Most people don’t need STD testing to know they have oral herpes. Many people have had cold sores—the most prominent symptom of oral herpes—since childhood. But since oral herpes can be transferred genitally during oral sex (and vice versa), STD testing can help determine which strain you have.
Regardless of the strain, some people deal with cold sores as a fact of life. Cold sores are painful and awkward, and although there is no cure for oral herpes, there measures you can take to prevent an outbreak. Here are three triggers that have been scientifically proven to cause oral herpes outbreaks:
1) Sunlight. Exposure to an increased amount of sunlight has been linked to causing cold sore outbreaks. Specifically, it’s the ultraviolet-B rays that promote these pesky irritants. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold out, UV-B rays still shine, and if you will be outside for a long time (e.g., a day of skiing), be sure to use sunscreen to prevent an outbreak.
2) Stress. Stress can be caused by almost anything in life. But when you’re stressed, your immune system weakens allowing the herpes virus to take advantage. When you feel particularly stressed, try this easy, yet surprising, trick: drink a glass of red wine! The red wine can help relax you in the first place, but a study shows that the topical application of red wine can ward off oral herpes outbreaks due to a component known as resveratrol.
3) Dental procedures. When a dentist gives you a shot in the mouth, the trauma can potentially reactivate the virus. To prevent a post-dental outbreak, ask your doc for a prescription for an antiviral drug. Medication, such as Valtrex, can help prevent an outbreak. Simply take 1g at the first sign of a cold sore (you know that tingly feeling on your lip) and 1g 12 hours later.
These triggers can increase the likelihood of developing a cold sore, but for some people, an outbreak can occur for no reason. Many people use antiviral medication regularly to limit the numbers of outbreaks and the severity of symptoms.
Also, oral herpes can take on many different forms beyond the typical cold sore. For some people, an outbreak might be mistaken for a stubborn zit around the mouth. An oral herpes test and genital herpes test can diagnosis these symptoms, allowing for treatment upon diagnosis. Be sure to add these tests to your routine STD testing panel.
