Most of the time, genital herpes is a mild skin condition that can be managed very effectively. Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention.
See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a recurring oral herpes simplex virus infection. Painful, fluid-filled blisters may appear on the lips or under the nose. The blisters and fluid are highly contagious. The signs and symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may look like other conditions or medical problems.
Always consult your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. Since oral herpes can be confused with many other infections, including allergic reactions, a virus culture PCR , blood test or biopsy are the only ways to confirm your diagnosis.
However, your health care provider may also diagnose your condition based on the location and appearance of the blisters. Although the specific triggers that cause oral herpes to recur are unclear, several factors may play a role. These include:. While recurrent outbreaks are more common in the first year after the initial episode, they tend to lessen as the body builds antibodies to the virus. Taking antiviral oral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir these medications are traditionally the most effective.
Causes of Oral Herpes Oral herpesis spread most commonly from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. Oral Herpes Symptoms The initial primary infection of oral herpes is usually the worst. Genital herpes is common in the United States. More than one out of every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes.
You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease. If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:. You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected.
It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes. You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. If you have additional questions about how herpes is spread, consider discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:.
Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom. Also, herpes virus can be released shed from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.
If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:. If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, it is very important for you to go to prenatal care visits.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with, genital herpes. Also tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to genital herpes. There is some research that suggests that genital herpes infection may lead to miscarriage, or could make it more likely for you to deliver your baby too early. Herpes infection can be passed from you to your unborn child before birth but is more commonly passed to your infant during delivery.
This can lead to a potentially deadly infection in your baby called neonatal herpes. It is important that you avoid getting herpes during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have genital herpes, you may be offered anti-herpes medicine towards the end of your pregnancy. This medicine may reduce your risk of having signs or symptoms of genital herpes at the time of delivery. At the time of delivery, your doctor should carefully examine you for herpes sores. Most people who have genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms. You may not notice mild symptoms or you may mistake them for another skin condition, such as a pimple or ingrown hair.
Because of this, most people who have herpes do not know it. Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal.
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