NHS - GUM

WHAT IS GENITAL HERPES ? Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is also responsible for cold sores. Following infection, the virus lies dormant in the nerves and some people may experience further attacks. The herpes simplex virus is unique in that it tends to affect parts of the body where two different types of skin meet :- The angles of the mouth (cold sores) The genital area (genital sores) The rectum or anus (perianal sores) The eye (herpetic conjunctivitis) It is rare for the virus to affect parts of the body other than these.
HOW IS THE INFECTION SPREAD ? Infection is spread mainly through direct skin contact with an infected blister or sore :- Sexual intercourse with someone who has active genital herpes Oral-genital contact with someone who has active cold or genital sores Self infection may occur, --. the virus may be transferred to other parts of the body, such as the eye There is a risk of passing on the virus when no sores are present. Barrier methods such as the condom, give extra protection against herpes but are unreliable when sores are present. If you have sores, do not have sex until sores have healed.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A PRIMARY / FIRST INFECTION ? You may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, aches and pains in the lower back and down the leg or in the groin Small blisters then appear in the genital area. These quickly burst to leave tiny, red, punched out ulcers which are painful and tender. Several crops of blisters may appear one after the other. Passing urine may be painful if it comes into contact with the ulcers
HOW DO IT TREAT IT ? Your doctor may prescribe an oral antiviral drug. This treatment can lessen the symptoms and allow the condition to heal more quickly.
WHAT CAN I DO ? Take paracetamol or an equivalent painkiller if the pain is severe Apply ice-packs to the sores occasionally (iwrap ice-cubes in a piece of clean cloth) Keep the sores dry (do not overwash them as this may delay healing). Keeping them exposed to the air will help. Bathe the affected area in a salt solution (one teaspoon of salt to one pint of tepid water repeated two to four times a day) Add a handful of salt to the bathwater HOW TO AVOID SPREADING THE VIRUS Not kissing when you or your partner have cold sores Not having oral sex when you or your partner have cold sores or genital sores Not touching each other;s genital areas when you or your partner has genital sores Washing your hands with soap and water if you have touched your sores Not sharing towels or face flannels MINIMISING THE RISK OF FURTHER EPISODES Not everyone will have another infection after the first one. About half the people who have an initial infection do not have a second. There are, however, certain times when you might be more likely to get a recurrence :- When feeling run down or stressed When menstruating When other infections / illnesses are present When exposed to ultra-violet light There are measures that will not only help minimise the risk of further infections but also improve general quality of life :- Try to avoid worry and stress Get plenty of rest Eat a well balanced and healthy diet Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol Avoid direct sunlight on the affected area Take extra care around the menstrual period

More information on genital herpes is available from... Herpes Viruses Association www.herpes.org.uk Phone: 0845 123 2305

BEHÇET’S Most genital ulcers in the UK are caused by Herpes but it can be difficult to be certain sometimes. Behçets is an autoimmune condition - the body's immune system unfortunately attacks some areas of the body. It usually affects the genital skin and the oral area. Patients get large ulcers in these areas that can be difficult to treat. It is not sexually transmitted. You can find more information on BEHÇET’S SYNDROME by visiting the behcets-society website - CLICK HERE or contact them directly at the following address..... Behçet’s Syndrome Society 3 Church Close Lambourn HUNGERFORD Berks RG17 8PU Tel - 01488 71116 Email - info@behcets-society.fsnet.co.uk (Please put Behçet’s or BD in the message header or the email will be treated as junk mail and be deleted unread)
Please remember that using a condom offers good protection against all sexually transmitted infections, including the HIV virus. Any Questions? Please ask for a nurse on the following numbers: 01244 363089 (Health Advisers) 01244 363085/363086 Only during clinic times (please click here)

Herpes Simplex