What is the best way to treat primary genital herpes?

The main treatment is antiviral treatment. The purpose of treatment is mainly to relieve symptoms, reduce pain, shorten the course of the disease and prevent secondary infection. Current treatments are still unable to completely eliminate the virus and prevent recurrences.

1. General treatment (1) Mainly keep the area clean and dry. It can be washed with isotonic saline every day. Those who suffer from pain can take oral painkillers and provide mental comfort.

(2) For patients with concurrent bacterial infection, antibiotic ointment can be applied externally.

(3) For those with obvious local pain, 5% lidocaine hydrochloride ointment can be applied externally or oral analgesics can be taken.

(4) Psychological support: explaining the nature of the disease, the causes of relapse, and how to treat and deal with it, so as to enhance confidence in fighting the disease.

2. Antiviral treatment Recommended treatment options include: acyclovir, oral, 5 times a day; or acyclovir, oral, 3 times a day; or valacyclovir, oral, 2 times a day; or famciclovir, oral, 3 times a day. If it is a new onset of genital herpes, the course of treatment is 7 to 10 days; for recurrent genital herpes, the course of treatment is 5 days. Those with frequent relapses may need to take a lower dose for a longer period of time.

1. Primary genital herpes Primary genital herpes is divided into primary genital herpes and non-primary primary genital herpes. The former is the first time that HSV is infected and the symptoms appear are primary genital herpes. His condition is relatively serious. Some patients who have had HSV-1 infection in the past (mainly oral or facial herpes) are reinfected with HSV-2 and experience a first attack of genital herpes. This is non-primary initial genital herpes and the condition is relatively mild. (1) The incubation period is 3 to 14 days. (2) There are clusters or scattered small blisters around the external genitalia or anus, which will break open after 2 to 4 days to form erosions or ulcers, causing pain. (3) Inguinal lymph nodes are often swollen and tender. (4) Patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. (5) The course of disease is 2 to 3 weeks.

2. Recurrent genital herpes: After the primary skin lesions subside, the rash recurs. Recurrent genital herpes has milder systemic symptoms and skin lesions than primary herpes, and the course of the disease is shorter. (1) There is a local burning sensation, tingling sensation or abnormal sensation before the rash appears. (2) Clusters of small blisters appear around the external genitalia or anus, which quickly rupture to form erosions or shallow ulcers, with relatively mild symptoms. (3) The course of disease is 7 to 10 days.