpes is a lifelong infection that you can spread to others even if you do not have symptoms.
Types of Herpes Infections
Two similar viruses can cause herpes. Herpes simplex 1, or HSV-1, tends to cause oral herpes. Herpes simplex 2, or HSV-2, tends to cause genital herpes. Both viruses can cause oral or genital herpes.
You can rarely get a herpes infection elsewhere in the body. Herpes keratitis is a herpes infection of the eye. This type of herpes is severe and could cause permanent eye scarring if left untreated. You can also develop herpes sores on your hands or cheeks.
If you or someone you are close to has a herpes outbreak, washing your hands after touching the affected area is critical.
How to Identify Herpes
When a person first has an outbreak, they may think the small blisters are something else. In some people, genital blisters can resemble ingrown hairs or pimples. Some people mistake oral herpes for other conditions that can cause mouth sores. But blisters that turn into sores aren’t the only signs of herpes. Other oral and genital herpes symptoms you may experience include:
- Fatigue and achiness.
- Fever or flu-like symptoms at the time of infection or outbreak.
- Headache.
- Swollen glands.
If you think you might have genital herpes, you may have additional symptoms, such as:
- A burning feeling when you pee or when your pee touches the sores.
- Difficulty peeing because your urethra is swollen from blisters or sores.
- Itching and redness in the outbreak area.
- Pain and stinging where the blisters or sores are.
If you are unsure if your symptoms might be herpes or if a doctor has never diagnosed you with herpes, it is a good idea to seek medical help. The doctor can examine you and perform diagnostic tests.
How to Deal With Herpes Symptoms
Herpes is a lifelong condition, so there is no cure. However, many people notice that each outbreak they have is less severe. There are many things you can try to soothe your symptoms at home. You can try over-the-counter medications and pain relief that may ease the pain or promote faster healing. If you have a genital herpes outbreak, a warm sitz bath can help.
Both oral and genital herpes outbreaks can take days or weeks to clear up. A doctor can prescribe medication that can shorten the length of your outbreak or help decrease the severity. Some medications can also reduce your risk of passing the virus to others. But keep in mind that you can spread herpes even if you do not have any symptoms. Some people never have herpes symptoms but can carry and transmit the virus to others.
Get the Medical Help You Need at PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care
When you think you might have herpes, getting answers and relief is crucial. Get help from the medical team at PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care.
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
