Genital Herpes Flashcards
(16 cards)
What causes genital herpes?
Herpes simplex virus 2 mostly
Some HSV 1
Outline herpes infection
- viral infection
- initial infection is often asymptomatic
- virus becomes latent in sensory nerve ganglia
- trigeminal nerve - cold sores
- sacral nerve - genital herpes
What can herpes simplex virus cause?
- genital herpes - HSV2
- cold sores - HSV 1
- aphthous ulcers
- herpes keratitis
- hermetic whitlow
What is an aphthous ulcer?
Small painful oral sores in mouth
Management of aphthous ulcer
What is herpes keratitis?
Inflammation of the cornea in the eye
What is hermetic whitlow?
Painful skin lesion on a finger or thumb
Spread of herpes simplex virus
Direct contact wiht mucous membrane
Or viral shedding in mucous secretions
What is associated withi HSV 1?
Cold sores
+genital herpes
What is assocaited with HSV2?
Genital herpes
Presentation of genital herpes
- painful genital ulcers
- neuropathic type pain
- systemic flu like symptoms
- dysuria
- inguinal lymphadenopathy
- primary infection often more severe than recurrent episodes
Investigations of genital herpes -
- NAAT
- HSV serology if recurrent genital ulcers of unknown cause
Management of genital herpes
- oral aciclovir
- saline bathing
- paracetamol
- topical lidocaine 2% gel
- topical Vaseline
- loose clothing
- abstain when having symptoms
Management of primary genital herpes + pregnancy - contracted before 28 weeks
- aciclovir during initial infection
- AND prophylactic aciclovi from 36 weeks gestation
- C section recommended if symptoms present
- if asymptomatic at delivery, vaginal delivery okay - provided it is >6 weeks after initial infection
Management of primary genital herpes + pregnancy - contracted after 28 weeks
- aciclovir followed immediately by prophylactic aciclovir
- C section recommended
Management of known genital herpes before pregnancy
- Regular prophlatic aciclovir after 36 weeks gestation
- transmission to baby is low
