Your dermatologist is your partner for diagnosing, treating, and managing any condition that affects the skin — and that includes herpes. While you may feel uncomfortable discussing anything wrong with your private parts at first, the fact is that herpes is actually quite common.
More than half a million new cases of genital herpes are diagnosed each year, and 12% of the adult population in the U.S. lives with the disease. The condition is highly contagious and is spread through skin-to-skin contact with herpes lesions.
We never want you to feel nervous talking about this or any other condition with our providers. Before you start the conversation, here are a few things that may empower you prior to your appointment.
Types of Herpes
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes: HSV-1, which is transmitted through oral-to-oral contact, and HSV-2, a sexually transmitted infection which leads to herpes in the genitals as well. (Note that if you participate in oral sex, HSV-1 can lead to genital herpes as well.)
HSV-1 causes cold sores, also known as fever blisters, which are fluid-filled blisters that develop on the edges of your lips. Genital herpes is marked by small sores on your genitals which may be itchy and painful. These can also eventually develop into ulcers and scabs. Both forms of herpes can go through periods of dormancy and flare-ups, so you may believe you are cured when that is not the case, making it possible to pass herpes along to others.
Talking to Your Dermatologist About Herpes
If you think you could have herpes, it’s important to let our office know at the time of arranging your appointment. That way, we can schedule your visit promptly and assess the sores while they’re active, as well as provide prompt treatment to help you feel more comfortable again. While scheduling, be sure to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing in as much detail as possible.
During your appointment, our providers will ask some questions about your symptoms. This may include when they first developed, whether they’re causing discomfort, and whether you’ve ever had them before. Remember that we’re here to help, and our office is a completely judgment-free zone. Our job is to diagnose and treat skin conditions, and patient privacy is an utmost priority among our staff.
Dermatologists can often diagnose herpes by looking at the sores during an active outbreak. To confirm the diagnosis, they can also take a swab from a sore and send the culture to a lab for testing.
While there is currently no cure for HSV, the good news is that there are treatments available to alleviate symptoms and shorten outbreaks. Treatment goals also include reducing the frequency of outbreaks and therefore minimizing the risk of passing HSV onto others. Antiviral medications, in the form of creams, pills or shots, are available to treat both types of HSV.
If you think you could have herpes, contact our office today and allow our caring, award-winning professionals to help you find a treatment plan that meets your needs. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 404-355-5484.
