Skip to main content
General Medicine

Herpes, Genital

Cecilia M. Kipnis, MD, FAAFP Reviewed 06/2020
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Chronic, recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2 infection of any area innervated by the sacral ganglia

  • HSV-1 causes anogenital and orolabial lesions.

  • HSV-2 causes anogenital ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Many patients are asymptomatic (74% of HSV-1 and 63% of HSV-2) or do not recognize clinical manifestations of disease (2).

  • If symptoms are present during primary episode, they are ofte...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Ice packs to perineum, sitz baths, topical anesthetics

  • Analgesics, NSAIDs

MEDICATION

Start antiviral medications within 72 hours of onset of symptoms (including prodrome). After...

ONGOING CARE

GENERAL PREVENTION

  • Use barrier contraception and avoid sexual contact when symptoms/lesions are present.

  • Abstinence is the only means of complete protection.

Patient Monitoring

Test for HIV a...

REFERENCES

1
LeGoff J, Péré H, Bélec L. Diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection in the clinical laboratory. Virol J.  2014;11:83.
2
Hofstetter AM, Rosenthal SL, Stanberry LR. Current thi...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Dhankani V, Kutz JN, Schiffer JT. Herpes simplex virus-2 genital tract shedding is not predictable over months or years in infected persons. PLoS Comput Biol.  2014;10(11):e100...

CODES

ICD10

  • A60.00 Herpesviral infection of urogenital system, unspecified

  • A60.04 Herpesviral vulvovaginitis

  • A60.09 Herpesviral infection of other urogenital tract

  • A60.01 Herpesviral infection of penis

  • A60...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Genital herpes is caused by HSV-1 and/or HSV-2.

  • Many seropositive individuals are unaware that they are infected.

  • Most primary episodes are asymptomatic.

  • Viral shedding occurs in the abse...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

START 10-DAY FREE TRIAL
Subscribe Now
GET CME/CE
Related Images
Left Arrow Button Right Arrow Button
Herpes simplex cervicitis.
Herpes simplex cervicitis.
Herpes simplex: retroauricular
Herpes simplex: retroauricular
HSV - culture-confirmed. Painful vesicles on the foot.
HSV - culture-confirmed. Painful vesicles on the foot.
Genital herpes - a soldier's discrete crusted vesicles grew HSV on culture
Genital herpes - a soldier's discrete crusted vesicles grew HSV on culture
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eruption, although vesicles may be seen at times (D). More severe cases [patient 3 (E), patient 4 (F, G), patient 5 (H)], with generalized eruptions, require intravenous therapy with acyclovir.
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eru...
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eruption, although vesicles may be seen at times (D). More severe cases [patient 3 (E), patient 4 (F, G), patient 5 (H)], with generalized eruptions, require intravenous therapy with acyclovir.
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eru...
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eruption, although vesicles may be seen at times (D). More severe cases [patient 3 (E), patient 4 (F, G), patient 5 (H)], with generalized eruptions, require intravenous therapy with acyclovir.
FIG. 6.2. Eczema herpeticum. Ulcers and excoriations, as in these two cases [patient 1 (A, B), patient 2 (C)], usually characterize the eru...
Herpes cervicitis.
Herpes cervicitis.
Orolabial herpes in a child. "Cold sore
Orolabial herpes in a child. "Cold sore
Herpes simplex eruption on the waist of an RN - present for a few days
Herpes simplex eruption on the waist of an RN - present for a few days
    ×
     
    ©2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

    Enter An Access Code

     
    We are unable to redeem your access code. Please try again another time.
    Enter the code from your copy of The 5-Minute Clinical Consult or another access code to create an account.
    ×
    ×
    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. | Accept