Genital herpes is a viral infection of the genital area caused by human herpes simplex virus. The rash is characterized by clustered blisters and can cause infection in a variety of sites, usually the perioral, nasal, and genital areas. The disease is self-limiting, but is prone to recurrence. Genital herpes, also known as herpes vulvae, is a sexually transmitted disease. The pathogen is herpes simplex virus (HSV), a DNA virus, which is divided into HSV-I and HSV-II. HSV-I mainly causes infections of the skin, mucous membranes and organs other than the genitals; HSV-II mainly causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area and in newborns. Ninety percent of primary infections are recessive, and HSV infection does not produce permanent immunity in humans. The transmission of herpes virus is mainly by direct contact. The virus enters the body through mucous membranes or broken skin, grows and multiplies in the population first, and then spreads through the bloodstream or nerve pathways. The incidence of the disease is 30% to 50% after sexual contact, and it is highly contagious. 60% to 80% of women who have sexual contact with men who have genital herpes can develop the disease.