Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus - type I and type II. Either type can cause genital herpes but type II is most often the culprit. Type I most often affects the oral area showing up as fever blisters or cold sores. Engaging in oral sex can spread oral herpes to the genitals and genital herpes to the mouth, lips, and throat. Both herpes simplex viruses are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact from the site of infection to the contact site. Once you are infected, the virus remains with you forever. It causes symptoms, though, only during flare-ups.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms include sores with blisters on the genital area and anus and
sometimes on the thighs and buttocks. After a few days, the blisters break open and leave
painful, shallow ulcers which can last from 5 days to 3 weeks. If infected for the first
time, you may experience flu-like symptoms, such as swollen glands, fever, and body aches.
Subsequent attacks are almost always much milder and much shorter in duration.
Genital herpes attacks may be triggered by emotional stress, fatigue, menstruation, other illnesses, or even by vigorous sexual intercourse. Itching, irritation, and tingling in the genital area may occur 1 to 2 days before the outbreak of the blisters or sores. (This period is called the prodrome.) Genital herpes is contagious during the prodrome, when blisters are present and up to a week or two after they have disappeared. If a pregnant woman has an outbreak of genital herpes when her baby is due, a Cesarean section may need to be done so the baby does not get infected during delivery.
Treatment
No cure exists for genital herpes. The prescription medication Zovirax and
self-help measures only treat herpes symptoms. (See Self-Care
Tips for Genital Herpes below.) Medication can be helpful during the first attack of
genital herpes. Self-help remedies may be all that is necessary during recurrent episodes.
{Note: Sores and blisters that look like herpes can be a side effect of taking certain prescription medicines in some people. One example is sulfa medications which are often used to treat urinary tract infections. Consult your doctor if you suspect this.}
Do you have sores and/or painful blisters on the genital area,
anus, or tongue, and is this the first time you have had this? |
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| Did these sores appear only after taking a recently prescribed
medicine? |
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| For persons who have already been diagnosed with genital herpes: Are you experiencing severe pain and blistering and/or are you having frequent attacks? |
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| For pregnant women only: Are genital herpes sores present and are you close to your delivery date? |
 |
| Have you had sexual relations with someone who had sores or
blisters on their genital area, anus, or tongue or had genital itching, irritation, and
tingling? |
|
Bathe the affected genital area twice a
day with mild soap and water. Gently pat dry with a towel or use a hair dryer set on warm.
Using Aveeno (colloidal oatmeal soap or bath treatments) may also be soothing.
Take a hot bath if you can tolerate it.
This may help to inactivate the virus and promote healing.
Use sitz baths to soak the affected area. A
sitz bath device fits over the toilet. You can get one at a medical supply store or at
some pharmacies.
Apply ice packs on the genital area for
5-10 minutes. This may help relieve itching and inflammation.
Wear loose-fitting pants or skirts. Avoid
wearing panty hose and tight-fitting clothing. These could irritate the inflamed area.
Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear.
Squirt tepid water over the genital area
while urinating. This may help decrease the pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. {Note:
See Pain relievers in "Your
Home Pharmacy".}
A local anesthetic ointment such as
Lidocaine can help during the most painful part of an attack. (Check with your doctor
before using.)
Ask your doctor about using the oral
antiviral medicine acyclovir (brand name Zovirax).
To avoid spreading the virus to your eyes,
don't touch your eyes during an outbreak.
Avoid sexual intercourse:
At the first sign of a herpes outbreak (this may be evident by the feeling of tingling and
itching
in the genital area which takes place before
blisters are noticeable). Note, though, that herpes
can be contracted without visible blisters
because viral lesions may be present on the female's
cervix or inside the male's urethra.
When active lesions are present
Two to 3 days after lesions have disappeared
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99