Page 108 - LECTURE NOTES

the cervix, vagina and perianal skin where as in males, glans penis,

foreskin and penile shaft are the affected site.

¾ Mild symptoms like fever, muscle ache will occur 3 to 4 days after

appearance of lesion.
¾ Inguinal lymphadenopathy, high fever malaise, headache, myalgia and

dysuria are noted

¾ In female, a purulent discharge may develop from a secondary bacterial

infection

¾ Pain is evident during the first week and then decreases
¾ The lesion disappears in about 2 weeks unless they become secondarily

infected

¾ Other part of the body such as the buttocks, or upper thighs and even the

eyes can be involved.

Complication

Severe psychological stress related to the diagnosis of the disease.

Aseptic meningitis and other complication also include pyoderma, esophagitis,

transplacental fetal infection, and keratitis.

Management

There is no curative treatment, so the aim of treatment is to reduce pain and to

make patient comfort and decrease potential health risk.

1. Acyclovir is effective ally through the period of viral shedding. Pain,

crusting and other symptoms can be shortened and healing can be
hastened and also the treatment is effective in treating recurrence. Dose

200mg orally five times daily, or 400 mg three times daily or 500 mg twice

daily for 10 days

2. Acyclovir ointment can be applied on the area of lesion

Treatment does not cure the patient or prevent transmission of disease.

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