Name: Herpes (genital)
Creator: Dr Karen Martin
Published: 2023-02-15T16:42:46.782Z

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be fit for work, but you should prioritize seeing your doctor so you can start medication.

Am I fit for work?

You should see your doctor or sexual health center as soon as possible for antiviral tablets (acyclovir), which will reduce your symptoms. Treatment should ideally be started within 48 hours after first noticing the symptoms. 

Once the body has come into contact with the herpes virus, it will remain within your system indefinitely, so outbreaks should always be treated as early as possible. You should avoid sexual contact until treated, and the symptoms are completely resolved, as the virus is spread by contact between partners, and a condom may not be enough to prevent spread. 

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you if you are comfortable. Depending on the possible diagnosis, a swab of the blisters may be taken, and your doctor can prescribe medication to help with your symptoms. 

When should I see my doctor?

Herpes is contagious to other people. But it can also spread to other areas of your body, so avoid touching the affected area. There is more chance of spreading the virus when sores are present, but it is also possible to pass on the virus from the affected area when there are no current symptoms. It can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact, saliva from someone with oral herpes, genital secretions from someone with genital herpes, and oral sex with someone with oral herpes.

Is it contagious?

Herpes can be very painful, and you will need to see your doctor for prescription treatment to reduce the length of symptoms. Treatments at the pharmacy can include pain relief that is localized, such as numbing cream or in the form of pain-relieving tablets.

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two common places the herpes virus can be found, near the mouth (oral herpes), which is also commonly known as a cold sore, and around the genitals (genital herpes).

A herpes infection typically starts with a change in sensation - pain or tingling in a particular area - followed by small blisters that burst and leave small painful ulcers. If they are near the vagina, they can cause nasty pain when going to the bathroom.

There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2. Type 1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes, and type 2 is more commonly associated with genital herpes. Although due to the fact the condition spreads via contact, and aided by oral sex, it is not uncommon to find either type in any location. There is no way to distinguish from symptoms. They present in the same way and require a test to see which type is causing trouble (although the type doesn't change anything clinically - treatment is given depending on where it is infected).

Oral herpes is commonly acquired in childhood and passed on via skin-to-skin contact, or via contact with fluid in the blisters from the area of infection. Genital herpes is also spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex.


Abreva cold sore cream contains docosanol which is an antiviral agent. Treatment must start in the early stages of a cold sore before the blisters appear. As soon as you get any symptoms, carefully apply a thin film over the entire cold sore 5 times a day. Continue using until the cold sore is healed, usually for 4-6 days.

The cause of cold sores is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The infection may break out when the immune system is weakened during stress or a menstrual period. The virus causes blisters or sores, mainly on the lips.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection in women of child-bearing age - those between 15 and 44 years old. It isn’t classed as a sexually transmitted infection although it is more likely to occur if you’re sexually active, especially with a new partner, if you smoke, use a copper coil (IUCD) for contraception, use bubble baths or feminine hygiene products, or if you have heavy periods. Having BV can also increase your chances of developing a sexually transmitted infection. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women have an episode of BV at least once in their life. 

BV is usually harmless and can be triggered by sex or your period. It’s due to a disturbance in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Normally, this is well controlled with lots of ‘friendly’ bacteria (germs) which is normal but in BV the change in bacteria makes the vagina less acidic, encouraging growth of more bacteria called anaerobes that grow in an environment without air. It can also be triggered by over-washing or douching (washing inside of the vagina). This is because over-washing can clear away the ‘good’ bacteria, allowing for bad bacteria to grow. This is unnecessary as BV is not linked to poor hygiene or from being unclean. 

Acyclovir cream 5% is an antiviral cream used to treat [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/cold-sore!d6da2ecf-63ec-4e7e-ab39-c1e57e394bd9) on the face and lips. It is best applied at the early stages of a cold sore outbreak where it helps to prevent a cold sore from fully developing. It may also be used to treat and speed up healing of a cold sore that has already developed. In the US, acyclovir requires a prescription.

A cold sore is a small blister on the face (often on or around the lips) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The blister tends to burst and then forms a crust over the top of it. Some people experience tingling or burning before the blister appears, and it can be painful. They are very common, with around 1 in 5 people suffering from repeated cold sores. They usually heal by themselves between 7 and 10 days.

Most people are infected with the virus when they are young, but they may not get a cold sore until many years later. Once infected, the virus stays within you and can be reactivated and cause other cold sores at future points. This is usually around times of stress, tiredness, menstruation, illness, or some people find the sun can cause outbreaks.

There are some over-the-counter treatments available from your pharmacist, but if you are looking for some things to try at home – Healthwords's pharmacists have you covered.

