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Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)

Alternative Names

Herpes - genital; Herpes simplex - genital; Herpesvirus 2; HSV-2

What is Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of genital herpes include:

Tingling
Itching
Redness

These are usually followed by one or more of the following:

Localised chafing
A distinct rash
Small cracks in the skin
Tiny sores
Blisters that burst and become painful ulcers

Possible complications

Genital herpes infections usually don't cause serious health problems in healthy adults. In some people whose immune systems do not work properly, however, genital herpes outbreaks can be unusually severe and long lasting.

Eyes

Occasionally, people with normal immune systems can get herpes infection of the eye, called ocular herpes. Ocular herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 but sometimes by HSV-2. It can occasionally result in serious eye disease, including blindness.

Pregnancy and Babies

A woman who has genital herpes and is pregnant can pass the infection to her baby. A baby born with herpes might die or have serious brain, skin, or eye problems. A pregnant woman who has herpes, or whose sex partner has herpes, should discuss the situation with her healthcare provider. Together, they can make a plan to reduce her or her baby’s risk of getting infected. Babies who are born with herpes do better if the disease is diagnosed and treated early.

HIV

Genital herpes, like other genital diseases that cause sores, is an important factor in the spread of HIV infection. A person infected with herpes may have a greater risk of getting HIV. This may be due to the open sores caused by the herpes infection or by other factors in the immune system. In addition, HIV-positive people may be more contagious for herpes.

What causes

There are two types of herpes simplex virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both types are related to the family of viruses that cause chicken pox and shingles. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes.

"Oral herpes" causes sores and blisters on the lips and gums and in the mouth—typically referred to as cold sores. Oral herpes is very common and can be spread by kissing or oral sex. It is usually caused by HSV-1.

"Genital herpes" causes sores in the genital area. The sores it causes often are painful and sometimes itchy. Genital herpes can cause serious health problems in infants who become infected by their mothers during delivery and in people whose immune systems are weakened. Genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2; it is most often caused by HSV-2.

Prevention

Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infections from developing.
Avoid touching sores, and wash hands after contact with sores.
Avoid sexual contact until sores are completely healed (that is, scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesions).