genital herpes simplex virus

Definition

Or: genital herpes / herpes simplex virus / HSV , a recurrent, incurable, sexually transmitted disease caused by a herpes virus. Although there is some crossover, Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV-I / HSV 1) is statistically most often associated with cold sores nd fever blisters around the mouth and lips, while Herpes Simplex Virus II. (HSV-II / HSV 2) is usually associated with sores around the gential area, hence genital herpes. TRANSMISSION: HSV is spread by direct contact with the rashes, sores, or blisters of an infected person either through intercourse, rubbing genitals, oral-genital contact, anal sex, oral/anal sex and, in some instances, by kissing if one participant has the infection sited in or near the mouth. In addition, normally protected areas of skin can become infected if there is a cut, rash, or sore. Self-innoculation from one area of the body to another is possible (from the lips to the eyes or from the genital area to the eyes, for example). Inanimate objects harboring surface herpes virus (eating and drinking utensils, towels, underwear, sex toys) have occasionally been suspected of transmission. INCUBATION PERIOD: The usual time between exposure to the herpes simplex virus and appearance of skin lesions is 2 to 20 days. SYMPTOMS: Clusters of small, painful blisters on the genitals. After a few days, the blisters burst, leaving small ulcers. IN MEN, the blisters usually appear on the penis, but can also appear in the urethra or rectum. IN WOMEN, the blisters usually appear on the labia, but can also appear on the cervix and anal area. In +/- 40% of men and +/- 70% of women, the first outbreaks are accompanied by fever, headache, and muscle soreness for two or more consecutive days. Other relatively common symptoms include painful urination, discharge from the urethra, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in the groin. These symptoms tend to disappear within two weeks. Skin lesions last on average 16 days in men, 20 in women. TREATMENT: Herpes can be treated, but there is no medical cure for the virus. First infections of oral and genital herpes and recurrent infections of genital herpes may be treated with an antiviral medication such as acyclovir (Zovirax) to reduce symptoms and speed the healing of blisters or sores, it will not delay or prevent recurrences. Other local treatment such as Domeboro soaks and lidocaine-containing products may provide some symptom relief. Treatment with L-Lysine (an amino acid), at the first sign of recurrence of HSV (tingling or burning), can abort or shorten the course of an outbreak or reduce its severity. L-Lysine is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Some anti-viral pills used for herpes are famciclovir, valcyclovir and acyclovir. Anti-viral creams are of limited use for first time infections.