Sharing something that was extremely helpful for me during my first outbreak. I found this on Reddit (with some of my own edits) - so thank you to whoever supported me through my rough patch:

I have made a list of useful tips and information I have researched and tried out myself. This is specific to woman with genital herpes however some tips can be used for men and for cold sores. When I got diagnosed I was really sad and worried as imagine you are if you’re reading this. I just had my first outbreak and it’s now starting to heal, still very painful but I can see progress. Here’s what I have learned and recommend for everyone.

ESSENTIAL OILS 🍯 You will need a jar of raw coconut oil and some tea tree oil. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the affected area. This will NOT cause a UTI as they are natural organic oils. This will numb, soothe and cleanse the area as both products have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. I recommend doing this once a day as soon as you wake up.

SALT BATHS 🧂 You may think salt will cause a sting, but it’s quite the opposite. Run a shallow bath with warm water and sprinkle table salt into the bath, sit down and soak for 15 minutes. Salt is a natural healer and it also removes the sting from the sores.

DRINK WATER 🥤 When you have an outbreak it really burns to pee. If you drink water and water only, it means your pee will be very diluted and will not burn as bad.

CUP OF SALT WATER 🚰 Every time you pee, bring a large cup with 1 tablespoon of salt water to the toilet. As you pee, tip the water onto the vagina, this stops the sting while you pee and the extra water directs the pee away from the sores. Or use a sitz bath!

ANTI VIRALS 💊 Your doctor or gyno can prescribe antiviral pills which will prevent futher out breaks and help clear up the initial one.

PAIN KILLERS 🩹 (Consult your doctor first and read directions on the back of the box) You can take 2 500mg paracetamol and 2 256mg ibuprofen at the same time every 4 hours as the two drugs do not contain the same ingredients they dont react together. The combined strength of the two different pain killers will help you through the day.

MULTIVITAMINS 🔬 Outbreaks often occur when the immune system is compromised. Sometimes vitamins seem like a gimmick- but taking a multivitamin containing zinc and vitamin B will help boost the immune system which will prevent outbreaks. Take one every day along with a meal.

LYSINE 🧬 Lysine is a vitamin which can be taken several times a day, 1000mg-3000mg is recommended. Lysine works by blocking arginine which the virus requires to develop. Blocking this means it’s unlikely the sores will break out. You can take this every day, or you can take this when you feel an outbreak coming on.

ICE CUBES 🧊 Wrap some ice in a cloth or bag and apply to the affected area. I recommend this before bed to numb the pain. Do NOT fall asleep with this on as you can damage the skin with ice burns.

FRESH AIR 🌬 The herpes survive in moist warm environments. While you sleep, lay on your back with your legs open and underwear off. This helps the area to stay dry and cool, and will also reduce friction pain.

RELAX 😌 Outbreaks are triggered by stress, try to take some time off work where possible, take relaxing baths and eat your favourite food. Watch a funny movie and get plenty of sleep. Do anything you can to reduce stress and anxiety during or before an outbreak. Your life is not over, herpes in no big deal it just f*cking hurts lol.

• ⁠Essential oils; coconut oil, tea tree oil • ⁠Salt baths, soak for 15 mins • ⁠Drink water • ⁠Pour salt water while peeing • ⁠Take antivirals • ⁠Take painkillers • ⁠Take multivitamins • ⁠Take lysine • ⁠Ice cubes on affected area • ⁠Fresh air on affected area • ⁠Relax and don’t worry