Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common viral sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both cause infection and recurrence in the same person. In general, HSV-1 causes infections in the upper body (above the waist), while HSV-2 more commonly affects the lower body (below the waist) and is closely associated with sexual transmission.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), genital herpes falls within the categories of “yin sores” (阴疮), “yin gan” (阴疳), and “itching gan” (瘙疳). Yin sores, also known as yin erosion, is a disease name first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica). It refers to a condition characterized mainly by erosion, ulceration, burning, and pain of the vulvar skin and mucosa.
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
The skin is red and hot to the touch, with dense papules and vesicles and noticeable exudation. Itching is pronounced, and onset is acute. Other symptoms may include irritability, thirst, dark yellow urine, and dry stools. The tongue is red with a yellow, greasy coating; the pulse is slippery or rapid.
In plain language:
- The skin is red and feels hot, with a distinct burning sensation.
- Clusters of papules and small blisters appear, with noticeable fluid discharge.
- Itching is pronounced, with a strong urge to scratch.
- Symptoms start suddenly and develop quickly.
- You may feel restless and irritable and want to drink water because of thirst.
- Urine may be yellow, and stools may be dry and difficult to pass.
- The tongue may look red, with a yellow, sticky-looking coating.
- The pulse may feel slippery or faster than usual.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear Liver Heat, promote drainage of Dampness, and detoxify.
In plain language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to clear Liver Heat and promote the elimination of Dampness, which may help ease discomfort such as distension and pain along the ribs, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, or scanty, dark urine.
- In TCM, this approach aims to dispel harmful substances in the body and may help ease symptoms such as painful sores, a sore throat, or red, swollen skin.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Recurrent vulvar blisters, or symptoms during the intervals between outbreaks, may occur with soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth, irritability, insomnia, and vivid dreams. There may also be depression, anxiety, persistent worry, poor appetite, fatigue, and loose stools. The tongue may be red with little coating or pale with a white coating; the pulse may be thin and rapid or thin and weak.
In plain language:
- Blisters recur in the vulvar area, or discomfort may continue between outbreaks.
- The lower back and knees feel sore and weak, often more noticeably after standing or walking for a long time.
- The palms and soles often feel hot, with a sensation of internal heat.
- Dry mouth and thirst may occur along with irritability and difficulty feeling calm.
- It may be difficult to fall asleep, and dreams may be frequent, leaving sleep feeling unrefreshing.
- Depression and anxiety may occur, with persistent worry and difficulty relaxing.
- Appetite may be poor, with reduced food intake and general fatigue.
- Stools may be loose and unformed, with a sticky or incomplete feeling during bowel movements.
- The tongue may be red with little coating, or pale with a white coating.
- The pulse may be thin and relatively rapid, or thin and weak.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish the Liver and Kidneys, supplement Qi, strengthen the Spleen, promote drainage of Dampness, support healthy Qi, and dispel pathogenic factors.
In plain language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to nourish the Liver and Kidneys and may help ease discomfort such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or blurred vision.
- In TCM, this approach aims to support vitality and digestive function and promote the elimination of Dampness, which may help ease fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, or a heavy feeling in the body.
- In TCM, this approach aims to support the body’s healthy Qi and dispel pathogenic factors, which may help ease recurrent feelings of weakness, susceptibility to illness, or painful, swollen sores.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Ouyang Heng, Yang Zhibo. Newly Compiled Textbook of TCM Dermatology [M]. Beijing: People’s Military Medical Press, 2000: 603–605.
- Chen Dacan, Xuan Guowei. TCM Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Specialized Dermatological and Venereal Diseases [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2004: 540–555.
- Venereology Group, Dermatology and Venereology Committee, China Association of Integrative Medicine. Guidelines for the integrative Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2009, 8(6): 382–383.
- Fan Ruiqiang, Deng Bingxu, Yang Zhibo. TCM Dermatology and Venereology (Clinical Edition) [M]. Guangzhou: Science and Technology Literature Press, 2001: 783–784.
- Translated and compiled by Fan Shangrong and Zhang Huiping. 2010 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the treatment of genital herpes [J]. Chinese General Practice, 2011(13): 1402–1403.
- Shi Weimin. Genital herpes and its treatment [J]. Shanghai Medical & Pharmaceutical Journal, 2012, 33(1): 4–7.
- Yu Yanqiu, Yu Hongjun. Advances in the study and treatment of genital herpes [J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2014, 13(2): 130–133.