What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Written by Du Kun
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
00:00
00:00

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection, mainly by type 2 genital herpes virus. It commonly occurs in the genital area or the perineum. The skin lesions primarily appear as initial red papules, which rapidly develop into isolated or clustered vesicles, accompanied by secondary infections that can lead to pustules, erosions, crusts, and even ulcers. Clinically, the symptoms include varying degrees of itchiness or burning sensation. A minority of individuals may also experience swelling and tenderness of local lymph nodes, along with low fever, headache, or general symptoms.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
1min 6sec home-news-image

What should I do if I get genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted disease. If you contract genital herpes, first and foremost, you should avoid sexual contact to prevent transmitting it to others. Secondly, it’s important to rest and eat a light diet. Try to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming particularly spicy foods, as these can also aid in recovery from the illness. Thirdly, treatment can include oral antiviral medications since genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, mainly type 2. Therefore, antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir should be taken. Additionally, topical antiviral treatments, such as acyclovir ointment and penciclovir cream, can be used. If the blisters rupture and secondary infection occurs, antibiotic ointments like mupirocin should be applied to prevent further aggravation of the infection.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

What does it mean when blisters appear on a man's reproductive organ?

Blisters in the male genital area are mostly genital herpes. This is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2 and is clinically a sexually transmitted disease. It is generally contracted through direct sexual contact. Once this disease occurs, it is generally not possible to completely eradicate it, and the virus will be carried for life. During an outbreak, antiviral medications can be used for treatment, such as taking oral acyclovir tablets and applying acyclovir ointment. Recovery generally takes about a week. However, recurrences can occur if immunity decreases or if one consumes spicy and irritating food. Some patients may trigger the disease with every sexual encounter, so it is essential to maintain proper dietary and lifestyle habits. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
30sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
25sec home-news-image

Can people with genital herpes get married?

Currently, there is no law in the country stating that individuals with genital herpes cannot get married. Therefore, people with genital herpes can marry. However, we strongly advise that patients should inform their prospective spouses about their condition truthfully and clearly, in order to gain their understanding and cooperation and to avoid potential problems in future marital life.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
36sec home-news-image

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.