One of the worst symptoms that many genital herpes sufferers experience is a terrible itching in the genital area.
It is particularly bad at the height of an outbreak, when the genital area can be covered in a rash or sores, and scratching can spread or prolong an outbreak, and just generally add to the unpleasantness of the whole experience.
Finding a way to relieve this itching can make an outbreak a little easier to get through, and by not scratching you can accelerate healing time.
If you suffer from the itch and manage to avoid scratching through sheer willpower, you may be horrified to know that you might be scratching unconsciously during sleep, so a few tips for relieving the genital herpes itch should be of some use to you as well.
Salt Baths - Bathing in warm water and Epsom salts can sting a little at first, but you'll find after a few moments of discomfort the pain will give way and they can be very soothing on a fresh outbreak.
These healing salts will not only relieve the itch, they also help sterilise and speed up the healing process for the outbreak as a whole, making this a very effective remedy.
Tea Tree Oil - One of nature's most powerful antiseptics, and it can also work wonders on kicking the nasty itch associated with genital herpes.
Get the kind that comes in a bottle with an eyedropper, and apply liberally to sores and any other areas that are itching or inflamed.
Ice - For some temporary relief, keep an ice pack handy during outbreaks.
Apply for ten minutes, then give the area a break for ten minutes, and apply again.
This method has been a real godsend for me in relieving the terrible herpes itch.