How Can You Tell It’s Herpes?

[LilBoi]

Hey, so I was recently diagnosed with HSV-1 on my mouth and genitals. I have anxiety, and I’m struggling with paranoia and hypochondria around it. I’m trying to date responsibly, but most of the time I can’t tell if I’m having an outbreak. I very rarely get white cold sores, and I’ve never gotten a cluster. If I see a red bump of any kind I panic and assume it’s herpes. I’m having a very hard time dealing with the stigma and rejection I’ve felt trying to date with herpes, so I obsess over not spreading it. How can you tell when you are and aren’t having an outbreak? How do you deal with the anxiety around it?

[mr_hopp]

Hi @LilBoi and welcome!

Blisters are the most common way that herpes outbreaks show up, then after a few days those blisters crust over. But they can also show up as paper cut outbreaks. It would be helpful, if possible, to go to the clinic if you see these bumps show up and get them cultured. Here's an overview article about herpes outbreaks.