Herpes genitali
Also known as venereal herpes, herpes, herpes genitalia, genital herpes simplex (disorder), herpes genitalis, virus-genital herpes, genital herpes simplex
infection by herpes simplex virus (HSV) of the genitals
Key facts
- Other names
- Anogenital herpesviral infection, herpes genitalis
- Specialty
- Infectious disease
- Symptoms
- None, small blisters that break open to form painful ulcers , flu-like symptoms
- Complications
- Aseptic meningitis , increased risk of HIV/AIDS if exposed, neonatal herpes
- Usual onset
- 2–12 days after exposure
- Duration
- Up to 4 weeks (first outbreak)
- Causes
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2)
- Diagnostic method
- Testing lesions, blood tests for antigen
- Differential diagnosis
- Syphilis , chancroid , molluscum contagiosum , hidradenitis suppurativa
- Prevention
- Not having sex, using condoms , only having sex with someone who is not infected
- Treatment
- Antiviral medication