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- Herpes is a disease caused by the herpesvirus. Genital herpes is predominantly caused by herpesvirus 2, but herpesvirus 1 (which usually manifests as cold sores on the lips) may cause it as well. Herpesvirus 2 is sexually transmitted. It can also infect fetuses and cause fetal abnormalities. Neonates are often infected at birth when passing through the vaginal canal. The first outbreak of herpes tends to be the worst. Once one has been infected, he or she tends to suffer recurring outbreaks on a regular basis (for example twice a year), with subsequent occurrences generally lessening in severity.
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- Small grouped blisters
- Blisters eventually crust
- Burning/stinging
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- Multiple tests can be done to
confirm:
- Tzanck smear
- Viral cultures
- ELISA
- Immunofluorescence tests
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- Acyclovir ointment
- Oral medications
- Acyclovir
- Famvir
- Valtrex
- Low dose oral Acyclovir is used to prevent recurrent attacks in individuals who get multiple outbreaks.
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- Birth defects
- Baby infected during delivery
- Encephalitis --
infection of the brain
- Herpetic whitlow -- infection spreads to fingers of health care workers who touch the lesions
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- Avoid sexual contact during an active outbreak. Unfortunately, sometimes those with herpes will have the virus without symptoms. Condoms also offer some protection from transmission, depending on the location of the outbreak.
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