Genital herpes is a sexually
transmitted infection (STI) that causes infected sores, blisters, ulcers and
cuts. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus which can be passed on even if
the person doesn’t have symptoms. People with suppressed immune systems, for
example people living with HIV, might experience longer outbreaks and get more
severe blistering.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes
simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
What does the infection look
like?
Herpes causes blisters and
ulcers. These can be painful but normally clear up within 2-3 weeks. However,
the virus will remain dormant in your body and it is normal for herpes
outbreaks to reoccur.
How do you get Genital Herpes?
Herpes is most infectious during
an outbreak (as well as immediately before and after). However, the virus can
be passed on even when there are no symptoms.
The virus can enter your body
through the moist skin around the genitals, mouth and anus (known as mucous membranes) as well as through small cuts (e.g. on your fingers or hands).
Can you get HIV through genital
herpes?
Having genital herpes increases
your risk of getting and passing on HIV. The blisters and sores provide an easy
transmission route for HIV during sex.
Genital herpes is one of the most
common infections in people living with HIV and can be a more serious condition
if you’re HIV positive – meaning that outbreaks may last longer and blisters
can be more severe.
What do genital herpes Symptoms
look like?
ü
small
blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus
(bottom), thighs and buttocks
ü
blisters
and ulcers on the cervix (lower part of the womb) in women
ü
vaginal
discharge in women
ü
pain
when passing urine (peeing)
ü
feeling
unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms.
The symptoms normally clear up
within 20 days.
Can I get tested for Genital Herpes?
Yes – the tests normally involve
taking a swab from a blister. So if you think you have a blister, it’s best to
get it checked out right away.
How is Genital Herpes treated?
There is no cure for herpes, and
outbreaks will normally clear on their own. If
you are experiencing a recurrent outbreak, you may only be offered antiviral
tablets if your symptoms are severe.
What are the precautions to take
with the blisters?
ü
keep
the affected area clean using plain or salt water to prevent blisters or ulcers
from becoming infected and help them heal quicker
ü
apply
a wrapped up ice pack to the sores to ease the pain and speed up the healing
process
ü
apply
petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to any blisters or ulcers to reduce the pain
when passing urine
ü
Avoid
tight clothing because it may irritate the blisters and ulcers.
ü
Don’t
be tempted to pop the blisters as this can risk spreading the infection to
other areas of skin.
If the infection persists or is
recurrent please visit our dermatology department for further treatment and
management at WH.
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