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Does herpes have discharge: What Is Genital Herpes? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

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What Is Genital Herpes? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Herpes is an incurable, chronic infection, but it can be managed with medication and lifestyle modifications. Medications don’t wipe out the virus completely, but they can ease symptoms and lower the risk of transmission to another person.

Medication Options

Antiviral drugs are the primary way that genital herpes is treated. These medications can reduce the pain of genital sores during the initial outbreak, provide relief during later outbreaks, and make it less likely that you’ll infect any sexual partners with the virus. (8)

Three antiviral drugs are used for treating genital herpes:

“The three drugs are all basically the same medication. Their efficacy [effectiveness] is the same,” says Baill. The difference, she explains, is how often a person takes them.

According to the CDC, the recommendation for a first episode of genital herpes is to follow one of these dosing options:

  • Acyclovir 400 milligram (mg) orally three times a day for 7 to 10 days
  • Acyclovir 200 mg orally five times a day for 7 to 10 days
  • Valacyclovir 1 gram orally twice a day for 7 to 10 days
  • Famciclovir 250 mg orally three times a day for 7 to 10 days

The therapy can be extended if healing is not complete after 10 days.

Some people also take antiviral medication during recurring episodes of herpes symptoms, and some take a daily antiviral to reduce symptom outbreaks and lower the likelihood of giving the infection to a sexual partner.

Learn More About Treatment for Genital Herpes: Medication and More

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Although it’s not known for certain what triggers herpes outbreaks, they are often associated with fatigue, stress, and illness. (5) Mind-body interventions that reduce stress, such as meditation and yoga, may therefore be helpful in reducing outbreaks.

Getting adequate sleep and following a nutritious diet are also important for maintaining a healthy immune system and helpful for managing life stresses.

Certain supplements and herbal remedies have been tried for preventing herpes outbreaks or easing the symptoms of an outbreak. To date, however, there’s insufficient data to conclude that any of them is safe and effective for this use. (9)

If you wish to try a complementary therapy for genital herpes, speak to your doctor first to make sure the product you want to try won’t interfere with any medications or other therapies you’re currently using.

Learn More About Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Genital Herpes

Prevention of Genital Herpes

You can give a partner genital herpes with any kind of skin-to-skin sexual contact. It can spread during vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. This includes being monogamous, or having only one sexual partner, and using condoms or dental dams during sexual encounters.

Herpes can spread from areas of the body not covered by condoms, though. The virus can live on your thighs and buttocks, for instance.

Nonetheless, even though condoms can’t work all the time, regular use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission. For greatest protection, use condoms and dental dams consistently, not just during outbreaks.

Other steps to lower the risk that you will spread herpes to another person include the following:

  • Learn what it feels like for you when an outbreak is starting, and stop having sex as soon as you sense that feeling.
  • Avoid sex completely during active outbreaks. Condoms can’t completely cover infectious areas and cannot be counted on during such times.
  • Wait for all sores to scab over and heal before having sex again.
  • Avoid touching your herpes sores, because you can spread the germs around your body that way. If you touch a sore, wash your hands right away.
  • Don’t kiss anyone — especially pregnant women, babies, or children — or have sex when you have a cold sore.
  • Tell a prospective sex partner about having herpes before you have sex with them, even though it may be hard.
  • Ask your doctor about taking antiviral drugs to control herpes.

Genital Herpes Simplex (Discharge Care)

  1. CareNotes
  2. Genital Herpes Simplex
  3. Discharge Care

This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It may be spread even if you do not see blisters. It can also be spread to other areas of your body, including your eyes, by touching open blisters. If you are pregnant, it may be spread to your baby while he or she is still in your womb or during vaginal delivery. Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk for genital herpes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call 911 for any of the following:

  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have a seizure.
  • Your neck is stiff.
  • You have trouble thinking clearly.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • You have chills or a fever.
  • You have painful blisters on your penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.
  • Fluid or blood is coming out of your genitals.
  • You have trouble urinating.
  • You think you are pregnant and you are bleeding from your vagina.
  • You have trouble chewing or swallowing.
  • Your symptoms do not get better, or they get worse, even after treatment.
  • You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

  • Antivirals may help decrease your symptoms.
  • Numbing cream or ointment may help decrease pain.
  • NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor’s order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
  • Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your symptoms:

Do the following to be more comfortable when your infection is active:

  • Keep the blisters clean and dry. Wash them with soap and warm water, and pat dry gently.
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. This may help to keep the blisters dry and keep clothes from rubbing.
  • Apply ice on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
  • Apply heat on the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. A warm bath may also help. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.

