Genital herpes
Herpes; genital; virus; type 2 ;
Contents
There are two main types of Herpes Simplex virus (HSV).
- HSV type 1 mostly causes sores (cold sores) around the mouth, but can also cause sores inside the mouth and on other parts of the body.
- Herpes virus (HSV) type 2 causes most genital herpes (sores around the genital area).
Note: The virus that causes chicken pox and shingles is also a herpes virus (herpes zoster virus), but cold sores cannot cause chicken pox or shingles, nor can chicken pox or shingles cause cold sores or genital herpes.
- Genital infections with herpes simplex virus mostly happen in adolescents and young adults when they become sexually active.
- Once people have a herpes infection, the virus is in their body for the rest of their life, but for many people this does not cause any ongoing problems.
- Spread of the infection can happen during sexual activities (with oral, anal and vaginal sex).
- About 80 percent of genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex type 2, while about 20 percent is caused by herpes simplex type 1. There is no way to tell these apart without special tests and the treatment is the same for both.
- Many people who find out from a blood test that they have herpes type 2 do not know they have had genital herpes, because many infections do not cause any symptoms.
- The first time of having genital herpes is usually the worst. Many people (at least 50 percent) do not get it ever again and for those who do, the sores are usually milder and don't last as long.
- If it comes back, the sores are usually in the same place as the first time or near there, such as on the buttocks or upper thighs.
- Many people are very distressed when they find out they have genital herpes. Genital herpes are only 'cold sores' in the genital area. They are not a serious illness. They should not be regarded as a serious barrier to sexual and other loving relationships.
Important Note: any child who has herpes around the genital areas or the bottom may have been sexually abused.
How long does it take to develop?
Genital herpes usually takes 2 to 12 days (average 6 days) to develop after contact.
Signs and symptoms of genital herpes
- Many people who have genital herpes do not have any symptoms of the infection.
- During the first infection the sores can be very painful and there might be a lot of them.
- There may be some symptoms in the whole body such as fever, swollen glands and pain on passing urine.
- There will be sores which in women are usually in the vagina or on the outside genitals (vulva). In men the sores are usually on the penis or around the anus.
- The sores are the same as those of cold sores on other parts of the body. They start as blisters and then become ulcers which heal with a crust on them.
- The sores usually clear up in about 10 to 21 days.
- If people get genital herpes again the sores will usually be less painful, with fewer sores which will probably last for a shorter time.
- Health problems from genital herpes include the sores becoming infected with other germs (bacteria), spreading to nearby parts of the body, and difficulty and pain with passing urine.
- Keep the sores as clean and dry as possible. Salt baths may help (2 teaspoons of salt in each litre of water), dry the area with tissues, use Betadine** and try to get air to the ulcers (eg from a warm hair dryer).
- Pain reliever mediation such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be a help.
- The infection is most likely to be passed on when there are unhealed sores, so avoiding sexual intercourse may protect the partner, but herpes can sometimes be passed on when there are no obvious sores.
- If the sores get infected they may need antibiotic treatment.
- Medicine such as Acyclovir** may help if the outbreak is very bad or to prevent herpes coming back. This is only available with a doctor's prescription.
- When herpes is just starting to come back there may be an itchy or 'sensitive' feeling.
- If ice is applied to the area for about an hour this might prevent the blister forming (wrap the ice in a clean dry cloth).
- It is very worthwhile to discuss the problem with a doctor or health worker who has special knowledge (eg at a Sexually Transmitted Diseases clinic).
**Any products referred to in our health topics are usually well-known brands readily available in Australia. The brand names are given as examples only, and do not necessarily represent the best products, nor the full range of effective products on the market.
Preventing the spread of genital herpes
- Sex of any kind (oral, genital or anal) should be avoided when there are active sores.
- Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital herpes, and vice versa, so oral sex (including kissing) should also be avoided when there are sores on the mouth or genitals.
- Safe sex including condoms is important, but condoms only work if the condom covers the sores so the sores do not touch the skin of the other person.
- The highest risk for infection is in people who have sex with a lot of different people.
- While herpes is most infectious when there are sores it can be spread at other times. Sometimes people may not know they have a sore (especially when it is on the cervix because it is inside the body and can't be seen). Spread can also take place when there are no active sores. Avoiding sexual activity only when the person knows that there are sores will prevent most of the spread but may not prevent all spread.
- The regular partner of someone with genital herpes will usually have been infected even if that person does not and has not had any obvious lesions. However safe sex practices, especially during an acute infection, are generally recommended. It is advisable for both partners to discuss the situation with an experienced health worker.
- When active herpes sores are present in the genital areas there is a small risk of spread of herpes to the infant at birth. If a newborn baby gets herpes the illness can be very severe, and it is often fatal.
- It is very important to tell your doctor that you have had genital herpes if you are pregnant.
- A caesarean birth may be recommended to protect the baby.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services South Australia 'Genital herpes'
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/Genital%20Herpes.pdf
Department of Health South Australia Communicable Diseases section 'Genital herpes'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/herpes-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
SHine SA - Sexual Health information, networking and education South Australia
'Sexually transmitted infections'
Pamphlets 'Herpes' and 'Herpes treatment using natural therapies'
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.