Herpes

What is Herpes?

Genital herpes infection is acquired through sexual contact. Infections may range from completely asymptomatic to mild with local irritation, to severe with multiple ulcerations. Tingling and burning may occur before the lesions become visible. A patient may complain of pain radiating to the back, hips or thighs. Herpetic lesions look like small blisters, scabs and/or ulcerations and can be painful. One can experience headache, generalized aching, fever and even burning upon urination. These symptoms occur more frequently with initial infection. Recurrent infections is often more distressing to the patient because of the annoyance, shame, and frustration associated with herpes infection.

How are Herpes treated?

There are antiviral medications which suppress recurrent genital herpes infections and treat acute infections. Many antiviral drugs decrease viral shedding and shorten the healing time. Patients who are immunosuppressed can have atypical herpes virus infections and need higher doses of antiviral medication.

Patient Testimonial

"Dr. Bellman is a really great doctor. She knows very much what she is doing and has always given me the right diagnosis. She does excellent body examinations herself unlike other doctors that use a machine or only see you for 5 mins. Her office staff is friendly and helpful. I would not change Dr. Bellman for any other dermatologist and she is very well recommended by myself and all my friends that have gone to see her."