DEAR DR. GOTT: My 60-year-old friend seems to suffer from frequent herpes-simplex-virus outbreaks on her buttock. She uses hydrogen peroxide and covers the sore with a bandage. Is she supposed to cover the area? Is there a medication she can apply to shorten the duration and repetition of bouts? Is there any food she should avoid to prevent attacks? Please illuminate me on this problem.
DEAR READER: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that includes sores, pain and itching of the buttocks, inner thighs and around the genital area. It results from a type of herpes simplex virus that enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. The virus is spread primarily through unprotected sexual contact. Illness, stress, fatigue, friction and more can induce outbreaks.
Contrary to common belief, the virus dies quickly outside the body, so it is almost impossible to acquire through direct contact with toilet seats or other objects used by an infected person.
Genital herpes can increase the risk of contracting (and transmitting) other sexually transmitted diseases, bladder retention, proctitis in men and more.
Your friend should make an appointment with her gynecologist to have her blood tested for HSV antibodies, a viral culture and possibly a polymerase chain reaction to determine the specific type of HSV she has. While there is no cure for genital herpes, she should receive treatment with antiviral medications that will reduce the frequency and severity of her outbreaks.
She should immediately advise her partner without making any accusations as to who infected whom. They both should become better educated and take appropriate precautions by learning different methods to minimize future infection. They should learn different treatment options and avoid intercourse during the most contagious periods, which occur when either partner has an outbreak of genital herpes. There should be no embarrassment. Her gynecologist is appropriately trained and should treat the issue in a professional manner.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box l67, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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