Definition:
Genital herpes is a highly contagious (STD) sexually transmitted disease.
Diagnosis:
The doctor usually can diagnose herpes by taking a tissue scraping or culture of the blisters or early ulcers for examination in the laboratory. A blood test can also be administered to detect a herpes infection.
Treatment:
There is presently no cure for genital herpes. However, genital herpes treatment includes oral prescription antiviral medications, including famciclovir (Famvir), acyclovir (Zovirax), and valacyclovir (Valtrex), to help heal the sores sooner and reduce the frequency of relapses. If taken daily, these medications may also reduce the chance of infecting one's partner with the herpes virus.
Symptoms and Signs:
When present, genital herpes symptoms may include: Small, red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sores (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas; and pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks or inner thighs.
The first symptom of genital herpes usually is pain or itching, beginning within a few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner. After several days, small, red bumps may occur. They then rupture, developing to ulcers that ooze or bleed. Eventually, scabs form and these ulcers heal.
Causes:
Two types of herpes simplex virus infections cause genital herpes. These are HSV type 1 and HSV type 2.
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