Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two different types of HSV. Both can attack the skin and the mucous membranes of any part of the body. HSV type I usually only affects the mouth and the lips. HSV type II affects particularly the genitals.

Genital herpes is primarily a sexually transmitted disease.

In pregnant women there is a risk of the child becoming infected during delivery and Caesarean section may therefore be advised.

Herpes infection usually clears up of its own accord within two or three weeks. But the virus remains in the body and the disease can recur at any time. Most people with the dormant virus for genital herpes in their bodies seldom or never have outbreaks.

Symptoms and signs

In women genital herpes affects mainly the vagina, the cervical os, the cervix and the urethra. In men it is usually the glans and the foreskin that are affected.

The infection usually begins with itching and soreness, followed by the appearance of clusters of blisters on reddened skin. The blisters become crusted after a few days and usually heal after 8 to 10 days.

The regional lymph nodes are often enlarged and painful.
The infection may be accompanied by fever, muscle pain and general malaise. Painful genital organs and difficulty urinating have been reported.

A common complication is the transmission of herpes to other parts of the body. In addition, the blisters can become infected with bacteria. It is therefore important to avoid touching open sores.

After oral sex lesions of genital herpes may occur in the mouth and throat and lead to a painful sore throat. After anal sex herpes lesions may develop around the anus and in the rectum causing pain and bloody discharge.

Herpes infection of the newborn baby by the mother is a feared complication which can be life-threatening for the child, with development of fever, jaundice, seizures and respiratory arrest. Pregnant women with active herpes infection may therefore be advised to have Caesarean section.

Diagnosis

The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis on the basis of the course of the illness and the appearance of the rash. To confirm the diagnosis a sample of material taken from the blisters can be examined in the laboratory to detect the virus. A blood test can be carried out to detect antibodies.

Prevention and treatment

The best protection against genital herpes is safer sex.

The treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Infection of a limited area does not require any treatment. Calamine lotion or zinc oxide can help dry out the blisters and has a cooling effect.

In severe cases antiviral drugs are used to shorten the course of the disease and alleviate the symptoms. If the blisters have become bacterially infected the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

A depressed immune system (for example as a result of another disease) often leads to reactivation of the herpes simplex virus and renewed manifestation of the herpes infection (relapse).

Sexual partners should always be treated as well in order to prevent late complications and spread of the infection.