Herpes

Alternative names:

genital herpes; herpes simplex - genital; herpes virus 2

Symptoms:

Pain, tingling, or itching in the genital area is usually the first symptoms of this disorder. This first stage of the illness begins two to seven days after exposure to the virus. During the next stage, sores appear. These small ulcers appear as painful, red bumps, and then change into water-filled blisters that eventually rupture. Yellow crusts form after the rupture and heal in seven to 10 days. Pain and tenderness in the groin area are common until the infection is over. During the primary outbreak, people often experience headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.

• Itching, burning or tingling sensations (primary)
• Painful blisters filled with fluid in the genital and/or rectal area
• Mild fever
• Groin lump (inguinal lymphadenopathy)
• Difficult or painful urination (dysuria)
• Urinary hesitancy
• Urinary frequency/urgency
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Incontinence
• Genital sores (male)
• Genital sores (female)

Signs and tests:

• Viral culture of lesion is positive for herpes simplex virus.
• Tzanck test of skin lesion is consistent with herpes virus (this test is rarely done).