i don't know why but over the 20+ years i've had it - i've noticed as soon as i change out of my clothing from the day i have this problem. i just figured it must have something to do with the area suddenly being exposed to oxygen. i've learned to not wear tight jeans during a breakout to avoid agitation. i have found it comforting to gently wash the area before bed with just water and a clean washcloth. another thing i've done for relief if it's unbearable which my husband came up with is: get chamomile tea bags; steep 1 in a bowl of hot water. lie on a folded towel you don't mind staining (or you'll "make tea" on your sheets); place the tea bag on the sore; re-steep and continue until the water's cold. it will help and relax you so you can sleep. but if the sore is already burst open and the chamomile agitates the skin - discontinue. then wear fresh all cotton white briefs underwear to bed (during a breakout even if you normally don't). and finally the zovirax cream is wonderful - just a little bit a few times a day / or of course following your dr's. instructions for dosing / right where the sore is -- and don't scratch! i don't take the zovirax pills as a preventative anymore. they make me feel a bit cruddy so with a mild breakout i just use the cream. but if i have swollen glands in my groin and/or have that "just kicked in the crotch and hit by a truck" feeling -- i take the pills for 3 days plus the cream. of course during a breakout we abstain from sex due to pain anyway. but for a while after healed use condoms! in 18 years i have not infected my husband. best wishes i know life with this illness is a drag but it is manageable & after a while doesn't seem like the end of the world. over time you should go long periods without breakouts. stress and lack of rest can bring them on so take good care of you. k
have herpes why when i try to go to sleep does the area have a fire burning feeling just discomfort til then. 5 days in