Jelena Stanojkovic / Getty Images
Cause
Anal herpes is due to theherpes simplex virus(HSV).
The oozing sores will then quickly crust over and start the process of healing.
Subsequent outbreaks tend to be far less severe than the first.
Jelena Stanojkovic / Getty Images
Infections with herpes viruses are lifelong.
This means that once you get the virus, it never goes away.
For those who develop symptoms, it is possible to have only one outbreak and never have another.
Even so, the frequency and severity of these outbreaks tend to wane over time.
Location
Anal herpes affects the skin and/ormucous membranesaround the anus and in the rectum.
During the prolonged periods of latency, the virus will lie dormant, largely unseen by theimmune system.
The blisters can sometimes converge into larger blisters and eventually erupt into a reddened, inflamedskin ulcer.
Appearance
The outbreak of herpes blisters typically occurs in clusters known as crops.
The blisters will have a small, fluid-filled head that will pop either spontaneously or when rubbed or scratched.
Sensation
Pain is a common feature of anal herpes.
The pain from anal herpes can be severe, especially during bowel movements or straining.
The abrasion sparked by a passing stool or wiping the anus can sometimes cause excruciating pain.
Even so, not all herpes sores are painful.
Some people may only experience mild burning or itching.
Others may describe pins-and-needles sensations.
With that said, there are common triggers for herpes reactivation, including illness, stress, and fatigue.
Menstruation can also trigger an outbreak.
People will sometimes mistake prodromal symptoms of anal herpes forsciatica(nerve pain that travels down the legs).
Typically, the sores leave no permanent scars.
Subsequent outbreaks tend to be shorter and less severe.
In these outbreaks, viral shedding may last only three days rather than weeks.
Transmission
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are transmitted by contact with someone in whom the virus has reactivated.
With reactivation, a phenomenon calledviral sheddingoccurs, in which infectious viral particles are literally shed from the body.
In fact, most sexual transmissions of HSV-2 occur during periods of asymptomatic shedding.
Anal HSV-1 is primarily passed throughoral-anal sex(also known as “rimming”).
HSV blood testing is only recommended for people with herpes symptoms.
The routine screening of HSV for asymptomatic people isnotrecommended.
It has not been shown to change sexual behaviors or slow transmission.
Treatment
There is no cure for anal herpes.
Rather, the infection is treated with antiviral drugs.
Treatment can even be started before this if you recognize the prodromal signs of an outbreak.
If needed, ask your partner to go with you to a healthcare provider to get the facts.
Having herpes does not mean you cannothave sexual relationswith someone who does not have herpes.
Prevention
The consistent use ofcondomsis the cornerstone ofSTI prevention, including anal herpes.
This includes the buttocks and groin.
Anal herpes causes the outbreak of tiny blisters around the anus that break open to form painful ulcers.
After oozing and crusting, the sores tend to heal within two to four weeks.
While there is no cure for anal herpes, outbreaks can be treated with antiviral drugs.
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