Genital Herpes

Patients suffering from genital herpes can remain asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms which are unnoticeable. When symptoms do appear, they typically include painful fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth that break open, leaving tender ulcers that may take 2-4 weeks to heal. The first or initial outbreak is often the most severe and can be accompanied by symptoms including fever, body aches, and headache.

After this initial infection, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells, and causes recurrent outbreaks when triggered. These subsequent attacks are usually shorter and not as severe than the initial outbreak.  The trigger factors for these recurrent outbreaks include stress, illness, fatigue, hormonal changes, and weakened immune.

TREATMENT

Dr Weightman can provide antiviral medications which can effectively manage genital herpes. These include Aciclovir (Zovirax), Valaciclovir (Valtrex) and Famciclovir (Famvir).  Aciclovir was the first antiviral developed for herpes. It works by interfering with viral DNA synthesis, preventing the virus from replicating. Valaciclovir is a prodrug that converts to aciclovir in the body but offers better absorption and less frequent dosing. Famciclovir (Famvir) also works in the same way as aciclovir and valaciclovir.

These medications can be prescribed to treat the outbreaks when they occur, reduce the outbreak frequency and viral shedding and reduce transmission risk to partners.

Although not specifically indicated for genital herpes treatment, Instillagel is a sterile lubricating gel containing lidocaine (local anaesthetic) and chlorhexidine (antiseptic). It can sometimes provide temporary pain relief associated with herpes lesions, but it does not treat the viral infection itself.