Healing begins as the sores start to crust over.

Severe outbreaks can cause scarring, particularly with HSV-2 infections.

By contrast, HSV-2 is unlikely to cause cold sores even after oral sex.

A man smears cream on his elbows, close-up

Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images

Other Locations

Herpes infections are not limited solely to the mouth, genitals, or anus.

The transmission may also be caused byautoinoculation(in which you infect yourself).

once you nail HSV, you have it for a lifetime.

Of those who do have symptoms, outbreaks can recur, often for no apparent reason.

At other times, an outbreak may be triggered by a known trigger.

Triggers

Different things can trigger a herpes outbreak in different people.

By identifying your triggers, you’re free to take steps to avoid outbreaks.

Common triggers include:

With that said, a great many herpes outbreaks occur for known no reason.

Complications

Left untreated, herpes can cause complications affecting different organs.

This is especially true inimmunocompromisedpeople who lack the immune defenses to naturally control the infection.

Possible complications of HSV-1 and HSV-2 include:

What Could Be Mistaken for a Herpes Rash?

Not every rash that looks like herpes is herpes.

This is especially the case with cold sores, which rarely require lab testing.

This can influence treatment decisions, particularly in those with compromised immune systems.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies can ease discomfort.

Prescriptions

Antiviral drugs are those used to treat viral infections.

you’ve got the option to also use OTC topical anesthetics like lidocaine to numb sores.

With an asymptomatic infection, viral particles able to establish infection are still being shed.

Herpes can be treated with antiviral drugs.

They do not cure herpes but may lessen the severity or duration of an outbreak if started early.

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