The disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are six types, but two are especially common. In the first type, the face and lips are affected, a little less often - the body. In the second type, the genitourinary system (urogenital) is affected, it is it that causes herpes of the penis. In recent years, doctors agree that herpes began to mutate, is able to move from one to another. In other words, a virus of the first kind can cause cold sores on the penis, and herpes of the second kind can appear on any part of your body. However, such assumptions have not yet been proved.
Herpes on the penis - ways of infection
The second type of herpes received another name - genital. This is the most common disease of those transmitted through sexual contact. The virus is transmitted by contact with the carrier (sexual intercourse, oral or anal sex). The highest incidence rate is observed at the age of 20-30 years. Both a man and a woman can become infected. An increased risk of genital herpes disease occurs with a large number of sexual contacts, especially random ones. The possibility of domestic infection (the use of one towel, soap, etc.) cannot be ruled out. As a rule, the patient is infected only during an exacerbation. But precisely at this time, a very high degree of contagiousness. The incubation period is from two to three days to a week.
How does herpes appear on the penis? Genital herpes in men.
In men, as well as in women, herpes manifests itself in the form of a rash. The onset of the disease is acute. Herpes on the penis is usually localized on the head (less often in the perineum and scrotum). Small bubbles appear with a red border. Bubbles burst, leaving erosion in its place. Sometimes they can merge, forming wider lesions.
Similar phenomena are possible in the urethra (herpetic urethritis). Patients feel burning and pain. Morning discharge from the urethra is often noted . Perhaps an increase in inguinal lymph nodes and fever.
Does herpes on the penis require treatment ?
After one to two weeks, the symptoms disappear, but in a third of cases, herpes recurs. The impetus for relapse can be stress, malnutrition, decreased immunity, etc.
The infection itself does not affect other organs (herpetic epididymitis or prostatitis does not happen), however, chronic urogenital herpes can cause activation of saprophytic bacterial flora (E. coli, staphylococcus). And this in turn will cause bacterial urethritis, prostatitis, vesiculitis and epididyimorchitis. And the treatment in this case will be very long and complicated.
Therefore, treatment is better to start at the initial stage. The most effective drug for herpes (both the first and second types) is zovirax (or acyclovir). Available in the form of injections, tablets, ointments. However, its action is aimed not so much at treatment as at relief of the acute stage. Complex therapy, immunomodulating, is needed here. Other antiviral drugs used to treat genital herpes include famciclovir, acyclovir, foscarnet, valacyclovir. As you know, the herpes virus is much more likely to worsen in people with reduced immunity. It is better to consult an immunologist.
Prevention of the disease is to avoid infection. In other words, do not have sex with a partner you do not trust; refuse casual sexual relations (in a pinch, use condoms, although they cannot guarantee protection against infection, since the transmission routes can be through the hands, lips); if you suspect infection, contact your urologist.