You know senior superlatives in the yearbook? Nigh Popular, All-time Dressed, Grade Clown, etc.? OK, imagine if every sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD/STI) was given a superlative, too. Canker would be named Most Mysterious — every bit in, there'due south a ton of defoliation about what the canker simplex virus actually is and how information technology affects the trunk.

For answers to the biggest questions, nosotros turned to two top experts: H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., a professor emeritus of medicine at the Academy of Washington Center for AIDS and STD and former member of the American Sexual Health Association's lath of directors and Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, family doc at One Medical. Hither, they break downward what you need to know.

What is herpes?

Let'south showtime simple. Herpes is a virus that results in painful sores on your mouth and genital area, said Dr. Bhuyan. She explained that the canker virus comes in a couple of strains, and they're both super common. The first type, HSV-1, is the main cause of cold sores in the mouth area. (That'due south why some people call information technology "oral herpes.") HSV-2 is its cousin, known for triggering sores on or near the genitals. Though the ii strains tend to acquit a footling differently from each other, both types can cause sores in both places.

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According to Dr. Bhuyan, herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, which can mean anything from kissing, to oral sex activity, or fifty-fifty sharing chapstick. This ways, if you take a cold sore when you perform oral sex activity on a partner, y'all could give them the virus. However, to pass on the virus, y'all must currently have a breakout, so make certain you're extra careful when your observe a cold sore.

There is no cure for canker, but don't worry, because while the initial canker outbreak may be painful, yous may never even have some other one. And if you lot practise have another outbreak, information technology probably won't ever be as bad as the starting time.

I have a cold sore. Does that mean I accept herpes?

In a nutshell, yes. Having a common cold sore does mean that y'all are carrying the herpes simplex virus (HSV-i). You're non solitary: According to the American Sexual Health Association, more one-half the U.S. population has a form of herpes, too!

Wait, so herpes is an STD? How did I get a cold sore if I've never had sex?

That's the matter about the herpes virus: It spreads through all kinds of activities, says Dr. Bhuyan. In fact, lots of people choice information technology upward when they're kids, just from sharing cups and utensils with others. Kisses from infected relatives are a major pathway, besides. So while both herpes strains can be transmitted through sexual contact (including oral sexual practice), that's definitely not the only way the virus spreads.

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I had a cold sore years ago, but I haven't seen i since. Do I ~still~ accept herpes?

Right now, the herpes virus has no cure, according to the the ASHA. So once you have it, it basically hangs out in your body for life. Everyone'south experience is different, though. Some people get flare-ups on the regular. Others go years between sores. In fact, about 40 percent of people with HSV-1 experience no more ane outbreak in their lives.

How can I tell a cold sore isn't just a giant zit?

Cold sores unremarkably await and feel a trivial different from pimples. Before a cold sore hits the surface, y'all might experience a sharp shooting pain or called-for awareness that hurts more than a zit. And cold sores mostly ingather up correct near the mouth, on the outer edge of the lips. Appearance-wise, most cold sores start out looking blistery — cherry-red and fluid-filled — earlier breaking and scabbing over. They last for about a week. Still, not every common cold sore looks exactly like this. Sometimes an outbreak tin wait more similar a really chapped surface area on your lip.

If the cold sore is in your genital expanse, yous may feel some hurting while peeing. Correct before an outbreak you may also get some flu-like symptoms, like tiredness, aches, and swollen glands.

OK, so what I tin can do for the sore I have right at present?

If this is your first outbreak, you lot'll want to make an appointment with a doctor or a clinician to become tested. (Figuring out what blazon you have is essential to determining the best path of handling and can help ready expectations for how ofttimes future outbreaks might occur.) For genital herpes, you will well-nigh likely be prescribed an antiviral medication similar Valacyclovir or Acyclovir. Your doctor will besides provide you will daily suppressive antiviral medications to preclude future outbreaks.

Too that, yous tin can go nearly your regular life — it's non like staying home from school to avoid passing the influenza to your classmates — but in the concurrently, Dr. Bhuyan has some tips...

If the sore is on your face: Try holding a cool clammy on the area for a few minutes several times a day. This can assistance soothe any pain, dial down redness and keep scabbing nether control. If the sore still stings or feels uncomfortable, applying a dab of Vaseline might assistance. Oh, and it's totally OK to encompass the area with makeup. In all instances, just exist sure to wash your easily and any tools with hot soapy water subsequently touching a sore. And avoid picking (difficult equally that may be!) because it can ho-hum down healing.

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If an outbreak is severe — or if yous get common cold sores really often — consider asking your doc if medicine makes sense. 1 option is Valtrex, an over-the-counter pill that tin aid shorten and foreclose flare-ups. Finally, keep in listen that the herpes virus is most contagious in agile sores. So until your peel clears, skip shared oral cavity activities like kissing, performing oral sex and sipping from your BFF'southward Frappuccino.

If the sore is below the belt: Just like with cold sores, cool compresses are your friend. Holding a damp textile on the area a few times a day can bring relief and speed healing. If information technology hurts to pee, urinating in the shower tin can sometimes dilute the fluid and stop the sting. Declining that, an over-the-counter coldhearted cream like Benzocaine might help. (Check with your doc earlier using.) And if outbreaks are bothersome, inquire about medicine — Valtrex is but ane option that can keep outbreaks in check. Until y'all heal from this flare-up, take a break from sex to help protect your partner.

I remember I might accept herpes. Do I need to get tested?

Yes. If you're currently experiencing an outbreak, it's important to go tested as soon as you tin can. All it takes is a quick blood test or swab.

If yous're not experiencing an outbreak, but you're sexually active, y'all might have heard that it's smart to get screened for a few common STIs (like chlamydia) once a year, or someday you think you might have been exposed through unprotected sexual practice. At your appointment, just ask your doctor or clinician to screen you for herpes, likewise.

Testing likewise makes sense if you're experiencing frequent or severe outbreaks (whether or not you're sexually agile). Figuring out which strain of herpes you lot have can help your md map out the all-time treatment program.

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Practise I need to tell the people I hook up with that I accept canker?

If you have current, recent, or frequent outbreaks, you should tell your partner before kissing or sexual activity, Dr. Handsfield says. Hither's one mode to get-go the conversation: "Hey, earlier we go any further, allow's talk. I accept herpes. The risk of passing on the virus to you is depression, especially if we utilize a safe, but I merely want to allow you lot know."

That said, If you've only gotten the occasional cold sore at this signal — and you don't have whatever at the moment — your risk of passing on herpes is actually, really low. For this reason, some people who fit this description don't see the demand to share. In virtually cases, partners remain uninfected.

Merely while dealing with the occasional cold sore might not exist a big deal to you, half of all new genital canker cases happen when people who have common cold sores perform oral sex. To prevent that, some people disclose before oral sex, but not necessarily earlier kissing.

If your partner has questions, endeavor sharing this article or feel gratuitous to check out some expert resources together. It'southward all near advice!