Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. This condition is one of the sexually transmitted diseases and often results in painful blisters. The herpetic sores may break to release the fluid inside.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, provides advanced skin care treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Signs of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is usually self-diagnosable from the following symptoms:
- Pain in the vagina or penis
- Itching sensation, skin rash, and small sores in the genital or anal area
- Pins and needles or tingling sensation
- Formation of scabs and ulcers that begin to ooze liquid
- Pain during urination
Dermatologists can diagnose genital herpes by a thorough examination that includes taking a swab to perform laboratory tests. The diagnosis is confirmed if the tests reveal the presence of the herpes simplex virus.
Treatment of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a lifelong dermatology infection which cannot be cured but self-care can ensure healing of the sores. Some medications can provide relief from the symptoms and prevent the passing of infection to an uninfected sexual partner.
Self-Care Tips for Genital Herpes
If you experience a flare-up of the genital herpes symptoms, here are the measures recommended for self-care:
- Keep the sores dry and clean at all times
- Wear cotton underwear that is loose-fitting
- Take bath with Epsom salts, soaking for around 20 minutes to ensure the sores get cleansed and feel less tender. This can also soothe the pain and reduce itchiness in the area.
- Apply cold compress to painful sores by wrapping ice in a cloth and placing over the affected sores.
Medication for Genital Herpes
For patients with a weak immune system, dermatologists usually prescribe antiviral medicines such as Acyclovir, Penciclovir, Famciclovir, or Valacyclovir to deal with genital herpes. This is to help in healing of the sores because the immune system is unable to cope by itself.
Medication must be taken until complete healing of the sores. If oral medication does not work, the doctor may administer acyclovir intravenously in severe infections.
A daily dose of the antiviral medication is recommended for persons who experience a flare-up of the symptoms six or more times in a year. Studies show that taking daily medication can reduce the frequency of the outbreak by close to 80 percent.
Medication for the Uninfected Partner
A patient infected by genital herpes can easily pass on the virus to their partner through sexual intercourse. To reduce this risk, doctors recommend that such patients avoid having sex when they have sores. At times when there are no sores, they must wear a condom to protect their partner from catching the virus.
If a patient takes antiviral medication daily, it also reduces the risk of their sexual partner getting infected by the genital herpes virus. Some patients find that sun bath, fatigue, skin friction, and stress can trigger a flare-up of the sores. Avoiding these conditions can reduce the frequency of the outbreaks.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care procedures.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
