Overview

A chronic, incurable sexually transmitted disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Symptoms are painful, fluid-filled skin vesicles on a reddish base; but often asymptomatic. Genital and/or anal lesions come and go; disease transmission often occurs when no lesions are visible.

Prevention is by abstinence or monogamy, although careful and consistent condom use may provide some protection.

Please see conventional, complimentary and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed on this page. Naturopathic, Complimentary and Alternative treatments that may be considered include: