by Peter Garant -

Genital herpes in some people may never show symptoms, but for others, the symptoms become so severe that complications develop, especially if sores or herpes blisters appear in other areas of the body.

Cold sores on the lips, called “herpes labialis”, are normally mild and may be considered a mere nuisance. But if these become prolonged, frequent, or severe, the use of antiviral treatments is recommended.

Blisters on the hands and fingers can also occur and it is called “herpetic whitlow”. Since the hands can practically reach all parts of the body, it has the greatest capacity to spread the virus. To prevent such a disaster, the hands must be covered with plastic or rubber gloves.

There can be blisters on the anus, too. The infection is called “herpes proctitis”. This infection is usually more painful and more distressing than genital herpes.

The eyes, especially that of the newborn, is also susceptible to the herpes virus. The infection is called “herpes keratitis” or “ocular herpes”. When this happens, or even when you only feel a painful irritation in your eyes, consult the doctor immediately. If ignored, herpes keratitis could lead to blindness.

Women who experience genital herpes outbreaks may also have vaginal yeast infections, called “vulvovaginal dandidiasis”. There will be swelling, itching, and pain when the woman urinates or engages in a sexual activity. This is due to the presence of too many yeast organisms in the vagina. If you have vaginal yeast infections, it doesn’t mean that you also have genital herpes. The excess growth of yeast occurs for many reasons, such as when the woman is taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or when she is pregnant, or when she is wearing tight body-hugging clothes. Fortunately, with good hygiene, this type of infection disappears on its own.

Sometimes, the genital herpes virus can infect the cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues that surround the brain. This will result to meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is life-threatening especially when these occur: changes in vision, photophobia, drowsiness, bulging on the baby’s head, and seizures. Encephalitis happens when the brain becomes swollen. It is also a life-threatening complication and have similar symptoms to that of meningitis. It can also lead to coma.

Other internal organs, such as the joints, lungs, and liver, may suffer complications when a person has genital herpes. These complications occur in people with ineffective immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes or cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

To avoid complications, you must again recall that HSV survives in mucus and may affect any part of the body where mucus is found.


These sites about genital herpes and good health are both dedicated to help you find the best information available about genital herpes and other health issues.

by CD Mohatta

The experienced eyes of the doctor commonly diagnose genital herpes. Most of the doctors recognize the disease with clinical examination. To confirm the presence different tests are done. Many times the test reports indicate absence of herpes. They need to be repeated after some days. All the testing facility may not be available everywhere. You need to discuss with your doctor about the reliability of the test and identification of HSV1 or HSV2. The test reports may be misleading if sample is withdrawn from old crusted sores. The common tests that are done to find out the presence of herpes are as below.

Viral Culture-

The common test to confirm the presence of herpes is culture test. In culture test, a small sample of fluid or cells is taken from the suspected sore with a swab. This sample is sent for testing. Many times, the results may be negative but you may be having genital herpes. This test is therefore repeated after some time. The test reports of rapid viral test can take 2 to 3 days while that of standard culture may take up to two weeks.

Herpes virus antigen detection test- In this test, cells that are taken from the sore are viewed under a microscope,. The presence of herpes antigens confirms the presence of herpes infection. The results o9f this tests are reported in a day.

PCR- this test is done on cells or sores. In this test the DNA of herpes virus is detected. This test can identify between the two types of Viruses- HSV1 and HSV2. PCR results are reported within three days.

Blood test-

In blood test, blood is drawn either by a needle or with a pinprick. This blood is tested for the presence of herpes virus. Some tests can identify between HSV1 and HSV2. A blood test can only tell you about the presence of virus in your body. It cannot tell you if you have an active breakout.

Commonly blood is tested for the presence of anti bodies of herpes virus. Your doctor will inform you about the reliability of the blood test he/she has performed, because many varieties of blood test options are available. Antibody test results are reported within two days.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.


The author CD Mohatta writes on skin care, diseases, treatments, STDs, etc at doctorgoodskin. He also writes text for myspace graphics and myspace comments.

Labels: genital herpes, viral

by Cd Mohatta

Symptoms of Genital Herpes- Know More To Save Yourself

Many people who contract genital herpes may not show any symptoms. Some may show mild symptoms that are taken as something else, while others may get severe problems.

Genital herpes occurs in episodes. When you contract the virus, the virus travels to the nerve centers near the spinal cord. It travels back from there to the genital area and breaks out from time to time.

First Episode-

The first episode begins within a fortnight of contact. Some people get severe symptoms of herpes in this episode while others may get very mild symptoms of herpes during the first episode. The main symptom is appearance of lesions. You may see blisters filled with fluid or ulcers. The blisters rupture in to ulcers in few days and crust and heal within a month. The common areas are: on the vulva, penis, near anus, thighs, and inside vagina. Commonly women get more severe symptoms then men. If women get blisters in the vagina, cervix or urethra they may take it as something else. The symptoms of urethra may be treated as urinary tract infection. The symptoms of the vagina or cervix may be treated as yeast infection, if they are also accompanied by a discharge. If a woman repeatedly gets such symptoms, she should get herself checked for herpes. Blisters in the urethra of men may also be misdiagnosed by the patient. One should keep watch over any such symptoms after having unprotected sex.

Painful urination and headache may also occur during the first episode. Some patients also show flu-like symptoms during the first episode. Those who get mild symptoms may take them as insect bites, rashes, ringworm, etc. As these symptoms resolve soon, people are left unaware of the fact that they have herpes.

Recurring Episodes-

Most often the recurring episodes are far milder than the first episode. While some may have up to eight episodes in a year, others may have only one or two episodes. The recurrence depends upon the triggers of herpes. Certain factors trigger herpes. If you are careless about them you may get more recurrences.

In the next episodes, the symptoms of genital herpes may appear like: ingrown hair, insect bites, pimples, spots, etc. If blisters form, they crust over in few days and resolve. Most of the following episodes resolve much quickly than the first episode. Symptoms mimicking hemorrhoids may also appear on the anus. If you get repeated fissures or any other symptoms near or on the genitals, you should get screened for genital herpes. On average, a person having genital herpes from HSV2 may have three to four episodes of recurrence every year. Many times, despite the virus being active near the genitals, one may show no symptoms. But during this phase the person sheds the virus. That is called asymptomatic shedding.

Prodrome phase-

Prodrome is the early symptom that indicates that a disease attack is imminent. Many people feel some pain, tingling or itching before active onset of genital herpes. Within a day or two, lesions appear on the affected area. Once you recognize the prodrome, you should begin your medicines to reduce the intensity and duration of the attack.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.


The author CD Mohatta writes on skin care, diseases, treatments, STDs, etc at doctorgoodskin. He also writes text for myspace graphics and myspace comments.