Prevent the spread of genital herpes:

  • Use condoms. Use a latex condom when you have oral, genital, and anal sex. Use a new condom each time. Use a polyurethane condom if you are allergic to latex.
  • Try not to touch your blisters. Wash your hands before and after you touch the area. Do not kiss anyone if you have blisters around your mouth. Do not breastfeed if you have blisters on your breast.
  • Tell your partners that you have genital herpes. Do not have sex until he or she knows that you have genital herpes. Ask your healthcare provider for ways to tell partners about your infection.
  • Tell your healthcare providers that you have genital herpes. If you are pregnant, your baby may need special monitoring. Inform your healthcare provider of your condition to avoid spreading the infection to your baby.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright IBM Corporation 2021 Information is for End User’s use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Genital Herpes Simplex (Discharge Care)

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Further information

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Genital herpes – Minnesota Dept. of Health

On this page:
Basics
Signs and Symptoms
Transmission
Complications
Prevention
Testing and Treatment
For more Information

Basics

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI) caused by a common virus called herpes simplex. Over 50 million Americans (1 in 5 adults) have been infected, although some do not develop any symptoms. 

There are several types of herpes simplex virus. Type 2 (HSV-2) most often causes genital sores, but type 1 (the type that most often appears as a cold sores on the mouth) can also cause infection in the genital area. 

The genital sores contain the herpes virus that can be passed to another person during sexual contact. A person with genital herpes can also spread the infection to other parts of his or her body by direct contact (i.e., by touching the sores and then touching other parts of the body).

Signs and Symptoms

  • Most people may never develop symptoms or the symptoms are too mild to notice.
  • Develop within 2-30 days, or longer, or not at all.
  • Small, painful fluid-filled blisters on genitals, mouth or anus.
  • Blisters progress to open sores that crust over and heal within 1-2 weeks.
  • Blisters may be “hidden” in the vagina.
  • First episode most severe, subsequent episodes milder.
  • Itching or burning on skin are common in area where blisters are about to appear.
  • Initial infection often accompanied by fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Blisters go away, but infection is still in the body.
  • Blisters can return periodically, but usually with shorter duration and less severity.
  • If you think you have been exposed or show signs of herpes infection, see your health care provider.

Transmission

Genital herpes is spread through:

  • Vaginal sex
  • Oral sex
  • Anal sex
  • Contact with infected person’s lesions
  • Infected mother to newborn


Herpes can also be spread from one area of the body to another via contact with or touching an infected area.

Viral shedding may occur in the absence of blisters, so transmission is possible when lesions are absent. Most transmission occurs in absence of sores.

Complications

Genital herpes can:

  • Spread to sex partners.
  • Make infection by other germs, like HIV, easier, as the blisters provide easy entry to other STD germs.
  • Cause recurrent painful outbreaks.

Genital herpes and pregnancy:

  • Most pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes deliver normal infants.
  • Newborn may acquire infection from mother during delivery.
  • Infection in newborn may cause death, or severe damage to the brain, lungs and liver.
  • Risk is highest for infants born to mothers who have first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy.

Prevention

Recommendations to reduce transmission:

  • Avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way to prevent STDs.
  • Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of genital herpes only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom.
  • Always use condoms during vaginal and anal sex.
  • Use a condom for oral sex on a penis.
  • Use a barrier (dental dam or condom cut in half) for oral sex on a vagina or anus.
  • Limit the number of sex partners.
  • Notify sex partners immediately if infected.
  • When pregnant, inform doctor if previously infected with herpes.
  • Never have sex with someone who has genital herpes when sores are present.
  • CDC Condom Locator

    Search by zip code to find free or low-cost condoms near you.

Testing and Treatment

  • Get a test from a medical provider if infection is suspected.
  • No cure is available; infection persists for life.
  • Recurrent episodes of blisters can be decreased by taking an antiviral medication each day.
  • Treatment of recurrent episodes generally shortens the length of outbreaks.
  • Comfort measures are available for recurrent episodes.

Genital herpes symptoms & treatment

FAST FACTS

  • Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes infected sores or blisters.

  • It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which can be passed on through close genital contact.

  • You can reduce your chances of getting genital herpes by using condoms or dental dams during sex.

  • If you think you have symptoms of genital herpes you should see a healthcare worker, they can take a swab from a blister and test to confirm if it’s caused by the herpes simplex virus.

