Getting to Know Herpes Closer

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a disease characterized by the appearance of red blisters filled with fluid on the skin. The cause of herpes is a virus. Herpes virus infections are typically marked by dry skin, blister sores, or open sores that are fluid-filled. Two common types of herpes viruses that affect humans are the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is divided into two types: HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type-1) and HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type-2).

Herpes cannot be completely cured, but its symptoms can be managed with proper treatment. The symptoms from each virus can vary, including:

1. Symptoms of HSV-1 or Oral Herpes Oral herpes causes symptoms around the mouth or face, including:

• Blisters around the mouth and lips.
• Blisters may also form elsewhere, such as the face, tongue, and other skin areas.
• Pain while eating.
• Swelling of lymph nodes.
• Sores or blisters usually last 2 to 3 weeks before healing.

2. Symptoms of HSV-2 or Genital Herpes In genital herpes, symptoms can develop in the genital area or nearby:

• Sores on the penis, around or inside the vagina, on the buttocks, or around the anus.
• Pain while urinating.
• Abnormal discharge in women.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Dry, itchy, and sore skin on the penis.
• Sores can last from 2 to 6 weeks after they appear.

3. Symptoms of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Some of the symptoms include:

• Rash on one side of the body, following the infected nerve.
• Pain, burning sensations, or sharp, stabbing feelings in the rash area.
• Blisters filled with fluid that itch and resemble chickenpox.
• Blisters will dry up and turn into scabs within a few days.
• Itching and numbness in the area where the rash occurs.
• Fever, headaches, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.
• Symptoms may subside after 14 to 28 days.

Herpes Transmission

Herpes can affect anyone across different age groups. However, the virus is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. Transmission can also occur through:

• Direct skin contact, including kissing or touching a rash.
• Unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors.
• Transmission from mother to baby during childbirth (neonatal herpes).

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a Dermatologist & Venereologist if you experience symptoms of herpes as described above, especially if a rash or blisters appear on the skin with an unknown cause. A checkup is necessary if the blisters appear on a child under 8 weeks old. Herpes virus infections in infants can develop quickly and lead to serious complications.

Herpes Treatment

Herpes treatment focuses on healing the blisters and preventing the spread of the virus. Although the scabs and blisters may heal on their own, treatment can reduce the potential for complications.

To alleviate pain caused by the virus, you can take the following actions:

• Take pain relievers.
• Bathe with warm water.
• Apply warm or cold compresses to the affected skin.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Keep the scabbed area dry and clean.

Doctors may also prescribe topical or oral medications to reduce herpes symptoms, such as:

1. Acyclovir
2. Famciclovir
3. Valacyclovir

dr. Novi Kusumaningrum, Sp.KK., M.D, Ph.D,FINSDV, FAADV

Anti Non Retro Virus (Herpes). (2023, November 8). Yankes Kemkes. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from yankes.kemkes.go.id