Can people with genital herpes eat seafood?

Written by Zhai Yu Juan
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection. The transmission routes mainly include sexual contact, close living contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Clinically, genital herpes primarily presents as clusters of erythema and blisters on the external genitals, with local burning and stabbing sensations. Initial outbreaks of genital herpes may include significant systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. After diagnosing genital herpes, antiviral medications like acyclovir are the first choice. In terms of diet, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, pay attention to rest, and enhance immunity. Eating seafood is not a problem and does not affect the recovery and prognosis of genital herpes.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
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Can genital herpes be completely cured without recurrence?

Genital herpes is difficult to completely cure without recurrence because the virus from the previous herpes outbreak resides at the sacral nerve root. When resistance is low, typically during times such as drinking alcohol and staying up late, the herpes virus travels to the area served by the sacral nerve, such as the external genitals, buttocks, and perineal region, causing blisters. Therefore, it is very difficult to completely eliminate genital herpes so that it never recurs, but the likelihood of recurrence generally decreases significantly after five to six years. Therefore, what we need to do is mainly to enhance our immune function. We can use some medications to help boost immunity, and we should also try to drink less alcohol and get more sleep.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can the genital herpes virus appear in the mouth?

Genital herpes virus refers to the herpes simplex virus, which is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 virus mainly causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes outside the genital and anal regions, but infections can also be caused by Type 2 virus. Type 2 virus primarily causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and anal area, although a minority of cases can also be caused by Type 1 virus. When herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2 infects the mouth, it can lead to herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpetic pharyngitis.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
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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 Du Kun
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection, mainly by type 2 genital herpes virus. It commonly occurs in the genital area or the perineum. The skin lesions primarily appear as initial red papules, which rapidly develop into isolated or clustered vesicles, accompanied by secondary infections that can lead to pustules, erosions, crusts, and even ulcers. Clinically, the symptoms include varying degrees of itchiness or burning sensation. A minority of individuals may also experience swelling and tenderness of local lymph nodes, along with low fever, headache, or general symptoms.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
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Can genital herpes in women heal by itself?

Genital herpes has an intermittent onset because herpes cannot be said to be cured and never recurs. The herpes virus congregates at the sacral nerve roots in the human body. Therefore, when immunity is low, the virus travels along the sacral nerve root to the surface of the skin, causing damage in spots, commonly known as a recurrence of herpes. Thus, genital herpes does not heal on its own; it is merely in a quiescent phase of an outbreak. Therefore, genital herpes is generally harder to treat in females than in males because the female body has a cavity, and herpes inside the cavity may not be visible.