Acyclovir is a prescription-only antiviral medicine that treats [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/cold-sore!d6da2ecf-63ec-4e7e-ab39-c1e57e394bd9), [shingles](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/shingles!4ef56574-64d5-49ca-8fa4-3ddaaae20aad), [chickenpox](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/chickenpox!b47cd398-06e5-4abc-b447-7b6090fd45fd), and genital herpes. It does not cure a viral infection but helps reduce the outbreak's severity and length. In people with frequent outbreaks and those with a weak immune system, acyclovir tablets can be used to help reduce the number of future outbreaks as a preventative medication.

Acyclovir tablets can be used in children and adults. There are different dosages for taking these tablets depending on the patient, their medical history, and the type and severity of viral infection.

Oral herpes, also known as cold sores, are small blisters on the face that are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters pop and then get a crust over them. Some people experience tingling or burning before the blister appears, which can be painful. They are very common, with around 1 in 5 people suffering from repeated cold sores. They usually heal by themselves between a week and 10 days. Most people are infected with the virus when they are young. However, they may not get a cold sore until many years later. Once infected, the virus stays within you and can be reactivated and cause other cold sores at future points. This is usually around times of stress, tiredness, menstruation, illness, or some people find the sun can cause outbreaks.  

Genital herpes and cold sores are caused by the same virus, although there are two different strains (HSV1 and HSV2). It isn’t really important which one is causing trouble, as treatment is based on where your symptoms are happening. If you have the symptoms below, see your sexual health doctor to discuss them.

Warts are small fleshy growths or bumps with a hardened dry top, most often flesh-colored, but can appear red if irritated. Several can appear in a cluster. 

Genital warts are sexually transmitted infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and spread by vaginal, anal, digital, and oral sex or sharing sex toys. They are not harmful and can disappear within a few months, but they can become irritated and sore if they rub or catch on clothing, and some people are bothered by their appearance. You also put your partner or partners at risk of contracting them if left untreated. 

Depending on their size or location, they may catch on clothes or feel a bit sore and sometimes itch or bleed. They may not cause you any bother. Or you may be bothered by your appearance, which can affect your confidence and, inevitably, intimate relationships. 

Dr Kandi - Sexual health testing

A cold sore is a small blister on the face that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The blister pops and then gets a crust over it. Some people experience tingling or burning before the blister appears, and it can be painful.  

They are very common, with many people suffering from repeated cold sores. They usually heal by themselves between 7 and 10 days. Most people are infected with the virus when they are young but may not get a cold sore until many years later. Once infected, the virus stays within you and can be reactivated and cause other cold sores at future points. This is usually around times of stress, tiredness, menstruation, illness, or some people find the sun can cause outbreaks.  

Genital herpes and cold sores are caused by the same virus, although there are two different strains (HSV1 and HSV2). It's not really important which one is causing trouble, as treatment is based on symptoms. If you have symptoms in your genital area, see your doctor or a sexual health doctor to discuss this. 

Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), are a common and often recurrent ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. While various topical creams and home remedies can provide relief, many individuals turn to tablets or oral medications for a more systemic approach to managing [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/cold-sore!d6da2ecf-63ec-4e7e-ab39-c1e57e394bd9).

Two commonly used antiviral medications are available in tablet form to treat cold sores. [Acyclovir](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/acyclovir-tablets!c03bd087-988e-4092-b2b3-2d005370ca10) and valacyclovir tablets are prescription-only antiviral medicines used occasionally to treat persistent cold sores. They do not cure a cold sore (herpes simplex virus) infection but help reduce the outbreak's severity and length. In people with frequent outbreaks and those with a weak immune system, acyclovir and valacyclovir tablets can be used to help reduce the number of future outbreaks as a preventative medication.

Acyclovir is a prescription-only antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent future outbreaks of [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/cold-sore!d6da2ecf-63ec-4e7e-ab39-c1e57e394bd9) caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once you’ve had contact with the virus that causes cold sores, it lies dormant in the skin and may flare up from time to time. You might recognize triggers - [stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/stress!b1b907f1-6bd9-4b83-a41c-7d28b583e498), and exposure to the cold or sun are common ones. Acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig) requires a prescription.

Zovirax cold sore cream is a prescription antiviral cream used to treat [cold sores](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/cold-sore!d6da2ecf-63ec-4e7e-ab39-c1e57e394bd9) on the face and lips. The active ingredient is an antiviral medication called [acyclovir](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/treatment/acyclovir-cream!ab8f28e5-cc69-4c3b-859e-fda0e2423ad1), which interferes with how the virus that causes cold sores replicates, making it easier for your immune system to fight it off. It comes as either a tube or a pump. It is best applied at the early stages of a cold sore outbreak, where it helps to prevent a cold sore from fully developing. It may also treat and speed up the healing of a cold sore that has already developed.

A blister occurs when fluid collects in a pocket between two of the upper layers of the skin. It's very common and most often a result of friction such as shoes rubbing on the skin of your heel. The fluid that fills a blister is serum, the liquid part of blood. 

There can be other causes for blisters, such as a burn, abrasive substances, and sometimes viruses or medical conditions can cause blistering. 