  • Treatment can help with herpes outbreaks, but the virus cannot be cured and will remain in the body. This means that blisters normally come back once in a while.

What is herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes blisters and ulcers. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes can affect various areas of the body but is most commonly found on the genitals, anus or mouth. The blisters heal with time (usually within 2-3 weeks), but the virus that causes them cannot be cured, and herpes outbreaks will often reoccur. 

How do you get genital herpes?

Herpes is most infectious when you have blisters, but the virus can be passed on even when someone has no symptoms (normally immediately straight before or after an outbreak).

Herpes is passed on through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam. This means the virus can be passed on even if you don’t have penetrative sex, orgasm or ejaculate (cum).

Herpes can be passed on by sharing sex toys that aren’t washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.

If you have genital herpes while pregnant you can pass the virus on to your unborn baby. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and worried you might have herpes.

How do you avoid getting or passing on genital herpes?

If either you or your partner has a herpes outbreak (or if you feel like you might be about to get one), it’s best to wait until the symptoms have cleared up before having sex.

Using a new male or female condom or dental dam every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex will reduce the risk of herpes being passed on.

Herpes can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys. To reduce your risk, either avoid sharing your sex toys or make sure that they are washed and covered with a new condom between each use.

Use a new dental dam or latex gloves for rimming and fingering (exploring your partner’s anus with your fingers, mouth or tongue) or use latex gloves for fisting, especially if you get herpes on your hands.

Talking about your sexual health with your partners, and letting each other know about any infections that you have, can help you make decisions about safer sex together. Reducing your number of sexual partners can help you reduce your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections, like genital herpes. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s even more important to use condoms and to have regular STI checks.

Condoms are the best form of protection against STIs and pregnancy. Other contraceptives including the contraceptive pill will not prevent herpes, and neither will PrEP.

What do genital herpes symptoms look like?

The most common symptoms of herpes are small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores. You can get herpes blisters on your penis, vagina, anus, throat, on the top of your thighs and buttocks or around your mouth (where they’re called cold sores).

Other symptoms can include:

  • pain when urinating (peeing)
  • tingling or burning around the genitals
  • feeling unwell, with aches, pains and flu-like symptoms
  • unusual vaginal discharge in women.

Many people with genital herpes won’t get any symptoms, or may get symptoms for the first time months or even years after they were infected.

For most people, the blisters go away within one to two weeks. Although the outbreaks clear-up by themselves, the virus stays in the body. This means that people usually get blisters again – which is called having a ‘recurrent outbreak’. Outbreaks usually become shorter and less severe over time.

Can I get tested for genital herpes?

Yes, if you think you have symptoms of genital herpes or have been at risk of infection, you should speak to a healthcare worker.

There are different tests available. If you have symptoms, the most common test is to take a swab from a blister. The fluid can be tested for the herpes simplex virus.
Some places may also offer blood tests to check for antibodies to the virus, but these are often not routinely available, so ask a healthcare worker if you’re unsure.

If you have genital herpes you should be tested for other STIs.

It’s also advised that you tell your recent sexual partner/s so they can also get tested and treated. Many people who have genital herpes do not notice anything wrong, and by telling them you can help to stop the virus being passed on.

How is genital herpes treated?

There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The blisters usually heal and go by themselves, so you may not always need treatment. There is antiviral medicines for herpes, which can: shorten outbreaks, relieve discomfort and stop symptoms from getting worse.

The antiviral treatment is most effective when you take it within the first five days of symptoms appearing. Avoid touching the blisters as this can also increase the risk of spreading the infection. If your herpes treatment requires you to apply cream to a sore, just gently pat the cream on, being careful not to rub around the surrounding area.

You can ease your symptoms by:

  • keeping the affected area clean using plain or salt water to prevent blisters or ulcers from becoming infected
  • applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to any blisters or ulcers to reduce the pain when passing urine
  • asking a healthcare provider to recommend painkilling creams
  • avoiding tight clothing because it may irritate the blisters and ulcers.

Don’t have sex until you or your partner have finished your treatment, and the blisters or ulcers have gone. If it’s your first outbreak, it’s sometimes advised that you check back with a healthcare provider before having sex again, to ensure that your symptoms have gone.

Genital herpes and pregnancy

It’s really important to speak to a healthcare worker if you have herpes during pregnancy, especially if it’s your first outbreak. There’s a risk that your baby can develop ‘neonatal herpes’ which can be very dangerous or even fatal for the baby. If you have herpes, your healthcare provider will be able to prescribe antiviral treatment to keep your baby safe and help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Speak to a healthcare worker for more information or if you have any concerns.

