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

36sec

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How long is the incubation period for genital herpes?

The incubation period of genital herpes generally ranges from 2 to 14 days, with an average of 3 to 5 days, meaning that patients might not exhibit any symptoms during the incubation period. After this period, erythema can appear around the external genitalia, followed by the development of papules, vesicles, erosions, ulcers, and crusts, which may be accompanied by pain, burning sensations, and itching. The local lymph nodes may swell, and some patients may experience headaches, fever, and fatigue as systemic symptoms.

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Written by Luo Hong

Dermatology Department

45sec

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Is blood testing for genital herpes accurate?

Genital herpes testing, blood tests generally reflect antibodies, which have a certain window period. If genital herpes has just occurred, and blisters have just formed, it is very possible that the antibodies are still negative, but the disease has already manifested. Or, the genital herpes may have healed, but the antibodies are positive. Therefore, blood tests can generally only diagnose past infections and are not very accurate for current infections. Thus, the best method for testing genital herpes is to collect blister fluid for DNA testing using PCR methods when blisters are present. This approach is the most accurate, while blood tests can only serve as a reference.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

29sec

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How is AIDS combined with genital herpes diagnosed and treated?

The treatment of AIDS combined with genital herpes requires the management under experienced infectious disease specialists and dermatologists. For AIDS, systematic and standardized antiretroviral therapy is necessary, involving a combination of three or more potent antiretroviral drugs. For genital herpes, antiviral drugs can be selected when necessary, and treatment should be tailored according to the actual situation. Through active management, most conditions can be well controlled.

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Written by Du Kun

Dermatology

47sec

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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

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.