Herpes Vulvovaginitis
Description
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-type 1 commonly causes oral lesions like fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes). HSV-type 2 typically affects the genital area (genital herpes). The HSV virus cannot be removed from the body once infected but remains dormant within the nerve cells. When a patient experiences emotional or physical stress the lesions of HSV can return.
Symptoms
Painful blisters in the vagina and vulva that recur periodically.
Tests
A history and physical will be performed. A culture of a blister or a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test can be done to establish the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment includes: antiviral treatment (acyclovir/Zovirax, famciclovir/Famvir), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
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