| General Illness Information |
Common Name: |
Herpes,
Genital |
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Medical Term:
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Genital Herpes |
| Description: |
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An infection of the
genital or anal area caused by the Herpes simplex virus type
2, and occasionally type 1 Herpes simplex virus.
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It can involve the
penis, vagina, cervix, thighs and buttocks and can
affect both sexes, and all ages.
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In women, genital herpes
may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
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Genital herpes is
transmitted by sexual contact in most cases.
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In children, herpes
virus type 1 genital infection may be contracted by
non-sexual means.
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| Causes: |
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Herpes Virus Type 2
(HSV-2). (95% of cases).
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Herpes virus Type 1
(HSV-1) (5% of cases)
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In many cases, the virus
lies dormant inside infected cells until conditions for
multiplication are right; then the infected cells grow and
cause the typical skin lesions.
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This results in
recurrent outbreaks.
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| Prevention: |
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Avoid sexual intercourse
if either partner has blisters or sores.
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Use a condom during
intercourse if either sex partner has inactive genital
herpes (especially important if the infected partner has
frequent recurrences).
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Avoid oral sex with a
partner who has cold sores on the mouth.
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If you are pregnant,
tell your doctor if you have had herpes or any genital
lesions in the past. Precautions should be taken to prevent
infection of the baby.
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Active genital herpes
infection in a pregnant woman in labor is a very serious
condition for the baby, and may require Caesarian section.
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Avoid stress where
possible.
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| Signs
& Symptoms |
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The outbreaks
usually start with tingling, burning, itching and / or
soreness. This is followed by red patches on the
involved areas, followed in turn by the vesicles or
blisters which are quite painful. These form shallow
ulcers which join together and generally heal in 10
days, with scarring.
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In women, the
blisters may extend into the vagina to the cervix and
urethra.
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Difficult, painful
urination.
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Enlarged lymph
glands.
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Fever and a general
ill feeling.
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In patients with HIV
infection, or other causes of reduced immunity, the
lesions may persist for weeks or longer.
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| Risk Factors |
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Lowered resistance due to
serious illness.
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Immuno-compromised
individuals, - HIV; immunosuppressive medications or
anticancer drugs.
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Other trigger factors
include genital trauma, menstruation, sunbathing and
pre-existing infection.
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| Diagnosis & Treatment |
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| General
Measures: |
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Diagnosis is
usually determined by the appearance of the lesions,
however, confirmation may by made by a laboratory
study of fluid from the lesion.
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Women should wear
cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
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Consider
life-style changes to avoid emotional stress.
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Women should have
an annual Pap smear and physical examination to rule
out any complications.
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| Medications: |
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Specific antiviral medications such as
acyclovir, famcyclovir, and others can reduce viral shedding
during an outbreak.
As yet, there is no medication that will
eliminate the virus.
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| Possible
Complications : |
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Herpes simplex
encephalitis.
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Aseptic
meningitis.
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Generalized
disease and death in immunosuppressed patients.
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Generalized herpes
in the newborn - transmitted during delivery from an
infected mother.
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Recurrent attacks
of genital herpes.
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| Prognosis |
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Genital herpes is
currently considered incurable, but symptoms can be relieved
with treatment.
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During symptom-free
periods, the virus returns to its dormant state. Symptoms
recur when the virus is reactivated. Recurrent symptoms are
not new infections.
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The discomfort varies from
person to person and from time to time in the same person. The
first herpes infection is much more uncomfortable than
recurrences.
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