Genital herpes, HIV and sexual health

Genital herpes is one of the most common co-infections for people living with HIV and can be a more serious condition if you’re HIV positive – meaning that outbreaks may last longer and blisters can be more severe. If you’re having recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, you should have an HIV test, as this may be a sign of a weakened immune system caused by HIV.

Having an STI such as genital herpes can increase your risk of getting and passing on HIV, as the blisters and sores provide an easy way for HIV to get into your body and cause an infection. People living with HIV who aren’t on treatment or who have a lower CD4 count are especially vulnerable to other infections, like herpes.

If you’re taking antiretroviral treatment for HIV, it’s important to discuss with your doctor how treatment for herpes may interact with your HIV drugs.

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Herpes: your questions answered – MyDr.com.au

What is herpes?

Herpes is a common, life-long infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and generally transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. The symptoms of herpes can vary greatly, mainly depending on whether a person is experiencing their first episode or a recurrence. Once infected you may have symptoms returning on and off for years.

A commonly recognised symptom is the appearance of small, painful blisters – also called vesicles – on the skin. Herpes can appear on the lips (oral herpes), genitals (genital herpes) or on other parts of the body (non-genital herpes).

The herpes simplex virus belongs to a larger family of viruses that cause chickenpox, shingles and glandular fever.

There are 2 types of herpes simplex virus — herpes type I (HSV-1) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes type 1 is the virus that most commonly causes cold sores on the lips or face. While often transmitted during childhood through close physical contact, this infection can be transmitted at any age. It can also be transmitted to the genitals through direct skin-to-skin contact, often via oral sex. Although HSV-1 infection is common, many people with the infection do not experience symptoms.

HSV-2 is responsible for the majority of genital herpes and is commonly transmitted through sexual contact — anyone who is sexually active can get herpes type 2. Genital herpes is thought to be one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Australia.

The primary difference between the 2 viral types is preference of location. Herpes type 1 is usually located in the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells near the ear. From there, it tends to recur on the lips or face. In contrast, herpes type 2 is usually found in the sacral ganglion at the base of the spine. From there, it recurs in or around the genital area.

The 2 types of herpes simplex virus behave somewhat differently depending on whether or not they are residing in their preferred site.

Either viral type can reside in either or both parts of the body and infect oral and/or genital areas.

How do you know if you have genital herpes?

Many people will have no noticeable symptoms following infection and will not even realise that they have come into contact with the virus. They may notice symptoms only at a later date. People can be infected with genital herpes and pass it on to others even though they have no symptoms themselves.

For others, the first symptoms of genital herpes show up from 2 to 21 days after coming into contact with the herpes virus. This first episode of genital herpes is frequently the most severe. When you first come into contact with the virus, your immune system has not had time to develop protective antibodies, leading to the virus multiplying rapidly and causing significant symptoms.

In a severe first episode of genital herpes, you may notice the following symptoms.

  • Your lymph glands (the glands under your arms, on your neck and in your groin) may be swollen.
  • You may have flu-like symptoms such as sore muscles, tiredness, headaches, fever and chills.
  • You may have swelling, pain or itching around the genitals, possibly followed by painful red spots that can form blisters.
  • Your blisters may burst to form open sores or ulcers, which will later crust over and heal.
  • You may experience pain when urinating due to the tenderness in your genital area.

Herpes of the anus or rectum may also result in rectal and lower back pain, an urgent need to pass faeces, bloody or mucous discharge, constipation and blisters on the skin area around the anus.

How is herpes diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis of herpes is essential to ensure you receive the correct treatment.

People may mistake their herpes outbreaks for insect bites, yeast infections, jock itch, ingrown hair follicles, haemorrhoids, abrasion or razor burn. Accurate diagnosis is made most easily and correctly at the time of an active herpes infection, preferably the first time the symptoms appear.

There are several diagnostic tests available for herpes, requiring either a swab from a herpes blister or a blood test. The blood test can tell if you have been exposed to the virus in the past, but will not tell you if a particular sore is caused by herpes, or reliably differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Swabs can tell you if the sore is herpes or not, and what type it is, but can’t tell if it is an initial infection or a recurrence. If you think you may have contracted the virus, see your doctor for testing.

How is herpes treated?

There is no cure for herpes – the virus just has periods of activity and inactivity within your body.

