What Does Genital Herpes Look Like
While some people with genital herpes will never have any symptoms, other people can develop symptoms within a few weeks of being infected.
Often, before the lesions appear, patients describe a prodrome, characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the lesions will develop that can be noticed during urination, along with itching or discomfort in the genital area.
You can also have the following symptoms:
- Blisters on the mouth or lips
- Fever, headache or pain in the joints
- Trouble urinating
The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks. For most people, the first outbreak is the worst, and can last from two to three weeks. Future flare-ups are often less severe and do not last as long. Still, some people shed the virus regularly. The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur:
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Menstrual periods
Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on.
In many cases, anti-herpes medicine can help patients. When a person experiences a prodrome and suspects a recurrence is going to happen, they begin taking anti-herpes medications that lessen symptoms and shorten the time of the outbreak.
I Tested Positive For Herpes What Should I Do Now
For most people, having herpes does not affect their health or quality of life. To prevent passing on cold sores and genital herpes to others, a person can:
- avoid kissing others when the virus is active
- use condoms when having sex
- avoid skin-to-skin contact during an active outbreak
- avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes, and lipstick when they have sores around the mouth
- wash their hands well after touching a sore
Having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of
transmitting STIs such as herpes. People can decrease this risk by openly discussing STI status and prevention with any partners and practicing safe sex.
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Is It Pimples Herpes Or Razor Burns
Razor burns also have the symptoms of red skin and itchiness and can also create small bumps that resemble pimples or herpes blisters. Small cuts when shaving the face or the genital region can irritate the skin increase the risk of an infection. This is made worse by the possibility of ingrown hairs. To combat the irritation or infection, the body may respond with inflammation and recruitment of white blood cells, resulting in the formation of small, pus-filled bumps. If you notice these bumps, and you recently shaved, thatâs most likely what caused them.
As mentioned, the small cuts increase the risk of an infection. Practice good hygiene and disinfect the area immediately after shaving help reduce skin irritation and prevent an infection from occurring.
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Hiv And Genital Herpes
Having HIV puts a person at greater risk of contracting genital herpes, and having genital herpes puts a person at greater risk of contracting HIV.
Immunocompromised people often experience longer and more severe genital herpes outbreaks, and have increased herpes virus shedding . The open sores caused by herpes make transmission of both HIV and the herpes simplex virus more likely .
It’s estimated that people with genital herpes are three times more likely to contract HIV when exposed .
Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All
People with HSV-2 infection have an increased risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus if they have sex with an HIV-infected partner. Taking suppressive therapy does not decrease this risk.
If a woman is pregnant and infected with HSV, it can be passed to the fetus during birth while passing through the womans infected birth canal. This is most likely to occur if a woman first becomes infected with HSV during pregnancy and in a woman who has her first outbreak late in pregnancy. But it also can occur during a recurrent outbreak in a woman who was infected before pregnancy, although the risk is much lower.
If you have sores or warning signs of an outbreak at the time of delivery, you may need to have a cesarean delivery to reduce chance of infection. The decision depends on many factors, including where the sores are on your body and whether the fetus would come into contact with them during delivery.
Yes, in most cases. The herpes virus cannot be passed to a baby through breast milk. However, the baby could get infected by touching a sore on your body. Make sure any sores that the baby could come into contact with are covered when you hold your baby or while breastfeeding. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after feeding your baby. If you have sores on your breast, you should not breastfeed your baby from that breast.
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How Does Herpes Simplex Spread
Herpes spreads through close contact with a person who has the infection. The virus can be found in skin and saliva. If you have herpes simplex, you are most likely to pass the virus to another person when you have sores. But you can infect someone else even if you have no symptoms. Healthcare providers call this asymptomatic viral shedding.
People may get HSV-1 through
- Touching a persons skin near the mouth.
- Sharing food utensils, lip balm or razors.
- If you receive oral sex from someone who has a cold sore, it may spread a herpes infection to your genitals.
People may get HSV-2 through
- Oral sex with someone whos infected.
- Touching open sores, including while breastfeeding.
- Childbirth by a mother or gestational parent who has an active infection.
You cant get genital herpes from objects like toilet seats. But you could pass genital herpes through shared sex toys.
Genital Herpes Vs Hpv
Herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus are the two most common STDs in the U.S.
Both are incurable, can spread through sex, and can cause unsightly and painful skin imperfections.
However, they are not related to each other and have many key differences.
There are two forms of HSVHSV-1 and HSV-2which can cause oral and genital herpes.
