Can telemedicine treat Genital Herpes (HSV)?

Audience: pediatric

Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It often causes sores or blisters in the genital area. Telemedicine can help by providing education, advice, and prescriptions for managing symptoms, especially for mild or known cases. Through video or phone visits, healthcare providers can discuss symptoms, recommend antiviral medicines, and guide on how to care for sores. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or lab tests needed to confirm a new diagnosis. If symptoms are severe, unusual, or if there are concerns like fever or spreading sores, in-person care is important. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get support but does not replace hands-on medical evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever or chills accompanying genital sores — seek urgent in-person medical care.
• Severe pain, rapidly spreading sores, or pus formation around sores — get immediate evaluation.
• Difficulty urinating or severe discomfort in the genital area — urgent medical attention needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about genital herpes and its management.
• Discussing symptoms and medical history for known HSV cases.
• Prescribing antiviral medications for mild or recurrent outbreaks.
• Guidance on preventing transmission and self-care during outbreaks.
• Follow-up visits to monitor response to treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination to confirm new diagnosis.
• Collecting samples for laboratory testing.
• Managing severe symptoms or complications requiring hands-on care.
• Evaluating other possible causes of genital sores without physical exam.
• Emergency care for severe infections or urinary retention.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It usually leads to painful blisters or sores around the genital or anal areas. The infection can come and go, with periods of symptoms and times without any signs. HSV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine lets you talk with a healthcare provider by phone or video. For genital herpes, telemedicine can help by:

This can be especially useful for follow-up visits or managing known herpes infections.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Genital Herpes

Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or lab tests needed to confirm a new genital herpes diagnosis. If sores are new or severe, or if there is uncertainty about the cause, an in-person visit is often necessary. Also, if there are signs of complications or other infections, hands-on care is important.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you or your child have:

These signs may indicate a more serious problem needing immediate attention.

Preventing Spread and Managing Symptoms

To reduce spreading HSV:

Good hygiene and following medical advice help manage symptoms and protect others.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of current symptoms ready to describe.
• Note the timing and frequency of any outbreaks.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a private, quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone for video visits.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the prescribed medication schedule carefully.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry as advised.
• Avoid sexual contact during active outbreaks.
• Monitor symptoms and report any worsening or new symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended by your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose genital herpes?

Telemedicine can help discuss symptoms but usually cannot confirm a new genital herpes diagnosis because it requires a physical exam and lab tests. If you have new or unclear symptoms, an in-person visit is often needed.

Can children get genital herpes?

Yes, children can get genital herpes, though it is less common. It is important to seek medical advice if a child has symptoms like sores or blisters in the genital area to determine the cause and get proper care.

Are antiviral medicines safe for children?

Antiviral medicines are often used to treat genital herpes in children under a healthcare provider's guidance. The provider will consider the child's age, health, and symptoms before prescribing.

How can I prevent spreading genital herpes?

Avoid skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks, use barrier protection like condoms, and follow hygiene advice. Taking antiviral medicine as prescribed can also reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

What should I do if symptoms get worse after a telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, such as increased pain, spreading sores, fever, or difficulty urinating, seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency or urgent care.

Sources

1. Genital Herpes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Herpes Simplex Virus Infections — Mayo Clinic.
4. Genital Herpes (HSV) — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about genital herpes or your child's health, please seek evaluation by a healthcare provider in person.