Usually symptoms will heal within 2 to 4 weeks and cause no long-term damage. However, if you experience significant pain with any outbreak you should ask your doctor about antiviral medicines. These can greatly reduce the length and severity of outbreaks and may reduce the risk of you transmitting the infection to a partner. Adverse side-effects from these medicines are rare, although you may get headaches and nausea.

There are other things you can do to relieve symptoms including taking painkillers such as paracetamol, bathing the blisters with warm salty water and dabbing a local anaesthetic ointment on the affected area.

What are some of the common emotions people with herpes experience?

Fear, shock, worry and guilt are common reactions of people who discover they have herpes. This shock sometimes makes it hard to recall any advice given by a doctor or others when first learning about the infection. Doctors understand this, so it may be worthwhile revisiting your doctor to further discuss measures for managing your herpes. Your local sexual health clinic can also provide you with information about support groups and counsellors in your local area.

Do I need to tell my partner I have herpes?

Yes. It is important to discuss your genital herpes with a current or potential partner before having sex. That way, you can work together to reduce the chance of transmission, such as through use of condoms. It may be difficult for you to broach the issue at first, but once the topic is out in the open it will be easier to deal with situations that arise, e.g. you need to let your partner know that there may be times when you cannot have sex.

Sometimes a prospective partner may withdraw from a person with herpes because of their own concerns. However, most people respond well and appreciate the respect that you have shown them, although this may take time. Some partners may already have experienced herpes — it may be worth your partner having a blood test to see if they have already contracted the herpes virus, in which case they are at no further risk — you cannot catch it twice.

Will I get genital herpes again?

Some people have no further episodes or symptoms of herpes. This is called inactive infection, when the virus is hidden in the body and is not infectious.

The symptoms of genital herpes do recur in some people, although a second or third episode is not usually as severe as the first. This is called an active infection and can occur when the immune system is at a low, for example, during times of stress, illness or menstruation, from anything that causes skin irritation, such as friction from prolonged sexual intercourse, but often for no obvious reason.

When a person has genital herpes, the virus ‘sleeps’ in the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine. When the virus reactivates, it travels down nerve paths to the surface of the skin, sometimes causing an outbreak.

The nerves in the genitals, upper thighs and buttocks are connected. So a person can also experience outbreaks in any of the following areas:

  • vagina;
  • vulva;
  • thighs;
  • penis;
  • scrotum;
  • testicles;
  • anus; or
  • buttocks.

What other help is available?

Counselling

You may experience mixed emotions and confusion after discovering you have genital herpes. A counsellor may prove helpful. Counsellors experienced in genital herpes can often be contacted through sexual health clinics. They have an understanding of both the medical and emotional issues associated with genital herpes.

Support groups

Herpes support groups offer a confidential environment for discussing issues and information with others in a similar position. While some groups are facilitated by a counsellor, others have a more social focus. Contact your local sexual health clinic for information about support groups in your area.

Internet

Apart from general healthcare websites such as myDr, there are many sites on the Internet offering information, news, chatgroups and meeting services specifically for people with genital herpes. Please note that the information may not necessarily be accurate so you should verify the information you download from the Internet with your doctor.

1. Genital herpes simplex virus infection. [Revised Feb 2009]. In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited: 2012; Nov. http://online.tg.org.au/complete/ (accessed Dec 2012).

2. Lab Tests Online [website]. http://labtestsonline.org.au/ (Accessed Dec 2012).

3. Family Planning NSW. Genital herpes [Factsheet]. Updated Aug 2011. [Internet]. http://www.fpnsw.org.au/189826_8.html (Accessed Dec 2012).

4. BMJ Group Clinical Evidence. Genital herpes. [Fact sheet]. Reviewed Oct 2012. [Internet]. http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/x/pdf/clinical-evidence/en-gb/summary/532420.pdf (accessed Dec 2012).

What Could be Mistaken for Herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that often presents without symptoms, or with very mild symptoms that may be mistaken for something else. This guide will help you to determine if you do have Genital Herpes or one of a number of conditions where symptoms mimic Herpes.

What Might you be Mistaking for Herpes?

Some people with Genital Herpes only develop mild symptoms that might be mistaken for either a different STI or other health concerns. These may include:

A Different STI

You may be mistaking Genital Herpes for another STI such as Syphilis or Genital Warts. Both cause visible sores in the genital area that may be itchy, however Syphilis is not usually painful, and Genital Warts may cause other symptoms such as bleeding from the genitals and a change or distorion to your usual urinal flow.

