What happens if there is herpes on the foreskin?

Herpes on the foreskin may be caused by herpes simplex virus infection, herpes zoster virus infection, contact dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, or Behcet's disease. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment after determining the cause.

1. Herpes simplex virus infection

Clusters of small blisters appear on the foreskin, accompanied by burning or itching, mostly caused by HSV-2 virus. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir cream and penciclovir cream can be used as directed by the doctor, and oral valacyclovir tablets can be used as auxiliary treatment. It is forbidden to have sex when the lesions are not healed. Use separate towels and disinfect them with high temperature every day.

2. Herpes zoster virus infection

Unilateral erythematous vesicles along nerve distribution, severe pain, caused by activation of the varicella-zoster virus. It is necessary to use famciclovir capsules combined with methylcobalamin tablets to nourish the nerves, and apply calamine lotion locally to relieve itching. The patient's underwear needs to be boiled and disinfected to avoid secondary infection caused by scratching.

3. Contact dermatitis

Red spots, papules or blisters that appear after exposure to allergens are common in condoms, detergents and other allergens. You can apply saline wet compress and hydrocortisone cream, and take oral loratadine tablets to treat allergies. Record items you have recently come into contact with to check for allergens, and use non-irritating cleaning products every day.

4. Fixed drug eruption

Dark red patches with blisters appear repeatedly in the same area after taking antipyretic analgesics or antibiotics. After stopping allergenic drugs, take oral prednisone tablets and topical mometasone furoate cream. Establish a drug allergy file and proactively inform the doctor of allergy history when seeing a doctor.

5. Behçet’s disease

Systemic diseases associated with oral ulcers and genital ulcers require skin biopsy for diagnosis. For treatment, thalidomide tablets are used to regulate immunity, and levofloxacin tablets are added in case of co-infection. Regularly review the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein to avoid irritating the ulcer surface by eating hard or hot foods.

After herpes occurs, keep the affected area clean and dry, and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction. Avoid spicy and irritating foods in your diet, and supplement your diet with B vitamins and high-quality protein to promote repair. If the blisters rupture, ooze fluid or are accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, you must seek medical attention immediately. During the treatment period, it is forbidden to open blisters or use folk remedies by yourself. Your spouse needs to check at the same time to prevent cross-infection.