How to completely cure genital herpes virus?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 19, 2024

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Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital mucous membranes and perianal skin by the herpes simplex virus. Currently, there are no drugs or methods in clinical practice that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus, so the genital herpes virus cannot be completely killed, and genital herpes cannot be completely cured.

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Written by Luo Hong

Dermatology Department

34sec

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How is genital herpes tested?

Herpes viruses are generally divided into two types, type 1 and type 2 genital herpes, mainly caused by type 2 herpes virus. The best approach for type 2 herpes virus is to use blister fluid for PCR testing of DNA. If testing is not possible, you can also consider blood tests for herpes virus antibodies. If the IGM for type 2 herpes virus is positive, then consider it a current symptomatic infection. If the IGM is negative, but HCG is positive, then consider this herpes as a past infection.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

28sec

home-news-image

How to completely cure genital herpes virus?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital mucous membranes and perianal skin by the herpes simplex virus. Currently, there are no drugs or methods in clinical practice that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus, so the genital herpes virus cannot be completely killed, and genital herpes cannot be completely cured.

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Written by Wang Zhi Guo

Dermatology

50sec

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Is genital herpes incurable forever?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease characterized by its tendency to recur frequently. It often flares up when the body's resistance is low, during sleep deprivation, fatigue, or after drinking alcohol. Genital herpes is not incurable; it is generally treated with oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. Topical applications, like acyclovir cream or penciclovir gel, can also be used. Recovery generally takes about a week. For those who suffer from frequent recurrences, oral immunomodulatory drugs such as thymopentin or pidotimod can be taken. Additionally, it’s important to exercise, avoid alcohol, and enhance the body's resistance to potentially achieve gradual recovery.

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Written by Wang Zhi Guo

Dermatology

44sec

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Are genital herpes and shingles caused by the same virus?

Genital herpes and shingles are caused by different viruses. Genital herpes is an infection with the herpes simplex virus, most often type 2 and in rare cases type 1; the causative agent of shingles is the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox, hence the two viruses are completely different. Another important characteristic is that herpes simplex virus infections tend to recur, especially during periods of low immunity, fever, or fatigue, whereas varicella-zoster virus infection can provide lasting immunity, with most people experiencing it only once in their lifetime, and only a very few with low immunity experiencing it more than once.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

58sec

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What are the transmission routes of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, with the primary transmission route being sexual contact. However, some patients can also be infected through contact with contaminated clothing or through activities like bathing, swimming, or staying in hotels, although these methods have a relatively lower chance of transmission. Once infected with genital herpes, it generally persists for life and cannot be completely eradicated. Antiviral medications such as valacyclovir can be used during outbreaks, and topical acyclovir ointment can be applied locally. Regular exercise and consuming medications that enhance the immune system can help reduce the recurrence of this disease. If one frequently stays up late or consumes spicy and irritative food, the likelihood of recurrence increases. Moreover, this disease is highly contagious during outbreaks and can be transmitted to others through sexual contact.