People infected with either form of HSV may show no symptoms or have sores around the mouth or genitals.
On the other hand, there are over 200 types of HPV, which can spread through skin-to-skin contact in addition to sexual contact.
HPV strains are typically divided into two groups: low-risk HPVs and high-risk HPVs.
People infected with low-risk HPVs may show no symptoms at all, while others may develop warts.
People infected with high-risk HPVs may develop different forms of cancer .
These strains of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes, which can cause cancer.
Because certain strains of HPV can cause cancer, HPV is considered the more dangerous STD when comparing HSV and HPV.
Luckily, there is a vaccine which can reduce the risk of cancer due to HPV, as well as genital warts, called Gardasil 9.
This vaccine is suggested for both girls and boys around the ages of 11 or 12.
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The Emotional Side Of Herpes
Many people feel embarrassed and ashamed upon learning that they have genital herpes, or theyre worried about getting it from a sexual partner or prospective sexual partner.
If either case describes you, take the time to educate yourself about the causes and symptoms of herpes, treatments, and steps you can take to stop the spread of herpes, such as using condoms.
What Is The Difference Between Genital Herpes And Genital Warts
Both genital herpes and genital warts are STIs, are spread through skin-to-skin contact, and are caused by a virus. But the viruses that cause genital herpes and genital warts are different:
- Herpes simplex virus is the virus that causes genital herpes.
- Human papillomavirus is the virus that causes genital warts.
There is no cure for either genital herpes or genital warts. But, different medicines can help manage the symptoms of herpes and treat the complications of HPV infections that can cause genital warts.
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Treatment For Oral Herpes
The antiviral medications available in pill form have been specifically developed for the treatment of genital herpes. However, it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to prescribe the antiviral drugs to those who have frequent or severe outbreaks of oral herpes.
A recent study found valacyclovir to be effective for treating oral herpes in a one-day treatment of 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, and then again about 12 hours later.
There are two topical antiviral medications prescribed for the treatment of oral HSV symptoms: acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream. Both work to speed up the healing process and reduce the viral activity. These topical drugs are put directly on the lesions themselves, but can also be used at the onset of prodrome.
Other topical treatments for oral herpes are available over-the-counter , but are not antiviral compounds like acyclovir and penciclovir. Some also contain ingredients that numb the area and induce temporary relief from the discomfort of an outbreak. Unfortunately, some OTC treatments may actually delay the healing time of symptoms because they can further irritate the area with repeated applications. There is only one OTC FDA-approved cream, called Abreva®, which has been clinically proven to help speed the healing process.
Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Genital Herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.
Though several clinical trials have tested vaccines against genital herpes, there is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection. One vaccine trial showed efficacy among women whose partners had HSV-2, but only among women not infected with HSV-1. Efficacy was not observed among men whose partners had HSV-2. Another trial testing the same vaccine showed some protection from genital HSV-1 infection, but none from HSV-2.
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What To Do After Testing Positive For Genital Herpes
If a person tests positive for genital herpes, its recommended that they speak with a doctor. Although theres no cure for herpes, it can be treated through antiviral medication. Antiviral medication can help reduce the severity of recurring outbreaks .
Frequent, severe recurring outbreaks might be a sign of a compromised immune system. If outbreaks are occurring often, a doctor might investigate whether theres an underlying issue affecting the immune system.
Having sex is OK if theres a genital herpes diagnosis, but its best to avoid sex if theres a herpes outbreak. To reduce the chances of transmitting HSV to a partner, use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams during all sexual activity.
Genital herpes does not always require treatment. However, genital warts can be painful. Antiviral treatments can reduce the symptoms and severity of outbreaks.
In rare cases, herpes can cause complications. Generally, though, it does not get worse over time.
What Does Genital Herpes Do To The Body
Herpes simplex virus involves a complex cycle of events. Herpes simplex viruses are considered latent infections, meaning they are a type of persistent, lifelong viral infection passed through sexual contact. The virus enters the body through the genital or oral mucosal tissues or sores of the skin, and then replicates. Following the incubation period, one or more lesions may appear. This is considered the primary infection.
While the blisters form, rupture, crust over, and finally disappear, the virus makes its way into a group of nerve cells near the spinal cord that supply the nerve fibers in the primary infected area. Viral DNA can remain dormant here until the body is stressed. When this happens, the virus reactivates, begins multiplying again, and travels through the nerve fibers back to the skin. This reaction causes eruptions of blisters in the same area of skin that was previously affected. This is referred to as a secondary infection. When that infection clears, the virus can become latent again, sometimes for months or years, and then the cycle starts all over.
