How to Test for Herpes

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If you've engaged in high risk sexual behaviors or you think you're currently experiencing a possible oral or genital herpes outbreak, you need to get tested. If you notice symptoms of genital or oral herpes, ask your doctor about getting tested and what your care options are.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting a Herpes Diagnosis

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  1. Before getting tested for either oral or genital herpes, observe the symptoms of the disease on your body. This can not only help you get a diagnosis and treatment more quickly, but may also save you from unnecessary medical tests. [1]
    • The symptoms of genital herpes include: pain or itching that begins two to 10 days after being exposed to an infected sexual partner, the formation of small red bumps or tiny blisters on your genitalia, ulcers that develop when the blisters or bumps rupture, scabs that materialize while the ulcers heal. It may also be painful to urinate or you may have flu-like symptoms such as fever or muscle aches. [2]
    • The symptoms of oral herpes include: itching, burning, or tingling of the lips and mouth; flu-like symptoms such as sore throat and fever; and the formation and subsequent breaking of blisters or a rash. [3]
    • Both oral and genital herpes may be accompanied by mild to severe pain on the affected area.
  2. If you recognize symptoms of either oral or genital herpes or even suspect you might have it, see your doctor as soon as you can. This can not only help confirm a diagnosis, but also help treat the outbreak quickly and effectively. [4]
    • Your doctor may be able to confirm a diagnosis simply by sight or may order additional tests.
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  3. Your doctor may most likely diagnose oral herpes by simply looking at your mouth area. If this is the case, she may or may not prescribe medication for you. [5]
  4. If your case of oral herpes isn’t conclusive, your doctor may order further testing. There are several different option from which she may choose, all of which can confirm a diagnosis and help you get treatment. [6]
    • Your doctor may conduct a DNA test called Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT). Your doctor will swab the affected area and collect a sample. She’ll run further tests on the sample to determine if you have herpes. The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most commonly used of the NAAT tests.
    • Your doctor may also order blood tests to examine your blood for traces of the herpes virus. Blood tests usually cause only minor discomfort.
    • In some cases, doctors may perform a Tzanck test, though they are rarely used now. A Tzanck test requires scraping the base of lesions and collecting a skin sample. After this, your doctor will examine the specimen under the microscope to determine if you have oral herpes. This test may cause some pain and discomfort. [7]
  5. Like oral herpes, your doctor may be able to diagnose genital herpes by conducting an examination of your genitalia and anal area. She will likely order additional tests from a lab to fully confirm a diagnosis of genital herpes. [8]
  6. There are several types of tests that can help detect genital herpes. From viral cultures to blood tests, these may help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. [9]
    • Your doctor may collect a tissue sample by scraping your lesions and send the cell probe to a laboratory that can detect the herpes virus. This test may cause some discomfort or pain.
    • Your doctor may run a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test. The PCR test involves getting a blood or tissue sample, or a sample of spinal fluid to test for the presence of the herpes virus in your DNA. Depending on the method in which your DNA is tested, you may experience some discomfort.
    • Your doctor may conduct a blood test, which can detect herpes virus antibodies in your blood. This test may cause minor discomfort.
  7. Once your doctor has conducted tests to confirm a diagnosis of herpes, wait for your diagnosis. This may take a few days. After you receive the test results, speak with your doctor and formulate a treatment plan if necessary.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Caring for Oral Herpes

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  1. If an outbreak of oral herpes, which consists of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, isn’t too severe, you can leave it alone and not treat it. Your symptoms may go away within one to two weeks without treatment. [10]
    • Use this option only if you feel well and are not likely to come into contact with anyone.
  2. There is no cure for oral herpes and treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. [11]
    • Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
    • Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream like Penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills but are very expensive.
    • Your doctor may advise using the medication only if you have symptoms or an outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
  3. An important part of living with oral herpes is communicating with your partner or partners that you have the virus. You can then decide the best ways to manage the virus as a couple. Oral herpes are very common and you shouldn’t worry about feeling any stigma with them. [12]
    • Talk to your partner about the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
  4. Whether your oral herpes is dormant or you are having an outbreak of cold sores, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting oral herpes to you or your partner. [13]
    • Avoid skin-to-skin contact when you have blisters or cold sores. The liquid secreted from the lesions spreads the disease.
    • Don’t share items if you have blisters or cold sores. This includes eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balm, or bedding.
    • Avoid oral sex if you have any cold sores or blisters.
    • Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with others.
  5. Even though oral herpes is very common, some people may still experience social stigmas attached to a breakout, which may cause feelings of shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing possible stigmas and your own feelings can help you deal with having oral herpes. [14]
    • You may feel embarrassed when you are first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a completely normal initial reaction.
    • Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
  6. If you see the symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe. [15]
    • The symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may include: itching, burning, or tingling near or on the mouth and lips; sore throat; fever; trouble swallowing; or swollen glands.
    • Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary.
  7. Wash any cold sores as soon as you notice them. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading. [16]
    • Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water and gently wash the blisters. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again.
    • You can put a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine on blisters after you’ve washed them to relieve pain and itching.
  8. The blisters or cold sores associated with oral herpes are often very painful. There are several different ways to help minimize the pain and discomfort of cold sores. [17]
    • If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort.
    • Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain.
    • Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters.
    • Don’t consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits. [18]
  9. There are certain factors that may contribute to outbreaks of oral herpes. By taking proper precautions, you may help prevent or minimize recurrences. [19]
    • Apply sunblock or lip balm with SPF and/ or zinc oxide to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores from sun exposure. This will also you’re your lips moisturized and less likely to have a flare up.
    • Don’t share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes.
    • Get regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being relaxed will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy.
    • Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks.
    • Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Treating Genital Herpes