Blisters should go away within seven days and the majority can be treated at home. Blisters caused by friction or heat or toxic substances are not contagious. Blisters caused by some viral infections (such as impetigo, herpes, shingles and chickenpox) can be contagious. 

Blisters on the feet are the most common type of blister and there are a number of reasons why these typically form: 

- Poorly fitting shoes that rub your feet 

- Wearing high heels that put pressure onto one part of the foot 

- Wearing shoes with no socks, or wearing socks that are too large and have wrinkles in them 

- Having hot or sweaty feet 

You are never far from sexual health services in the US. Dedicated clinics are there for phone consultations or visits, online services can mail out testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and your doctor is also a source of advice, testing, and prescriptions. 

Needs can vary widely, but most people request access to STI tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, emergency contraception, and regular contraception. Clinics may offer hepatitis B vaccination if you are at risk or emergency HIV treatment if you think you’ve been exposed. They can also advise on safe sex, high-risk behavior, sexual assault or rape, and anonymous contact tracing for a sexual partner or partners if you have tested positive for an STI.

A shingles rash is caused by a virus called herpes zoster and starts as tiny red bumps or blotches that become weeping blisters (known as vesicles). This often appears on the chest, back, stomach, neck, or face. People sometimes notice a tingling or burning in the days before the rash appears and may have a [headache](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/symptom/headaches!c747a70a-f209-4f6f-bcfa-e1bfe0b15167), mild [fever](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/symptom/fever-in-adults!49246b0c-1bc7-4e33-bcba-f1f69319e168), or feel otherwise unwell.

It is distinctive in that it will only appear on one half of the body and usually only covers a small area. This virus was originally caught as [chickenpox](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/chickenpox!b47cd398-06e5-4abc-b447-7b6090fd45fd) (varicella-zoster virus), usually in childhood. While your body recovers from this, the virus lays asleep, or dormant, in the nerves and is reactivated under [stress](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/stress!b1b907f1-6bd9-4b83-a41c-7d28b583e498) or illness, usually in those over 60 years old. Following the pathway of nerves means the virus is only activated from the nerves leading off the spine to one side or the other - a so-called dermatomal distribution.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal infection in women of child-bearing age - those between 15 and 44 years old. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although it is more likely to occur if you are sexually active, especially with a new partner. Having BV can also increase your chances of developing an STI. 

BV is usually harmless and can be triggered by sex or your period. It can also be triggered by over-washing or douching (washing inside of the vagina). This is because over-washing can clear away the good bacteria, allowing for harmful bacteria to grow. 

You may have been put at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you have had unprotected sex, the condom broke, split, or slipped off during sex, or you have been told a partner has an STI.

STIs include [gonorrhea](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/gonorrhea!2b163175-dc6a-47ca-8b52-cfdc09ca2899), [chlamydia](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/chlamydia!ca3c9e3a-c299-417c-ba55-7f68d8824616), HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. You may have no symptoms from some of these, or symptoms may take weeks or months to show.

It's best to get this checked out, and the best place is to attend a sexual health clinic. Look online for services near you, and know that it's all confidential.

If a partner has said they have an STI, you need to get treated immediately and avoid sex until treated, otherwise you can pass it back and forth between each other. Again, this is best done at a sexual health clinic.

[Unprotected sex](https://www.healthwords.ai/us/article/unprotected-sex!d1c54f0f-a5c4-4929-a6c7-dd057985d44e) also leaves women at risk of pregnancy. You can buy a pregnancy test, and it can take up to 3 weeks after unprotected sex for any pregnancy test to turn positive.

You may have been informed that a sexual partner or ex-partner has gotten a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and you may have been put at risk, so you require treatment. This can come as a shock, whether you hear it directly from your partner, an ex-partner texts you, or you receive an anonymous text from a sexual health clinic.  

But it’s better to know about this than be kept in the dark. STIs may or may not cause symptoms, but they can put you at risk of longer-term problems such as ongoing pain or infertility, and reliable treatments are available. Even if you have no symptoms, getting treatment will protect you and your future partners. 

Dr Karen Martin

Pharmacist and Head of US Content

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that also causes cold sores around the mouth. Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and, occasionally, oral sex. 

It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas, usually preceded by a tingling sensation. It is most sore the first time you have it. As with many viruses, they can't be eradicated from your system, but symptoms and outbreaks are treatable. See your doctor as soon as possible for confirmation and treatment. 

Herpes (genital)

Doctor’s advice

Is it contagious?

Healthwords pharmacists' top tips

Am I fit for work?

When should I see my doctor?

Related topics

Herpes

Abreva for cold sores

Bacterial vaginosis

Acyclovir cream

Home remedy – cold sores

Acyclovir tablets

Herpes (oral)

Genital warts

Cold sore

Tablets for cold sores

Acyclovir tablets for cold sores

Zovirax cold sore cream

Blisters

Finding sexual health services

Shingles

BV

STI – at risk

STI contact