What is anal herpes, and how is it diagnosed and treated safely in Europe?

Anal herpes explained: herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), symptoms, transmission, testing, and antiviral treatment criteria.

In this episode, we outline how herpes can affect the anal and perianal area and how doctors assess symptoms during an online consultation in the EU.

You’ll learn:

• How anal herpes is transmitted (skin-to-skin sexual contact)

• Early symptoms such as tingling, burning, or itching before blisters appear

• Typical lesions: painful fluid-filled blisters that may ulcerate

• Associated symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge, or swollen lymph nodes

• When PCR swab testing is used for confirmation

• When antiviral medications such as aciclovir or valaciclovir may be con ...