Genital herpes

Last Updated: 2021-10-18

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: 1A94.0

Primary or secondary infection due to herpes simplex virus II (in 80-90% of cases) or HSV I (10-20%).

  • Vulvovaginitis herpetica
  • Cervicitis herpetica
  • Proctitis herpetica
  • Urethritis herpetica
  • Balanitis or balanoposthitis herpetica

Transmission through skin to skin contact, mostly sexual intercourse / oral sex.

Genital redness and swelling with (often grouped localised) herpetiform vesicles, erosions and haemorrhagic crusts, sometimes painful, often severe itching; reduced AZ, fever, restlessness, vomiting.

  • Clinical manifestion (exclude meningismus)
  • If needed:
    • PCR or microtrack
    • Biopsy is rarely helpful

  • Possible "peripartum" infection of the newborn in women
  • Secondary infection with bacteria or candida

  • Healing after 3-4 weeks
  • Recurrences occur mainly in the first year after initial infection, with males showing symptoms more frequently

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