Genital herpes, illustration. Skin blisters surrounding a woman's genitals in a case of genital herpes, a disease caused by sexual transmission of the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). This causes inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by fluid-filled blisters. There is no cure for herpes simplex infection, but outbreaks can be treated with the antiviral drug acyclovir.