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  1. Since there is no cure for genital herpes, treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people. [20]
    • It’s important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as you have symptoms of genital herpes, which may lessen the severity of the virus in the long term.
    • Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
    • Your doctor may advise taking medication only if you have symptoms or an actual outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
  2. An important part of living with genital herpes is communicating with your partner or partners about the virus. It’s the kind and responsible thing to do and may help avoid problems later. [21]
    • Do not blame your partner for anything. Remember that herpes can remain dormant in your body for years so it can be difficult to tell who infected you.
    • Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
  3. Whether the disease is dormant or you are having an outbreak of lesions, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting genital herpes. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to you or your partner. [22]
    • Herpes is incredibly common. Have your partner tested for it, because they may already have it as well, and if so, you don't need to worry that you are going to pass it on.
    • Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes.
    • Use latex condoms with every time you have sex.
    • If you’re pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure to let your doctor know so that you don’t transmit it to your unborn child.
  4. Even though sexual politics have progressed, there are often still social stigmas attached to genital herpes. These stigmas can cause you shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing the negative connotations and your own feelings associated with genital herpes can help you move forward and lead a normal life.
    • Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and they may even wonder if anyone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is common and you don’t need to feel this way. [23]
    • Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
  5. Joining a support group of others who suffer from genital herpes can offer you unconditional support from others who understand what you’re experiencing. It can also help you effectively deal with the various aspects of the virus. [24]
  6. If you see the symptoms of a genital herpes recurrence, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe.
    • The symptoms of an outbreak may include: herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. [25]
    • Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence.
  7. If you have external blisters, clean the blisters with rubbing alcohol on the first and second days to kill any virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm, soapy water if the alcohol is too painful. [26]
    • Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading.
    • Avoid breaking blisters, as this can lead to infection. Consult your doctor if you have an outbreak that is on the inside of your body.
  8. Getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and being hygienic will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Making sure that your maintain your overall healthy may reduce the likelihood of recurrences.
    • Some people report that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger their outbreaks. Keep a daily food journal to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers.
    • Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks.
  9. Sanitary conditions will promote cleanliness and reduce outbreaks. Showering, changing your clothing, and washing your hands can minimize recurrences or help heal ongoing outbreaks more quickly. [27]
    • Shower at least once daily, and consider taking two showers a day if you are showing symptoms of an outbreak.
    • Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily.
    • Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak.
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      • One in five people in the USA are positive for herpes type 2, and the rate is even higher if only women are included. Most people pass it along without knowing they are infected.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://familydoctor.org/condition/herpes/
      2. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000857.htm
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000606.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes/should-i-get-tested-for-herpes
      5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000606.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-testing/
      7. ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tzanck-smear
      8. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes
      9. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/herpes-hsv-test/
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21136-cold-sores
      2. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes
      3. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes/living-with-herpes
      4. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes/how-is-herpes-prevented
      5. ↑ https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/emotional-issues/
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000606.htm
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21136-cold-sores
      8. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/
      9. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/july/cold-sores-and-canker-sores
      10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21136-cold-sores#prevention
      11. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes
      12. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes/living-with-herpes
      13. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes/how-is-herpes-prevented
      14. ↑ http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/07/the-overblown-stigma-of-genital-herpes/374757/
      15. ↑ https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/herpes-support-groups/
      16. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/
      17. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh3108
      18. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cold-sores

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you are experiencing small red bumps or blisters on your genital, or lesions and arches on your mouth, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for herpes. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may be able to diagnose you on sight, or you may have to take a blood test. If you're diagnosed, make lifestyle choices to minimize the risk of an outbreak by doing things like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. For tips from our Medical reviewer on dealing with genital herpes, including how to inform your partner, keep reading!

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