Irritation Caused by Shaving

The irritation you’re experiencing may not mean that you have Genital Herpes. Shaving of the genital area often causes irritation, redness and small bumps if not done correctly. It may also cause ingrown hairs.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are often caused by shaving, but can occur naturally. If you have ingrown hair, you may notice small, tender red bumps and blisters. Unlike Genital Herpes, however, ingrown hairs typically develop as isolated bumps. Genital Herpes usually develops in clusters, although can appear as a single lesion.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. It is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, but is more common in sexually active women. Like Genital Herpes, BV often doesn’t have any symptoms, however should symptoms arise, you might experience discharge, itching and discomfort, a burning sensation and a fish-like odour.

Yeast Infections (Thrush)

75% of women will experience thrush in their lifetime and may mistake it for Genital Herpes. Similar symptoms include vaginal discharge, irritation, burning, redness and soreness. However, it is unlikely that sores and blisters will appear with thrush.

How to be Sure if it’s Herpes

Symptoms of Herpes and the issues we listed above can be pretty similar, but it’s hard to know for definite what’s causing your discomfort. The biggest problem with mistaking Genital Herpes for something else is that you will often have no cause to seek treatment, and may inadvertently pass it on to sexual partners.

What is Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes (caused by HSV-2 in the majority of cases) is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Herpes has no cure and will remain in the body for a lifetime, however will remain dormant between outbreaks. Genital Herpes usually affects the skin around the genitals causing sores and blisters. The infection may be irritating and sometimes painful, but usually does not lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms of Herpes

Many people with Genital Herpes don’t know that they have it; usually only one in three people will develop symptoms. However, some may develop mild symptoms that could be mistaken for something else. Should symptoms present, they will develop between two and twelve days post-exposure and may include:

  • Discomfort, pain and itching
  • Small red bumps or white blisters
  • Ulcers
  • Scabs
  • Tingling, or burning around your genitals
  • Unusual vagina discharge
  • Pain when you pee

The only way to know for sure is to get tested for STIs. It is vitally important to get checked for STIs as many will cause severe health complications if left untreated. Check out Your Sexual Health’s range of STI tests that can be taken in the privacy of your own home.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV. There are two types of HSV, and both can cause genital herpes. HSV type 1 most commonly infects the lips, causing sores known as fever blisters or cold sores, but it also can infect the genital area and produce sores. HSV type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth. A person who has genital herpes infection can easily pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person during sex.
                  
Both HSV 1 and 2 can produce sores (also called lesions) in and around the vaginal area, on the penis, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks or thighs. Occasionally, sores also appear on other parts of the body where the virus has entered through broken skin.
         
HSV remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, and can produce symptoms off and on in some infected people.
         
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older, or 1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population, are infected with HSV-2.
         
Nationwide, since the late 1970s, the number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30 percent. The largest increase is occurring in young teens. HSV-2 infection is more common in three of the youngest age groups which include people aged 12 to 39 years.
         
How does someone get genital herpes?
Most people get genital herpes by having sex with someone who is having a herpes “outbreak.” This outbreak means that HSV is active. When active, the virus usually causes visible lesions in the genital area. The lesions shed (cast off) viruses that can infect another person. Sometimes, however, a person can have an outbreak and have no visible sores at all. People often get genital herpes by having sexual contact with others who don’t know they are infected or who are having outbreaks of herpes without any sores.

A person with genital herpes also can infect a sexual partner during oral sex. The virus is spread only rarely, if at all, by touching objects such as a toilet seat or hot tub.

What are the symptoms?
Unfortunately, most people who have genital herpes don’t know it because they never have any symptoms, or they do not recognize any symptoms they might have. When there are symptoms, they can be different in each person. Most often, when a person becomes infected with herpes for the first time, the symptoms will appear within 2 to 10 days. These first episodes of symptoms usually last 2 to 3 weeks.

Early symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak include:

  • itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area
  • pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
  • discharge of fluid from the vagina
  • feeling of pressure in the abdomen

Within a few days, sores appear near where the virus has entered the body, such as on the mouth, penis, or vagina. They also can occur inside the vagina and on the cervix in women, or in the urinary passage of women and men. Small red bumps appear first, develop into blisters, and then become painful open sores. Over several days, the sores become crusty and then heal without leaving a scar.

Other symptoms that may go with the first episode of genital herpes are fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area.
              
Can outbreaks recur?
If you have been infected by HSV 1 and/or 2, you will probably have symptoms or outbreaks from time to time. After the virus has finished being active, it then travels to the nerves at the end of the spine where it stays for a while. Even after the lesions are gone, the virus stays inside the nerve cells in a still and hidden state, which means that it’s inactive.

