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Physical Symptoms of Herpes

Herpes is a viral disease caused by one of the herpes simplex viruses. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is primarily responsible for oral herpes, and HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes.

  1. Oral Herpes

    • Oral herpes typically causes superficial ulcers in the mouth and on the lips that look like cold sores. It may also cause acute gingivitis.

    Genital Herpes

    • Genital herpes typically manifests as a cluster of inflamed papules on and around the genitals that resemble cold sores. However, genital herpes is frequently asymptomatic, although it can still be transmitted between outbreaks.

    Similar Symptoms

    • Oral herpes produces ulcers with a vesicular stage, which allows it to be differentiated from similar conditions. Conditions such as urethritis and atopic dermatitis should be eliminated from consideration before making a diagnosis of genital herpes.

    Tests

    • Oral herpes is typically diagnosed clinically without laboratory testing. Genital herpes frequently requires that the diagnosis be confirmed with tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) tests.

    Treatment

    • Antiviral medications such as aciclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valaciclovir (Valtrex) are effective in reducing the duration, frequency and severity of herpes outbreaks.

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