Anal Herpes Symptoms
One in 6 Americans aged 14 to 49 has genital herpes, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)14.This herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can involve the genitals, anal area, or both.Anal involvement with herpes most commonly affects people who engage in anal intercourse. However, involvement of this area may be due to spread from the genital region. CDC points out that most people with herpes have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. In those who experience symptoms, they are virtually identical in the genital and anal regions, with a few notable exceptions.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Herpes Rash
疱疹在ti肛门周围可能发生病变me of an initial HSV infection or during a subsequent flareup.The rash initially appears as tiny fluid-filled blisters arising from a reddened skin base. The blisters soon rupture leaving small open ulcers, which then crust over and heal. Left untreated, the rash typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, from outbreak to clearance. Because the anal region is not easily seen, many people may not realize they have an anal herpes rash.
- 疱疹在ti肛门周围可能发生病变me of an initial HSV infection or during a subsequent flareup.
- The rash initially appears as tiny fluid-filled blisters arising from a reddened skin base.
Pain and Other Sensations
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An anal herpes flareup is sometimes preceded by tingling, burning or shooting pain in the area around the anus where the rash will subsequently erupt.These sensations may occur hours to days before the skin rash appears.The herpes rash is painful. Anal lesions can be particularly uncomfortable due to friction from undergarments and clothing, and irritation of the skin related to bowel movements. An anal herpes rash can also become infected with bacteria, causing additional pain. Itchiness and burning can persist until the rash clears.
- An anal herpes flareup is sometimes preceded by tingling, burning or shooting pain in the area around the anus where the rash will subsequently erupt.
- Anal lesions can be particularly uncomfortable due to friction from undergarments and clothing, and irritation of the skin related to bowel movements.
Anal Drainage
People with anal herpes often have unseen lesions inside the anus and rectum.As with the external skin rash, these lesions start as blisters and become ulcers. Internal anal and rectual herpes lesions can lead to significant erosions due to mechanical trauma from passing stool and secondary infection caused by bacteria in stool. Inflammation of the rectum and anus, known medically as proctitis, often leads to drainage of bloody or pus-like fluid from the anus accompanied by a foul odor. Passage of stool in people with herpes-related proctitis is typically very painful.
- People with anal herpes often have unseen lesions inside the anus and rectum.
- Inflammation of the rectum and anus, known medically as proctitis, often leads to drainage of bloody or pus-like fluid from the anus accompanied by a foul odor.
Change in Bowel Habits
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Change in bowel habits is a frequently overlooked symptom of anal herpes. People with anal herpes may complain of constipation, diarrhea, abnormal stool consistency and foul odor.In people with longstanding anal herpes, weight loss can occur due to voluntary food restriction in an effort to avoid pain and other symptoms associated with bowel movements.
- Change in bowel habits is a frequently overlooked symptom of anal herpes.
- People with anal herpes may complain of constipation, diarrhea, abnormal stool consistency and foul odor.
Warnings and Precautions
寻求医疗保健尽快如果你认为you might have anal herpes. Antiviral medications can reduce the duration and severity of an outbreak, and ongoing treatment can reduce the frequency of recurrent episodes. CDC-recommended antiviral medicines for genital herpes include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir (Famvir). Medical evaluation and diagnosis are also important so you can be checked for other sexually transmitted infections34.
Reviewed by: Tina M. St. John, M.D.
- 寻求医疗保健尽快如果你认为you might have anal herpes.
- Medical evaluation and diagnosis are also important so you can be checked for other sexually transmitted infections 3.
Related Articles
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes CDC Fact Sheet
- Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery: Sexually Transmitted Proctides
- Diseases of the Colon and Rectum: Sexually Transmitted Infections as a Cause of Proctitis in Men Who Have Sex with Men
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines: Genital HSV Infections
- McQuillan G, Kruszon-Moran D, Flagg EW, Paulose-Ram R. Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in persons aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016. NCHS Data Brief. 2018;304.
- Tronstein E. Genital Shedding of Herpes Simplex Virus Among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Persons With HSV-2 Infection. JAMA. 2011;305(14):1441. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.420
- World Health Organization (WHO). Herpes simplex virus. Updated January 31, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed). Updated January 31, 2017
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet. Updated August 28, 2017.
- Chun H, Carpenter R, Macalino G, Crum-Cianflone NF. The role of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-1 progression: A comprehensive review of the literature. Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2012;2013(176459):1-15. doi:10.1155/2013/176459
- Heslop R, Roberts H, Flower D, Jordan V. Interventions for men and women with their first episode of genital herpes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Aug 30;(8):CD010684. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010684.pub2
- Jin F, Prestage GP, Mao L, Kippax SC, Pell CM, et al. Transmission of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in a prospective cohort of HIV-negative gay men: the health in men study. J Infect Dis. 2006 Sep 1;194(5):561-70.
- Schulte JM, Bellamy AR, Hook EW 3rd, Bernstein DI, Levin MJ, et al. HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence in the united states among asymptomatic women unaware of any herpes simplex virus infection (Herpevac Trial for Women). South Med J. 2014 Feb;107(2):79-84. doi:10.1097/SMJ.0000000000000062
Writer Bio
Heather Gloria began writing professionally in 1990. Her work has appeared in several professional and peer-reviewed publications including "Nutrition in Clinical Practice." Gloria earned both a Bachelor of Science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois. She also maintains the "registered dietitian" credential and her professional interests include therapeutic nutrition, preventive medicine and women's health.