First Aid

Suggestions for the "Newly Diagnosed"
Definitions of Terms
Do's and Don'ts
Most Importantly

Suggestions for assistance to the "Newly Diagnosed" individual: HSV - Herpes

You must remember that this viral infection, known as a skin condition, does not affect everyone the same way. Some individuals may experience some of the symptoms listed and then some individuals may not experience any of the symptoms. For some individuals the exposure to this virus may be severe, while other individuals may not experience or see anything.

• Take a deep breath and count to ten.
• The word ‘Herpes’ is not a death sentence.
• Try to remember you are still the wonderful person you were before you heard the word Herpes.
• Do NOT accept social stigmas as defining who you are!
  

Definitions of terms

Outbreak = symptoms that can be visibly seen. The following are some, but not all of the examples of an Outbreak that one might experience, if that person experiences anything: Bumps, blisters, rash, slits (like paper cuts), open sores (lesions), red blotches on the genital skin area.

Prodrome = symptoms that can be felt, not seen. The following are some, but not all of the examples of Prodrome that one might experience, if that person experiences anything: Itching, burning, tingling sensation, lower back pain, sharp leg pain, (not cramps), pain in the genital area, difficult to describe.

Suggestions on Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do not pick or squeeze at the Herpes symptoms on your skin during an outbreak. An outbreak is when you can visibly see your symptoms.
• Do not take a hot bath or shower; it will escalate the condition, when active. Warm temperatures are best at this time.
• Do not put Rubbing Alcohol or Peroxide, any astringent on an outbreak. The products mentioned can cause scarring, delay in healing or set up the conditions for another infection.
• If painful when urinating, try to urinate through an empty toilet paper roll, cut in half. Sometimes for females, the back splash can burn and irritate symptoms. Use a small spray bottle of room temperature water, and spray while urinating.
  If really painful and severe, urinating in a tub of warm water can be helpful.
• Do not add bleach or other harsh soaps to your bath water. You may use soap as mild as Ivory
• Keep the genital area clean and dry. Use a hand held dryer on its lowest temperature to help remove excess moisture.
• Do not use talcum powders, cornstarch or other powdery products and feminine over the counter products to help keep the genital area clean and dry.
• Do not use Carmex, Petroleum Jelly, cortisone, or other products with …zone in them that supposedly heal fast and dry out the area. The affected area is already sensitive, be careful!
• Use good hygiene, especially during an outbreak. Wash your hands with soap and water. If you wear your fingernails a little longer, be sure to get the soap and water under them. When washing your hands, sing the first chorus of Happy Birthday. In that time frame the hand soap will be most effective in preventing the spread of this or any other germs.
• Try not to over react. You do not have to disinfect everything you touch or use. No one is at risk of getting the Herpes virus from you, unless they come in to contact with your genital area.
• If you live with family, they are not at risk of getting this from you unless they are exposed to your genital area. They cannot get it from the toilet seat, bar soap in the shower stall, dishes, and silverware.
• You do not have to wash your laundry separate. Even during an outbreak! There are no documented cases of anyone getting the virus without skin-to-skin contact. You may want to let your towels air dry between using.
• Be sure to rest. Be sure to get some sleep. This may be a stressful time for you. Allow yourself the time to recuperate from the physical and mental shock this has caused.
• White underwear is best during an outbreak. You do not want to develop a secondary bacterial infection from the fabric dyes, if you have open sores.
• Boxer shorts will provide better ventilation during an outbreak. Loose fitting clothing during the outbreak will give better ventilation also. Do NOT wear sweat pants or sit around in other heavy clothing. Crotch less pantyhose will help give the area better ventilation if you need to wear them during an outbreak.
• Call for HELP. Our counselors are trained individuals that have similar experience. They know what you are going through. They understand the shock and the horror that you feeling.
• Drink a lot of water through out the day.
• Use an Oatmeal Bath for external discomfort. Follow product directions and use warm water only, not hot. Do not use it as a bath for cleansing but a bath for comfort.
• Use chamomile tea for assistance in relaxing for sleep. Steep in hot water. Use an hour before bedtime.
• Do not put anything directly on the outbreak.
• Get a spiral notebook. Start writing down all that ‘stuff’ that is racing around inside your head. The ‘stuff’ that keeps you up at night. The ‘stuff’ that has you crying all night. Write your questions, concerns and fears. Recovery is a process that does not happen overnight.
• We caution you to be aware that the information you might receive from the Internet might not be current and accurate. You might find some of the information contradicting or just plain overwhelming.
  Remember, just because it is on the Internet, does not mean it is true. It does not mean it will happen to you like they describe or the pictures show.
• Give yourself time. Get off of the Internet and away from the sites and pictures on STD’s. There is nothing more you can do right now. Be patient with yourself. You are going to be okay! Even a better person! Turn off the tapes: Turn off the words of parents, friends or family telling you that this was your fault! That only if you had used a condom… That is what you get for having sex and not being married… That you are being punished! That you should have known she had a reputation. That you should have known because he slept around. That you knew he was no good. That you knew she could not be trusted. That you thought he was cheating on me. That you thought she was cheating on you.
  Stop blaming yourself! There is nothing you can do right now to change this situation. Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for not knowing. You did not ask for this. The partner that passed the virus to you may not of known they have this virus. It happened. It is not something you planned on happening to you. But, it did.
• Stop for a moment. Take another deep breath and breathe out slowly. Despite what you may have thought about Herpes before being diagnosed with it yourself…or what you may have thought about people that had genital herpes, before being diagnosed with genital herpes yourself…you have it.
  

Most importantly

The most important step for you to take right now is for you not to accept that social stigma as defining who you are now! You are still the person you were before being diagnosed. Even wiser now! You just are not in a place to believe that yet. And that is okay. When you want to recover from the shock, get yourself back and move forward, you can. Go to our Resource section and find additional assistance.

Contact a Chicago HELP counselor at 866-660-0416. They can give you additional assistance in answering questions, giving doctor referrals, private counseling referrals and more. Or just stay on line and reach us at info@chicagohelp.org.
The above information is mainly focused on herpes below the belt, (genital herpes) not herpes above the belt, (oral herpes). This is not a reflection that the oral location is less of a concern for everyone. The oral location can be very active, with open visible symptoms present on a regular basis. We hope to offer more information that can assist individuals with the virus in an oral location. Please share your thoughts.