Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Genital Herpes

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Insight:

• Sexual contact is the primary way that HSV spreads.
• After the initial infection, HSV lies dormant in the body and can reactivate several times a year.
• GSV can cause pain, itching, and sores in the genital area.
• There's no cure for GSV, but medications can ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting others.
• Condoms also can help prevent the spread of a GSV infection.
• Symptoms include pain or itching, small red bumps, or tiny white blisters, ulcers, and scabs.
• Causes may include HSV-1 and HSV-2.
• Risk factors may include being a woman and having multiple partners.
• Treatments include acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Sources:

• Genital herpes - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• genital herpes images - Google Search