In most people, the virus can become active several times a year. This is called a recurrence. But scientists do not yet know why this happens. When it becomes active again, it travels along the nerves to the skin, where it makes more viruses near the site of the very first infection. That is where new sores usually will appear.
      
Sometimes, the virus can become active but not cause any sores that can be seen. At these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at or near places of the first infection, in fluids from the mouth, penis, or vagina, or from barely noticeable sores. You may not notice this shedding because it often does not cause any pain or feel uncomfortable. Even though you might not be aware of the shedding, you still can infect a sex partner during this time.
     
After the first outbreak, any future outbreaks are usually mild and last only about a week. An infected person may know that an outbreak is about to happen by a tingling feeling or itching in the genital area, or pain in the buttocks or down the leg. For some people, these early symptoms can be the most painful and annoying part of an episode. Sometimes, only the tingling and itching are present and no visible sores develop. At other times, blisters appear that may be very small and barely noticeable, or they may break into open sores that crust over and then disappear.
     
The frequency and severity of recurrent episodes vary greatly. While some people have only one or two outbreaks in a lifetime, others may have several outbreaks a year. The number and pattern of repeat outbreaks often change over time for a person. Scientists do not know what causes the virus to become active again. Although some people with herpes report that their outbreaks are brought on by another illness, stress, or having a menstrual period, outbreaks often are not predictable. In some cases, outbreaks may be connected to exposure to sunlight.
     
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
Because the genital herpes sores may not be visible to the naked eye, a doctor or other health care worker may have to do several laboratory tests to try to prove that symptoms are caused by the herpes virus. A person may still have genital herpes, however, even if the laboratory tests do not show the virus in the body.

A blood test cannot show whether a person can infect another with the herpes virus. A blood test, however, can show if a person has been infected at any time with HSV. There are also newer blood tests that can tell whether a person has been infected with HSV 1 and/or 2.
     
How is genital herpes treated?
Although there is no cure for genital herpes, your health care worker might prescribe one of three medicines to treat it as well as to help prevent future episodes.

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Famciclovir (Famvir)
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved Valtrex for use in preventing transmission of genital herpes.

During an active herpes episode, whether the first episode or a repeat one, you should follow a few simple steps to speed healing and avoid spreading the infection to other places on the body or to other people.

  • Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent other infections from developing.
  • Try to avoid touching the sores.
  • Wash your hands after contact with the sores.
  • Avoid sexual contact from the time you first feel any symptoms until the sores are completely healed, that is, the scab has fallen off and new skin has formed where the sore was.       

Can genital herpes cause any other problems?

Usually, genital herpes infections do not cause major problems in healthy adults. In some people whose immune systems do not work properly, genital herpes episodes can last a long time and be unusually severe. (The body’s immune system fights off foreign invaders such as viruses.)

If a woman has her first episode of genital herpes while she is pregnant, she can pass the virus to her unborn child and may deliver a premature baby. Half of the babies infected with herpes either die or suffer from damage to their nerves. A baby born with herpes can develop serious problems that may affect the brain, the skin, or the eyes. If babies born with herpes are treated immediately with acyclovir, their chances of being healthy are increased.
     
If a pregnant woman has an outbreak, which is not the first episode, her baby’s risk of being infected during delivery is very low. In either case, if you are pregnant and infected with genital herpes, you should stay in close touch with your doctor before, during, and after your baby is born.
     
If a woman is having an outbreak during labor and delivery and there are herpes lesions in or near the birth canal, the doctor will do a cesarean section to protect the baby. Most women with genital herpes, however, do not have signs of active infection with the virus during this time, and can have a normal delivery.
     
Is genital herpes worse in a person with HIV infection or AIDS?
Genital herpes, like other genital diseases that produce lesions, increases a person’s risk of getting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Also, prior to better treatments for AIDS, persons infected with HIV had severe herpes outbreaks, which may have helped them pass both genital herpes and HIV infection to others.

How can I protect myself or my sexual partner?
If you have early signs of a herpes outbreak or visible sores, you should not have sexual intercourse or oral sex until the signs are gone and/or the sores have healed completely. Between outbreaks, using male latex condoms during sexual intercourse may offer some protection from the virus. When used with these precautions, Valtrex can also help prevent infecting your partner during heterosexual sex.
     
