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How to keep genitals clean with so much pain?

Pseudonymph

By Pseudonymph
in About My Outbreaks

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Pseudonymph Honeycomb Member

Pseudonymph

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Hi everyone,

I got diagnosed with H yesterday, and am still coming to terms with it.

One thing I need advice on is how to keep myself clean 'downstairs' when any pressure I put there really hurts. In the shower I've been able to let water run down some of the area, but I'm not able to thoroughly wash down there so I'm not sure how to ensure that I'm clean.

Would taking a bath be a better option for maintaining personal hygiene? Or is just gently rinsing with water going to be enough?

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JBnATL Platinum Support Member

JBnATL

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Hi there, welcome to the website. This is the best place to learn about what you have and the people here are the best.

Many people take baths in epsom salt which helps clean your wounds and is very refreshing.

I hope you heal quickly :)

JB

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hashtag realtalk Honeycomb Member

hashtag realtalk

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I am just coming out of my first outbreak. I didn't try the epsom salt baths (I wish I had), but the only comfort I got was holding a cold, wet towel over the area and patting it, then drying it with a blow dryer on a cool setting. It hurt while I was putting pressure on the sores, but afterwards was the ONLY relief I would have. Also sat in a warm bath for a few minutes and that would help as well.

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Elle22 Platinum Support Member

Elle22

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Welcome to HC Support! Sorry to hear about your new diagnosis, that can be tough. You'll be just fine with some time though. A gentle rinse should be just fine, baths are great if you have time. You might consider asking your doctor for a prescription for lidocaine gel, that can help with pain. Usually your first outbreak will be your worst.

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Pseudonymph Honeycomb Member

Pseudonymph

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Thank you, Elle and JB. Are epsom salts available from regular shops? I have a GP appointment on Tuesday so I'll ask about lidocaine then.

Hashtag realtalk, how long did your outbreak last? I can't wait for mine to be over!

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hashtag realtalk Honeycomb Member

hashtag realtalk

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You can get epsom salt at a lot of places. Def a pharmacy, like CVS. Lidocaine didn't help me at all, unfortunately. Hopefully it will for you. You can get that over the counter at a pharmacy as well. Just ask the pharmacist.

Everyone's outbreaks can last at different rates because of our immune systems. I started taking valtrex 3 days after my sores started, stopped drinking alcohol and coffee, ate healthy, and lots of water. It lasted about a week (I'm on day 10 now. Sores are gone, but redness where they were), but the pain became bearable about 5 days in. I could pee again without pain 7 days in.

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Pseudonymph Honeycomb Member

Pseudonymph

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I just sat down in the bath and submerged myself for a bit, I think I'll do that in the evening instead of having a shower where I can't tell where the water's getting to

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Pseudonymph Honeycomb Member

Pseudonymph

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Epsom salts are usually in the bath/shower aisle, they typically come in a big bag.

I went to the shop and asked for Epsom salts and I was shown a small tub which said it was for constipation relief and for oral consumption only. I asked one of the shop assistants if I could put it in bath water and he looked really confused and told me no. Are there different types of salts which can be used? Or is it just a matter of disregarding what it says on the tub and chucking a bit into the bath anyway?

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ladywarrior_777 Honeycomb Member

ladywarrior_777

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I am still going through my first outbreak of hell lol..... But the baths are the only thing I use to clean myself. There is only one type of Epsom salt that I'm aware of. People use it as a laxative and a soak. After my Epsom soak I actually was hurting and so uncomfortable when I got out. I couldn't sleep and definitely couldn't pee. BUT I finally figured out My huge help. Dermoplast! Omg it's making my life so much easier. On top of this being my first OB, I also now just caught a cold and have to work. I'm just so thankful for the Dermoplast because if I didn't have it, I don't think I could walk.

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Disillusioned88 Honeycomb Member

Disillusioned88

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I'm having my first OB, and as the first set of sores started to heal, I got a few more. As if that wasn't enough, let's throw my period in there. Grrr. I have picked up some lemon balm, and Oil of Oregano, and when at home can blot with both with a cotton ball. It burns for about 5 minutes but...then it doesn't feel uncomfortable anymore. Epson salt baths help too. Good luck.

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Pseudonymph Honeycomb Member

Pseudonymph

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My OB has nearly nearly finished (with the exception of two small sore areas), I've never had such a painful week in my life!

I'd like to think that the epsom salts in the baths did help, I've still got tons of it ready for my next OB (which hopefully wont be too soon!).

Disillusioned, the burning is the worst part (whilst you're waiting for it to go away so you can function again!). Wishing you a speedy recovery :)

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