How is genital herpes tested?

Written by Luo Hong

Dermatology Department

Updated on September 05, 2024

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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

34sec

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What medicine is good for genital herpes?

For topical treatment of genital herpes, clinicians generally use antiviral medications such as acyclovir ointment, penciclovir cream, sodium phosphonoformate ointment, interferon ointment, and so on. If there is a concurrent bacterial infection, ointments like erythromycin, fusidic acid cream, and mupirocin ointment can be used in combination. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine ointments that detoxify and dry dampness, such as borax and zinc oxide menthol ointment, can also be used.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

1min

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Genital herpes is what kind of situation?

Genital herpes is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus and is classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It primarily occurs after sexual contact, although infection can also happen through contact with contaminated towels or bed sheets. Initially, small blisters appear on the external genitalia, accompanied by a burning sensation and pain. Once the disease manifests, it is contagious and can be transmitted to others through sexual contact. It is crucial to seek prompt treatment at a reputable hospital upon discovering this condition. Standard antiviral medications can cure it, but the virus cannot be completely eradicated once contracted. When immunity is low or after consuming spicy and irritating foods, the disease may recur in the genital area and become active again. Therefore, it is essential to avoid sexual contact during an outbreak to prevent repeated cross-infection.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

40sec

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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

39sec

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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.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 8sec

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Can genital herpes virus be cured completely?

Genital herpes virus, due to its residual virus, remains latently stored in the sacral ganglia. When the body's resistance decreases or some triggering factors are present, the latent virus can be reactivated and recur. Therefore, genital herpes is difficult to completely cure. Genital herpes virus is a type of chronic, recurrent, hard-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 infecting the urogenital and perianal skin and mucous membranes. In the past 30 years, the incidence of this disease has been continuously rising. During treatment, patients need to rest, avoid alcohol, and excessive sexual activity. Sexual activity should be avoided when clinical symptoms occur. If genital herpes becomes active before delivery during pregnancy, a cesarean section should be performed. Treatment involves the use of topical antiviral drugs, and it is also important to prevent secondary bacterial infections.