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Can Herpes Infection Be Completely Curable?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015
Question: Hi doctor. Does herpes ( hsv ) can be completely curable. I have severe burning in my Pennis and skin for past 6 months. Please help me out. I not have done the test . because wat test has to be done
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Herpes is not completely curable, please do herpes antibody test

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Herpes is caused by a virus and there are two types which are responsible for sexually transmitted herpes infection, the oral and genital form. Most people with herpes are unaware of their infective condition due to absence of symptoms.

Herpes is not completely curable but the virus quantity can be controlled when a patient has symptoms by giving anti viral medications and this will reduce the symptoms. Once symptoms are treated then the herpes virus and antibodies will be present in small amount and rarely can cause outbreaks triggered by stress, fatigue, sunlight and infection, such as a cold or flu at a later period.

There are many tests for Herpes and the test most suitable for you is the antibody test.

Antibody tests for herpes.
This is a test that can help you to know if you have been exposed to herpes in the past. When anyone gets infected with herpes then the immune system of that person gets activated and produces antibodies to herpes infection. The antibodies are usually found circulating in blood 3 months after infection in most cases. Since your burning in penis is from 6 months, this test can be done to look for herpes infection using IgG and IgM antibodies circulating in blood. Some blood tests can tell the difference between HSV‐1 and HSV‐2

There are other tests also but they may not be of much help to you as you do not have any suspected herpes rashes or serious illness like brain herpes. The other tests are as follows

1. Herpes viral culture
This will look for herpes viruses in culture. This is done when there is a strong suspicion and has a high false negative rat. It is not recommended for you.

2. Herpes virus antigen detection test.
This cell is done by scraping cells from suspected herpes sores and then searching for the herpes antigen. As you do not have sores therefore this test is not meant for you.

3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A PCR test can be done on cells or fluid
from a sore or on blood or on other fluid, such as spinal fluid. PCR finds the
genetic material (DNA) of the HSV virus. This test is for cases suspected to have herpes infection of brain or spinal cord.

Please consult your doctor to confirm your condition after clinical examination. Herpes antibody test is recommended for you.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (3 hours later)
Thanks doctor. Does herpes causes burning sensation in skin of entire body. actually I have done anti hcv and hbgs test which came negative. HIV came negative. But when I am in normal climate the burning sensation is not ter. Wen I enter in to cooling place the burning skin starts. Please tell wat will be my problem.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You might have cold injury to penis

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Herpes virus hides in nerves and whenever there is situation like stress, fatigue, sunlight and infection, such as a cold or flu at a later period then the virus becomes active and starts multiplying and spreading along nerves. Usually the virus will affect the skin supplied by a single nerve distribution and cause burning in the beginning. After days to months it will come out as rashes. Burning all over the body is usually not there, but can happen rarely.

The problem with your burning penis in cold weather is likely due to cold injury. It is seen in people who run in cold weather. The best solution to this is wearing a warm inner clothes and protecting yourself.

If HbsAg, HCV and HIV are negative then there is no concern.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6873 Questions

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Can Herpes Infection Be Completely Curable?

Brief Answer: Herpes is not completely curable, please do herpes antibody test Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Herpes is caused by a virus and there are two types which are responsible for sexually transmitted herpes infection, the oral and genital form. Most people with herpes are unaware of their infective condition due to absence of symptoms. Herpes is not completely curable but the virus quantity can be controlled when a patient has symptoms by giving anti viral medications and this will reduce the symptoms. Once symptoms are treated then the herpes virus and antibodies will be present in small amount and rarely can cause outbreaks triggered by stress, fatigue, sunlight and infection, such as a cold or flu at a later period. There are many tests for Herpes and the test most suitable for you is the antibody test. Antibody tests for herpes. This is a test that can help you to know if you have been exposed to herpes in the past. When anyone gets infected with herpes then the immune system of that person gets activated and produces antibodies to herpes infection. The antibodies are usually found circulating in blood 3 months after infection in most cases. Since your burning in penis is from 6 months, this test can be done to look for herpes infection using IgG and IgM antibodies circulating in blood. Some blood tests can tell the difference between HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 There are other tests also but they may not be of much help to you as you do not have any suspected herpes rashes or serious illness like brain herpes. The other tests are as follows 1. Herpes viral culture This will look for herpes viruses in culture. This is done when there is a strong suspicion and has a high false negative rat. It is not recommended for you. 2. Herpes virus antigen detection test. This cell is done by scraping cells from suspected herpes sores and then searching for the herpes antigen. As you do not have sores therefore this test is not meant for you. 3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A PCR test can be done on cells or fluid from a sore or on blood or on other fluid, such as spinal fluid. PCR finds the genetic material (DNA) of the HSV virus. This test is for cases suspected to have herpes infection of brain or spinal cord. Please consult your doctor to confirm your condition after clinical examination. Herpes antibody test is recommended for you. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek