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Anal Herpes Symptoms

A genital herpes infection can lead to herpes blisters in other areas close to the genitals, including the thighs and anus. Anal infection of herpes may lead to complications like HSV proctitis.

  1. Symptoms

    • Herpes causes a red rash along with blisters that crust over once they have broken open; in anal infection, these may occur on the anus, buttocks or thighs. Before an outbreak, a burning, itching or tingling sensation (called prodrome) is felt in the area, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Transmission

    • Having anal sex with an infected person is the most common way to develop herpes on or around the anus.

    Complications

    • Anal herpes can lead to HSV proctitis, which causes inflammation of the anus and rectum. Other effects and symptoms include trouble urinating, pain in the rectum, ulcerations and bloody feces or feces with pus and mucous.

    Treatment

    • Genital herpes, including that which affects the anal and surrounding areas, is treated with antiviral drugs including acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir.

    Recurring Outbreaks

    • People who have frequent outbreaks may be put on daily suppressive therapy, in which an antiviral medication is taken every day to reduce the number of outbreaks. This treatment may also reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to another person.

    Prevention

    • The use of condoms and avoiding sex during outbreak can reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to another virus. However, it is possible to transmit the virus even when using condoms and in the absence of an outbreak.

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