Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital
Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital Causes
A strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which enters your body through small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes is the general cause of genital herpes and sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. It is nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with towels, toilets or other objects used by an infection person because the virus dies quickly outside of the body.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital Definition
Commonly affecting both men and women, genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease which include itching, pain and sores in your genital area.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital Diagnosis
By taking a tissue scraping or culture of the blisters or early ulcers for examination in the laboratory, your doctor can usually diagnose herpes. The infection can also be detected through a blood test.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital Symptoms and Signs
The signs and symptoms of genital herpes may include small, red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sore (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas and as well as pain or itching around the genital area, inner thighs and buttocks. Itching or pain beginning within a few weeks after exposure to an infected sexual partner is the initial symptom of genital herpes. Small, red bumps may appear after several days. They will then rupture becoming ulcers that ooze or bleed and eventually, scabs form and the ulcers heal.
Herpes Simplex Virus, Genital Treatment
Genital herpes has no known cure yet. However, oral prescription antiviral medications, including acyclovir (Zovirax), a famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) may treat and help heal the sores sooner and reduce the frequency of relapses. These medications may also reduce the chance you'll infect your partner with the herpes virus, if taken daily.