The short answer
Outbreaks usually happen when immunity dips: stress, lack of sleep, illness such as a cold, menstruation, friction or sun exposure. Many people notice tingling or itching a day before blisters appear. Managing stress and sleep helps, and daily antiviral medicine can be used if outbreaks are frequent.
Common triggers include:
- Physical or emotional stress, overwork
- Colds, fever and other infections
- Your period
- Friction from sex or tight clothing
Keep a simple diary to spot your patterns. If you have six or more outbreaks a year, ask about suppressive therapy. More: genital herpes.
Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center