Herpes Prevention And Treatment

Do dermatologists treat the skin on genitalia?

Dermatologists are specially trained in the treatment of hair, skin, and nails. That includes the oral cavity, the genitalia, and all external areas that are visible. Certainly, we are all very well trained to treat genital areas and other areas that are visible to us. If there is an area that we can't see, we may refer you to another specialist that can do an internal examination.

What is 'herpes'?

Herpes is a viral infection of the skin. And Herpes has no cure, as a lot of viruses don't. There are two forms of Herpes there's the traditional oral labial Herpes that is commonly called cold sores, that over 90% of the population carries. Although many people carry the virus, some people never manifest the disease, meaning they never get a cold sore. On the other hand, there's genital Herpes that is sexually transmitted, and is very infectious. Those are caused by two different Herpes virus, Herpes type 1, and Herpes type 2.

What do herpes look and feel like?

Herpes often, whether it's on the lips or in the genital area, is a group of vesicles or blisters that are seen and often recur in the same spot. Often before a herpetic outbreak, one has a prodrome, meaning a sensation of tingling, burning, and a pain before the eruption occurs. And often times, the patient knows the eruption is coming before you can see it.

What can my doctor do about my herpes?

Herpes, often, is a self-limited disease. If you don't treat it, it will resolve on its own naturally as your own immune system fights it. It can last longer and be more painful without treatment. Your doctor can prescribe an anti-viral medication to take to help decrease the frequency of your herpes outbreaks and the length of the disease with each outbreak. Certainly, if you're getting numerous outbreaks a year, especially genital herpes, you should see your doctor to prescribe you a daily suppressive dose of anti-viral medication to help with those outbreaks.