Herpes: Caring for Sores
Good hygiene matters when you have a herpes outbreak. Take care of your sores to speed healing. Sores that are not cared for correctly can lead to other infections.
To ease your symptoms
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Take your medicines as directed.
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Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
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Take warm or cool baths to ease itching of sores. And don’t share towels or other personal items when you have a sore.
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Women may find it helpful to urinate in a tub of warm water to prevent burning.
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Don’t wear tight clothes or nylon underwear. They can trap moisture, cause chafing, and prevent sores from healing.
To speed healing
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Wash the sores with mild soap and water. And wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds after you touch a sore.
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Dry the affected area completely by patting a towel over it. Don't rub. Don't share towels.
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Don’t bandage sores. The dry air helps them heal.
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Don't use ointments unless they are prescribed. They hold in moisture and may cause other infections. Topical ointments sold over-the-counter in pharmacies and even prescription ointments don't seem to have major benefits in relieving pain or promoting faster healing of the lesions. So in general they are not recommended, unless there are eye lesions.
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Don’t pick at the sores. This can slow healing.
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Don’t touch your eyes when you have a sore. The virus may travel from your fingertips to your eyes.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Barry Zingman MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sabrina Felson MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
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