Genital herpes treatment in Dubai — outbreaks, antivirals and suppressive therapy

Key facts

• Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2
• Antivirals are most effective when started early
• Daily suppressive therapy reduces outbreaks and transmission
• Pregnant women should inform their obstetrician
• Urinary retention, severe headache or eye symptoms need urgent care

What genital herpes is

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, either type 2 or, increasingly, type 1, the same virus that causes cold sores. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex, including oral sex from someone with a cold sore. After the first infection, the virus stays dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate from time to time, causing recurrences. Many people carry the virus without knowing it, because symptoms can be mild or mistaken for other conditions such as thrush, irritation or ingrown hairs. The virus can also be shed from the skin without visible sores, which explains how it spreads unknowingly.

Recognising an outbreak

A first episode usually appears within about two to twelve days after exposure, though it can occur much later. It may cause tingling or burning, followed by small blisters that break into painful shallow sores, sometimes with flu-like symptoms, swollen glands in the groin and pain on urination. First episodes are often the most severe and can last two to four weeks without treatment. Recurrences are usually milder and shorter, often preceded by tingling or itching at the same spot. Triggers can include stress, illness, friction, menstruation and sun exposure. Dr. Abdullah Anis can confirm the diagnosis with a swab from a fresh sore.

Antiviral treatment for outbreaks

Antiviral medicines such as aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir are most effective when started early, ideally within the first day of symptoms or at the first tingling. For a first episode, a course of several days reduces pain, speeds healing and lowers viral shedding. For recurrences, short courses taken promptly at the first sign can shorten the outbreak; some patients keep a supply at home for this purpose. Supportive measures help too: salt-water bathing, simple pain relief, loose cotton underwear, and, if urination is painful, passing urine in a warm bath. Avoid sexual contact from the first symptoms until sores have completely healed.

Suppressive therapy and reducing transmission

If outbreaks are frequent, severe or causing significant distress, daily suppressive antiviral treatment can be considered. Taken every day, it usually reduces the number of outbreaks considerably and lowers the risk of passing the virus to a partner. Treatment is reviewed periodically to see if it is still needed. To reduce transmission further, avoid sex during outbreaks and when you feel early symptoms, use condoms consistently, and discuss the diagnosis openly with partners. Pregnant women with herpes, or whose partner has herpes, should inform their obstetrician, as precautions near delivery help protect the baby.

When to seek medical help urgently

Seek prompt medical review if you cannot pass urine, have severe pain, develop sores that spread widely, or notice signs of infection. Urgent care is needed for a severe headache with neck stiffness, sensitivity to light or confusion, which can rarely indicate spread of the virus to the nervous system, and for any painful red eye or blurred vision, as herpes can affect the eye. People with weakened immune systems, for example due to medication, chemotherapy or HIV, may have more severe outbreaks and should be seen early. Any new genital sore should be checked, because other infections such as syphilis can look similar.

Venereology is the medical care of sexually transmitted infections that affect the skin and genital area. Consultations are private, non-judgemental and led by a specialist dermatologist and venereologist.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.