Herpes

Herpes is very common and affects the lips (HSV-1) and genital/anal area (HSV-2 - but also HSV-1). Relapses are unpleasant but easily treatable. It is important to recognise early signs, assess infection and start appropriate treatment.
Home page > Herpes
Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Table of contents

🩺 React early
Tingling/burning? Start antiviral cream/tablets early - flare-up becomes shorter/ milder.

🧫 Understanding contagion
Herpes is contagious with blisters and also shortly before/after. Condoms reduce the risk.

💊 Therapy works
Antiviral agents (Acyclovir & Co.) as a cream or tablets; long-term prophylaxis possible for frequent flare-ups.

💬 Sex & herpes
If you have a fresh attack, take a break from sex or protect yourself well; speak openly - this takes the pressure off.

What is herpes?

Herpes simplex is caused by HSV-1 (often lips/mouth, can also genital/anal) and HSV-2 (often genital/anal). After the initial infection, the virus „sleeps“ in nerve cells and can be transmitted as Thrust become active again - e.g. due to stress, friction, other infections, little sleep or sun exposure.

Transfer & risk

Transmission through close skin/mucous membrane contact - Kissing, oral sex, anal/vaginal intercourse, sharing sex toys.
Strongest contagious with Bubbles and shortly before/after (excreting virus). Condoms/gloves, lickable tissues and your own cleaned toys reduce the risk - but protection is not 100 %.

Symptoms & course

  • Initial infectionFever/exhaustion possible, painful blisters/ulcers in the mouth („herpes in the mouth“/tongue) or genitals/anal; swelling of lymph nodes.
  • Thrust: Harbingers with Tingling/burning, followed by grouped vesicles → weeping ulcers → crusting/healing.
  • DurationUntreated mostly 7-14 days, with early therapy significantly shorter.
  • Incubation periodtypically 2-12 days after infection.

Test & diagnosis

Mostly Clinical diagnosis (appearance, localisation, course). In case of unclear findings: Swab from a fresh lesion (PCR). Blood tests are less helpful for acute diagnosis. In the case of frequent, severe or atypical courses, seek medical clarification.

Treatment / Therapy

  • LocalAntiviral cream (e.g. acyclovir/penciclovir) early in the tingling stage.
  • TabletsFor severe genital/anal relapses, pain, large areas, frequent relapses or if local therapy is not sufficient.
  • Permanent prophylaxisFor very frequent relapses (e.g. >6/year) after consultation with a doctor.
  • Pain relief/careGentle cleansing, keeping dry, airy clothing, painkillers if necessary. None aggressive household remedies (toothpaste, alcohol, vinegar).

Protection / Prevention

  • With Blisters/ulcersPause sex or use condoms/licking cloth/gloves; avoid kissing/oral sex until everything has healed.
  • Early therapy starts with the tingling - thrust becomes shorter, infection time decreases.
  • Avoid triggersReduce friction (lots of lubricant), get enough sleep, stress management, sun protection for lips.
  • ToysUse your own, clean/cover, do not share.

Everyday life & Community

Herpes is very often - Stigma is unnecessary. Talk openly: „I'm having a herpes flare-up at the moment - let's use condoms/licking cloths or postpone.“ With HIV relapses can be more pronounced; effective HIV therapy stabilises the immune system. In the event of very painful or frequent relapses, seek support from specialised practices.

What to do with ...

... Tingling/burning on the lips, penis or anus?
Start antiviral cream or - according to a doctor's plan - tablets early, avoid rubbing, wash hands.

... blisters in the mouth („herpes in the mouth“)?
Avoid spicy/acidic foods, local care, avoid kissing/oral sex until complete healing.

... frequent relapses?
Discuss long-term prophylaxis, identify triggers, check STI screening/HIV status if necessary.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about herpes

Herpes in the mouth - what to do?

Start early with antiviral cream/tablets, take it easy on painful areas, ensure good hygiene. Suspend kissing/oral sex until healing is complete.

What really helps against herpes?

Antiviral medication (acyclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir) - as a cream or tablets. Home remedies dry out and delay healing; not recommended.

Herpes incubation period - how long?

Mostly 2-12 days. Infection is particularly possible with fresh blisters and shortly before/after.

When is herpes no longer contagious?

If the lesions Completely healed (no weeping spots, crusts gone) and no new blisters appear, the risk is greatly reduced.

Herpes diagnosis - how is it confirmed?

Typically clinical. In case of unclear/first genital lesions, PCR smear from fresh blister/ulceration.

HIV & herpes - are there any special features?

Yes, relapses can be more frequent and more pronounced. One Effective HIV therapy stabilised. Consider medical prophylaxis in the event of frequent, severe flare-ups.