The herpes virus can infect different parts of the body, including various organs and tissues. This is particularly true if the infected person has a compromised immune system.
The herpes simplex viruses can cause inflammation and infection in the following body systems:
Respiratory
Urinary/Reproductive
Skin
Brain/Nervous system
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Recurrent Episodes Of Genital Herpes
Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode of genital herpes. Over time, episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Infections caused by HSV1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV2.
Recurrences may be triggered by:
- no apparent reason noted.
How To Manage Herpes Flare
If you have herpes, youre not alone. Few people talk about it, but more than 1 in 6 people have herpes type 2. There are two types of herpes: herpes simplex I and herpes simplex 2. HSV-2 is the type of herpes that causes genital herpes.
Genital herpes causes flare-ups from time to time, and they can be extremely uncomfortable. You need to learn how to manage them. Dr. Alan Patterson explains more about how to manage your symptoms when your herpes flares up.
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Can Other Therapies Help Me Stay Comfortable While The Ulcers Heal
Self-care methods often provide quick relief. These include:
- Warm compress for pain or itching: Soak a hand towel in warm water. Wring it out before applying to your skin with gentle pressure.
- Cool compress for swelling: This treatment is like a warm compress but with cool water.
- Sitz bath for general discomfort: Fill a bathtub with enough water that it covers your hips when you sit in it. Warm but not hot water may feel best. Soak a few times a day for at least 15-30 minutes.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Genital ulcers are sometimes painful sores that dont heal on their own. Theyre often due to STIs, but there can be many other causes. The sooner you talk to your healthcare provider, the sooner you can get relief. You may need prescription medications or ointment. Although most people make a full recovery, ulcers sometimes come back. With timely genital ulcer treatment, genital ulcer disease will not affect your long-term health.
If You Have Genital Herpes Already Can It Be Spread To Other Parts Of The Body Such As The Arms Or Legs
No. Genital herpes cannot be transmitted to another part of your body such as your arm, leg or hand after the first infection occurs. If you have genital HSV II, you will not get HSV II at another site in your body. The immune system produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from infection. However, there are cases where a person has multiple site infections from the same virus. This is usually acquired at the time of the first infection. For example, if someone has never had herpes but then has oral and genital sex with an infected partner, they can acquire the infection at both sites.
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What Causes Genital Ulcers
The most common cause is STIs. Ulcers in the genital area can form if you have:
- Chancroid, which is a bacterial disease that causes open sores.
- Sexual injury, when aggressive sex or foreign objects break surface tissue.
- Chemical burns due to a reaction to lotion, hair removal cream or skincare products.
- Constant rubbing, such as undergarments that are too tight.
Research And Statistics: Who Has Genital Herpes
Its estimated that each year, 776,000 people in the United States get new genital herpes infections. Genital herpes is most often caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 .
According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , the prevalence of HSV-2 was 11.9 percent during 2015 and 2016, a decline of 5.9 percentage points from the years 1999 and 2000.
HSV-2 is more common in women than in men. Its suspected that women are more likely to contract the HSV-2 infection because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex.
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How Is It Treated
Genital herpes can be treated, but it cannot be cured.Anti-viral medicines can make outbreaks:
Living with genital herpes causes some people to:
- Feel embarrassed or ashamed
- Worry about infecting a sexual partner
- Worry that having herpes will affect relationships with sexual partners
- Avoid dating or sexual relationships
Most people with herpes are able to live with the virusand manage their outbreaks. Talking to trusted healthcare providers and friends can help. Your health careprovider can talk to you about medicines that treatoutbreaks and about ways to reduce the chance ofpassing the virus on to a sexual partner.
Medicines can help lower the chance that you will pass the virus to others.
Home Remedies For Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses: herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2 .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States have genital herpes.
This kind of infection can affect anyone, but women are at a higher risk than men. Having multiple sexual partners also increases the risk of this infection.
Some common symptoms of genital herpes include pain, itching, small red bumps or tiny white blisters, sores in the genital area and painful urination. Other symptoms may include headaches, body aches and fever.
However, some people have genital herpes without any signs or symptoms.
The infectious virus spreads mostly through sexual contact. After the initial infection, the virus may remain dormant in the body and can reactivate after some time.
In fact, the signs and symptoms may recur, off and on, for years. Recurrences are generally less painful than the original outbreak, and sores generally heal more quickly.
While there is no cure for genital herpes, many home remedies can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for genital herpes.
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