Genital herpes: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Signs and symptoms

• The common sites of these rashes or blisters in men are anal region, inner thighs, scrotum and shaft and head of the penis.

• In women it is commonly seen in the cervix, anal region, inner thighs, labia, and vagina.

• Mouth is the common site in both the genders.

Local symptoms:

• Small, painful blisters filled with clear or straw colored fluid over the genitals, rectum

• Blisters break to leave the shallow ulcers which are painful.

• Crusting of ulcer occurs and it heals within one to two weeks.

• Enlarged and tender lymph nodes  in the groin

• Vaginal discharge

• Pain during urination.

General symptoms:

• Fever

• Decrease appetite

• Weakness

• Muscle aches

 Tests and diagnosis

• Viral culture of blister fluid from the rashes.

• PCR from the blister fluid to detect the DNA of herpes

• Tzanck test of skin lesion

 Treatment:

• There is no cure for the genital herpes

• Antivirals are given to treat the symptoms. Antivirals like acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir are given.

• Oral antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infection.

• The infected area should be kept clean and dry.

• Avoid touching the sores. If you touch the sores wash your hands immediately

• Avoid having sex until the sores/lesions are completely healed and covered by new skin.