Herpes, a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), comes in a few different forms. Herpes 2, also known as HSV-2, most often infects the genital area, although it can infect other areas of the body, and other types of herpes may infect the genital area as well. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 20 percent of all sexually active adults have herpes 2.
Infection
The herpes simplex 2 virus first infects a person when the virus enters the body through a mucus membrane, such as the vagina, mouth or eyes, or when it enters an open wound. Herpes 2 is considered a sexually transmitted disease, since it is often passed from one person to another during intercourse. After contracting herpes 2, some individuals will have a primary outbreak and then have milder outbreaks for the rest of their lives. According to the CDC, most people have four to five outbreaks the first year and decreasing amounts in subsequent years. Herpes type 2 can be spread even when a person is showing no symptoms, since the body sometimes sheds the virus asymptomatically.
Symptoms
Many people with herpes 2 don't show any symptoms at all. For those with symptoms, HSV-2 typically presents as genital herpes, which involves painful blisters that burst into open, oozing or bleeding lesions on the genital area, buttocks, anus and upper thighs. Other symptoms may include pain during urination, muscle aches, fever or itching. The symptoms tend to appear between twoand 20 days after infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Herpes 2 can also infect the mouth, typically as a result of oral sex, and will present there as painful blisters and open sores. Occasionally, HSV-2 will occur in other areas, such as the eye or finger, where it will also appear as fluid-filled blisters that evolve into sores. Symptoms generally go away within two to four weeks.
Prevention
To prevent infection with HSV-2 genitally, the Mayo Clinic recommends limiting sexual partners, using a latex condom during sex and avoiding sexual contact if your partner has a herpes outbreak anywhere on the body. To avoid infecting other areas, avoid kissing anyone with an active herpes outbreak and avoid touching open herpes sores, since cross transmission can occur to other areas of the body.
Treatment
Herpes is not curable, but the symptoms of an outbreak are treatable. Acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir are antiviral medications typically prescribed for shortening outbreaks and lessening their severity. They can be taken at the beginning of an outbreak or on a regular basis to try to prevent outbreaks. Taken regularly, they may also help reduce virus transmission to other people.
Complications
There are a few complications that can develop from an infection with herpes 2, but they are rare. In some cases, an inflammation of the brain called meningitis may occur. Herpes 2 also leads to an increased risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases. In men, herpes 2 can cause an inflamed rectum. Women may experience urine retention and may be at risk of passing herpes to their baby if an outbreak occurs during birth. This can be especially dangerous for the newborn, as it can cause blindness, brain damage or death.
