What are the transmission routes of genital herpes?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on November 15, 2024
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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.

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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Genital herpes appears in what location?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital skin and mucosa with herpes simplex virus. It primarily affects the genitals and perineal area. In males, it commonly occurs on the foreskin, glans penis, and coronal sulcus. In females, it is often seen on the labia majora, labia minora, vaginal opening, and cervical opening. Less commonly, it can also affect areas around the anus, buttocks, and groin.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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
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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Genital herpes is what?

Genital herpes is a disease caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus type 2, which is a type of sexually transmitted disease. It is mostly transmitted through direct sexual contact. Initially, small blisters appear on the genital area, which can cause burning or pain. Most patients will gradually recover on their own within about a week, and can also recover quickly with oral antiviral medication. However, the virus is not completely eliminated and once infected, it cannot be completely eradicated. The virus is carried for life. When one's immune system is weakened, there is a possibility of recurrence of the condition. Therefore, if such a disease occurs, it is essential to seek proper treatment and, during an outbreak, try to avoid sexual contact to prevent transmission to others.