How is genital herpes tested?

Written by Luo Hong

Dermatology Department

Updated on September 05, 2024

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Herpes viruses are generally divided into two types, type 1 and type 2 genital herpes, mainly caused by type 2 herpes virus. The best approach for type 2 herpes virus is to use blister fluid for PCR testing of DNA. If testing is not possible, you can also consider blood tests for herpes virus antibodies. If the IGM for type 2 herpes virus is positive, then consider it a current symptomatic infection. If the IGM is negative, but HCG is positive, then consider this herpes as a past infection.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

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How long is the incubation period for genital herpes?

The incubation period of genital herpes generally ranges from 2 to 14 days, with an average of 3 to 5 days, meaning that patients might not exhibit any symptoms during the incubation period. After this period, erythema can appear around the external genitalia, followed by the development of papules, vesicles, erosions, ulcers, and crusts, which may be accompanied by pain, burning sensations, and itching. The local lymph nodes may swell, and some patients may experience headaches, fever, and fatigue as systemic symptoms.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

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How to completely cure genital herpes virus?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital mucous membranes and perianal skin by the herpes simplex virus. Currently, there are no drugs or methods in clinical practice that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus, so the genital herpes virus cannot be completely killed, and genital herpes cannot be completely cured.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

40sec

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Can the genital herpes virus appear in the mouth?

Genital herpes virus refers to the herpes simplex virus, which is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 virus mainly causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes outside the genital and anal regions, but infections can also be caused by Type 2 virus. Type 2 virus primarily causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and anal area, although a minority of cases can also be caused by Type 1 virus. When herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2 infects the mouth, it can lead to herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpetic pharyngitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

30sec

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Can traditional Chinese medicine eradicate genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and reproductive organs and the perianal skin and mucosa with the herpes simplex virus. Currently, in clinical practice, neither Chinese nor Western medicine has a drug that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus. Therefore, Chinese medicine cannot completely cure genital herpes, nor can Western medicine.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

38sec

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How long will it take for genital herpes to heal after taking medication?

Genital herpes is categorized into primary genital herpes and recurrent genital herpes. Primary genital herpes refers to the first infection of the herpes simplex virus, with a treatment duration generally ranging from two to three weeks, after which symptoms disappear. Recurrent genital herpes refers to the recurrence of the condition after the primary infection lesions have subsided. Treatment typically leads to the disappearance of symptoms within seven to ten days. However, it should be emphasized that genital herpes cannot be completely cured, hence it is recurrent.