Outbreak coming? What to do at the first signs of herpes

Outbreak coming? What to do at the first signs of herpes

If you live with herpes—whether it's HSV-1 (cold sores) or HSV-2 (genital herpes)—you probably know that an outbreak often starts with a sensation: tingling, itching, burning, or tenderness. It's your body's warning that the virus is on its way to the surface.

The earlier you react, the better you can limit the duration and intensity of the outbreak. In this blog post, we guide you through what to do as soon as the first signs appear.

1. Listen to your body: Know your warning signs

Most people with herpes eventually learn to recognize their personal “prodromal symptoms.”

These often occur 1–2 days before the outbreak breaks out and can include:

• Tingling, burning or itching of the skin
• Mild tenderness or tension in the area
• General malaise or fatigue (especially at first onset)

Tip: The faster you react, the better the treatment will be.

2. Start your treatment immediately

It's a good idea to always have your preferred treatment on hand. You can minimize both the duration and severity of an outbreak if you start treatment as soon as you notice the very first symptoms.

Over-the-counter medications such as QUR herpes gel

• Shortens the duration of the outbreak
• Reduces the size of the outbreak
• Can sometimes completely prevent blisters from developing

3. Keep the area clean and dry

Viruses thrive in warm, humid environments. To limit the spread of the outbreak:

• Wash the area gently with lukewarm water and mild soap – otherwise keep the area dry.
• Pat dry – avoid rubbing
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing (for genital herpes)

4. Use local relief

At the first signs, you can try:

• QUR herpes gel relieves pain and discomfort immediately.
• Zinc ointment or other mild, antiviral creams (although not all have documented effects)
• Avoid sunlight and touching the area.

5. Avoid intimacy and infection

Even if the blisters haven't broken yet, you are already very contagious.

Avoid:

• Kissing and oral sex (for cold sores)
• Sexual contact (for genital herpes)
• Sharing cutlery, glasses, towels, etc.

6. Strengthen the body from within

To support the immune system during a flare-up:

• Sleep at least 7–8 hours
• Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins (A, C, D, zinc)
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and stress

Conclusion

By acting quickly at the first signs of a herpes outbreak and starting treatment right away, you can often limit or avoid a full outbreak altogether. It's all about knowing your symptoms, responding early, and taking good care of yourself and others. The more proactive you are, the easier it will be to live with herpes.