If you think you have herpes, see a doctor such as your ob/gyn (if you have sores on your genitals) or dermatologist (if you have sores on your mouth), or go to your local health clinic. A medical expert can evaluate your symptoms, take samples for testing, and eventually offer treatment options if you need them.
Who can diagnose herpes?
A healthcare provider may diagnose herpes by looking at any blisters or sores. They can also take a sample or swab from a blister or sore that is not already crusted over or healing. In fact, the tests that use these samples work best.
How is skin herpes diagnosed?
During an outbreak, a dermatologist often can diagnose herpes simplex by looking at the sores. To confirm that a patient has herpes simplex, a dermatologist may take a swab from a sore and send this swab to a laboratory.
Can a regular doctor diagnose herpes?
Your health care provider can usually make a diagnosis of genital herpes based on a physical exam and a history of your sexual activity. To confirm a diagnosis, your provider will likely take a sample from an active sore.
What kind of doctor can test for herpes Related Questions
What is the best test to confirm herpes?
PCR test: The PCR test can tell if you have genital herpes even if you don’t have symptoms. The PCR test looks for pieces of the virus’s DNA in a sample taken from cells or fluids from a genital sore or the urinary tract. This is a commonly used test to diagnose genital herpes and is very accurate.
What test is more accurate for herpes?
NAAT methods are the preferred method, with PCR as the most-widely used NAAT method. These tests are fast, accurate, and can tell if a person has HSV-1 or HSV-2. There is also less chance of a false negative result with NAATs.
Is herpes treatable with antibiotics?
For example, although antibiotics commonly kill bacteria they do not work on viruses. Because of this, there is no known cure for genital herpes.
Can a urine test detect herpes?
Does Herpes show in a urine test? Herpes will show in a urine test if and only if you have symptoms at the time of the test. So, a positive urine test means that you do have herpes. If it is negative, it means you did not have an outbreak at the time of the test.
What soap is good for herpes outbreaks?
Bathe the affected genital area twice a day with mild soap and water. Gently pat dry with a towel or use a hair dryer set on warm. Using Aveeno (colloidal oatmeal soap or bath treatments) may also be soothing.
How do I definitely know if I have herpes?
The only way to find out for sure if you have genital herpes is to get checked out by a doctor or nurse. If you have symptoms, they can tell you if it’s herpes by looking at or testing the sores. If you don’t have symptoms, they can do a blood test.
Can a dermatologist treat cold sores?
To treat cold sores, a dermatologist may prescribe: Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you: Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream.
How do I know if I have herpes on my skin?
A cluster (usually more than one) of clear, fluid-filled blisters that may be surrounded by redness — these blisters may or may not be painful. Blisters and lesions usually heal within 7 to 10 days. People with HSV-1 infection are infected for life, may have periodic outbreaks, and can transmit the virus to others.
Is herpes a big deal?
Overall Health Genital herpes is essentially a minor, sometimes recurring, skin infection; ‘cold sores’ which occur on the genitals rather than the face. It does not cause long-term ill health or affect longevity of life. People who get genital herpes can and do lead perfectly normal lives.
What happens if herpes goes untreated?
What happens if herpes is not treated? Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can. Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.
What blood test shows herpes?
The herpes simplex virus antibodies test is a blood test that screens for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Culturing a sample from an active outbreak of HSV is the best method to diagnose a current infection. But the herpes simplex virus antibodies test can help identify the recurrence of a previous infection.
Can I test for herpes at home?
An at-home test, on the other hand, can be done by yourself in private. You can order a herpes test kit online — which may include a swab test or finger prick blood test — and send the sample back in the mail. Most companies will send your results within 5 days.
What triggers herpes outbreak?
Common triggers for genital herpes include stress, fatigue, illness, sex, and surgery. For some women, getting their period is a trigger. During repeat outbreaks, some people notice that they develop warning signs, which tell them where the sores will appear.
When should I get tested for herpes?
The incubation period for herpes is 2 to 12 days, which means that the best time to get tested for the herpes virus ‚Äî if you haven’t had an initial outbreak ‚Äî is after 12 days.
Can you donate blood if you have herpes?
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements. You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety.
Can herpes cause a positive UTI test?
Urine Test: The urine test for herpes included in the Complete 11 will only be positive if there is viral shedding from the genital area as a result of an active genital herpes flare at the time of sample collection.