Description Herpes is a disease caused by the Herpe svirus. Genital herpes is predominantly caused by Herpes virus 2, but Herpes virus 1 (which usually manifests as cold sores on the lips) may cause it as well. Herpes virus 2 is sexually transmitted. It can also infect fetuses and cause fetal abnormalities. Neonatals are often infected at birth when passing through the vaginal canal. The first outbreak of Herpes tends to be the worst. Once one has been infected, they tend to suffer recurring outbreaks on a regular basis (for example twice a year), with subsequent occurrences generally lessening in severity.
Symptoms
Small grouped blisters
Blisters eventually crust
Burning/stinging
Diagnosis
Multiple tests can be done to confirm:
Tzanck smear
Viral cultures
ELISA
Immunofluorescence tests
Complications
Birth defects
Baby infected during delivery
Encephalitis-infection of the brain
Herpetic Whitlow-infection spreads to fingers of health care workers who touch the lesions
Similar Conditions
Chancroid
Syphilis
Pyoderma
Treatment
Acyclovir ointment
Oral medications
Acyclovir
Famvir
Valtrex
Low dose oral Acyclovir is used to prevent recurrent attacks in individuals who get multiple outbreaks.
Prevention
Avoid sexual contact during an active outbreak. Unfortunately, sometimes those with Herpes will have the virus without symptoms. Condoms also offer some protection from transmission, depending on the location of the outbreak.
