Is glans redness after herpes treatment normal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I underwent six months of suppressive therapy, medicated by my doctor. Months later, redness and hypersensitivity of the glans are coming back. I take seven days, and I start feeling good after that. I leave it. I got the redness and glans hypersensitivity again.

Do genital herpes suppressive therapies last for life?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and can understand the concern.

One thing that stands out in your history is that you are not describing the typical pattern of recurrent herpes outbreaks. Most herpes recurrences present with blisters, small ulcers, crusting, or a clear prodrome of burning and tingling before the lesions appear.

In your case, the main issue seems to be redness of the glans and inner foreskin along with hypersensitivity, and this has been recurring intermittently for five years. whether there is an additional penile skin condition contributing to your symptoms, rather than herpes alone.

The improvement you notice with Valacyclovir is interesting, but it does not necessarily prove that every recurrence is active HSV (herpes simplex virus). Regarding suppressive therapy, some patients do remain on long-term antiviral treatment if they continue to have frequent or troublesome recurrences after stopping medication.

However, before deciding that you need lifelong suppression, it is worth confirming that these episodes are truly herpes-related. If the current flare consists only of redness and sensitivity without blisters or sores.

Do you actually develop fluid-filled blisters or ulcers, or is it mainly redness of the glans with increased sensitivity and itching?

Please answer this and let me know if you have any more questions on your mind.

I would be happy to guide you.

Thank you.