What is genital herpes?
The genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by the herpes simplex virus, particularly HSV 2.
What is the clinical picture?
In most cases of genital herpes, both the primary infection and the recurrences are asymptomatic.
When there are symptoms, the primary infection manifests itself grouped in blisters, severe pain and ipsilateral lymphadenopathy.
Recurrences are similar injuries to primary infection, but on a smaller scale.
What is the course of the disease?
Genital herpes can recur and never be completely healed.
However the majority of infections are asymptomatic.
The recurrence rate is higher in patients who the first episode was sustained, regardless of whether antiviral therapy was administered.
How is the prevention of genital herpes performed?
• Patients should refrain from sexual activity when there are lesions.
• The use of condom is essential.
• Chronic suppressive therapy where needed.
• Correct patient information.
What is the treatment of genital herpes?
Treatment includes antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir etc. depending on whether there's a primary episode or a relapse.
Also in patients with recurrent episodes, suppressive therapy is given daily, which reduces the relapse rate by 75%.
