Herpes - genital; Herpes simplex - genital; Herpesvirus 2; HSV-2
Genital herpes cannot be cured. However, antiviral treatment can relieve the symptoms. Medication can quickly relieve the pain and discomfort during an outbreak, and can shorten healing time. Medications have been shown to speed healing and relieve symptoms in first attacks more than in recurrent episodes of genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
If necessary, patients can use daily suppressive therapy, which may reduce the frequency of recurrence in patients with frequent genital herpes outbreaks.
For maximum benefit during recurrences, start therapy as soon as the tingling, burning, or itching begins, or as soon as you notice blisters.
Possible side effects from herpes medications include:
Some people need medication through a vein (intravenous) for severe herpes infections that can involve the brain, eyes, and lungs. These complications sometimes develop in people with a compromised immune system.
Warm baths may relieve the pain of genital lesions. Gentle cleansing with soap and water is recommended. If you develop a secondary infection of the skin lesions by bacteria, you can use a topical or oral antibiotic.
Once you are infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Some people never have another episode, and others have frequent recurrences. In most recurrences, no obvious trigger is identified. Many people, however, find that attacks of genital herpes occur with the following conditions:
In people with a normal immune system, genital herpes remains a localized and bothersome infection, but is rarely life-threatening.
Various complications are associated with herpes infection. The herpes virus is of special significance to women because research has found that it can cause cancer of the cervix. The risk increases when HSV is present in combination with human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus responsible for genital warts (condyloma).
For pregnant women, HSV-1 or HSV-2 on the outside of the genitals or in the birth canal is a threat to the infant. Infection of the newborn can lead to herpetic meningitis, herpetic viremia, chronic skin infection, and even death.
Herpes infection also poses a serious problem for people who have a weakened immune system because they have AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or take high doses of cortisone. These people may develop infections of various organs, including:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any symptoms of genital herpes, or if you develop fever, headache, vomiting, or widespread symptoms during or after an outbreak of herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR. 2006;55(RR-11):1-94.
Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.