Diagnosis and Teatment of Genital Herpes

Besides observing visible sores or lesions, a health care provider may use laboratory tests to check for the virus. A sample from a lesion can be tested. Blood tests can also be done. However, the tests do not always identify the virus, even though it is present.

There is no cure for genital herpes. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body and there is a chance that you will have outbreaks. But medicine can shorten and prevent outbreaks.

Genital herpes is usually treated with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. Acyclovir can be taken the first time you get herpes and during later outbreaks of the virus. Other drugs can be used for later outbreaks. If taken within 24 hours after symptoms begin, acyclovir makes the herpes outbreaks shorter and less severe. People who have many outbreaks can also take oral acyclovir daily for up to one year. This can help keep the virus in an inactive state and prevent most outbreaks. But acyclovir does not cure genital herpes.

Here are some tips for active herpes outbreaks. These steps can speed healing and prevent spreading the infection to other sites of the body or to other people.

• Keep the infected area clean and dry.
• Try to avoid touching the sores.
• Wash hands after contact.
• Avoid sexual contact from the time the symptoms are first recognized until the sores have healed.