Is any research going on?
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) supports research on genital herpes and on herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Studies are currently underway to develop better treatments for the millions of people who suffer from genital herpes.

While some scientists are carrying out clinical trials to determine the best way to use existing drugs, others are studying the biology of herpes simplex virus. NIAID scientists have identified certain genes and enzymes that the virus needs to survive. They are hopeful that drugs aimed at disrupting these viral targets might lead to the design of more effective treatments.
     
Meanwhile, other researchers are devising methods to control the virus’ spread. Two important means of preventing HSV infection are vaccines and topical microbicides. Several different vaccines are in various stages of development. These include vaccines made from proteins on the HSV cell surface, peptides or chains of amino acids, and the DNA of the virus itself.
     
NIAID and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals are supporting a large clinical trial in women of an experimental vaccine that may help prevent transmission of genital herpes. The trial is being conducted at more than 20 sites in 15 states nationwide. For more information, click here Herpevac Trial for Women.
     
Topical microbicides, preparations containing microbe-killing compounds, are also in various stages of development and testing. These include gels, creams, or lotions that a woman could insert into the vagina prior to intercourse to prevent infection.
     
Where can I get help if I’m upset about having genital herpes or I have an infected partner?
Genital herpes outbreaks can be distressing, inconvenient and sometimes painful. Concern about transmitting the disease to others and disruption of sexual relations during outbreaks can affect personal relationships. If you or your partner has genital herpes, you can learn to cope with and treat the disease effectively by getting proper counseling and medicine, and by using ways to prevent getting infected or infecting someone else, as mentioned above.

Genital herpes in women, its symptoms and treatment

Infection with genital herpes is carried out by HSV, that is, the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this infection. In our clinic located in St. Petersburg, experienced doctors, using the most modern diagnostic methods, will conduct a study of your disease and prescribe a comprehensive treatment, selected specifically for your specific case. If the recommendations of specialists are followed, the acute phase of the disease will be removed.Do not delay visiting our clinic if you have found this disease.

How do you get genital herpes?

Infection occurs through sexual contact. Transmission of infection to the fetus is also possible during pregnancy.

Symptoms of genital herpes

There is primary genital herpes and recurrence (second and subsequent cases of the disease).

Symptoms of primary herpes:

  • burning,
  • pain,
  • swelling of the affected area,
  • temperature rise,
  • headache.

Further, after a few days, small bubbles appear, inside having a transparent liquid, which then burst, forming painful red sores. The rash heals for about 14 days.

Relapse is usually easier than primary herpes: there is no headache, no rise in temperature, less rashes. Relapse can occur due to infection, hypothermia, stress. The rash heals in 7-10 days.

Genital herpes is often possible without symptoms.However, the infection of partners is possible in this case as well.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

Usually, the infection of a newborn occurs during childbirth, when the fetus goes through the birth canal, affected by herpes. Caesarean section also does not exclude the possibility of infection. Infection is fraught with severe damage to the child’s nervous system, disability and even death.

The frequency of transmission of the disease to newborns from mothers is 5%. The approach to the management of pregnant women infected with herpes must be very competent, which is possible only with the supervision of professionals, as is done in our clinic.Active antiviral therapy during pregnancy is not always possible. It is carried out only by appointment of a specialist, exclusively under his control.

Prevention of herpes in newborns

To reduce the risk of herpes in newborns, antibodies are determined in pregnant women, as well as their sexual partners, to HSV. If the expectant mother does not have antibodies to HSV, but the father does, they need to refrain from sexual intercourse without a condom for the last three months of pregnancy.

If symptoms of herpes occur before childbirth, caesarean section is indicated.Medication therapy shortly before childbirth will help avoid a cesarean section with frequent relapses of herpes.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of genital herpes

With typical symptoms, the diagnostic study is usually based on the clinical picture, but in doubtful cases, laboratory tests are needed.

Usually laboratory tests are divided into:

* detection of HSV;

* detection of antibodies to HSV.

To identify HSV, the material is taken from rashes visually similar to genital herpes.To detect antibodies to HSV, blood is taken for analysis.

Treatment of genital herpes

Modern methods of treatment do not allow getting rid of HSV completely. Usually, outside of relapses, the virus is in an inactive state. However, with a weakening of the immune system, a relapse of genital herpes is possible.

The therapy accelerates the healing of rashes, reduces the risk of recurrence.

Antiviral drugs are the basis of treatment. Taking medications early in the disease (no rash) can help prevent rashes.If a rash occurs, then antiviral drugs reduce the healing time of the rash.

Antiviral therapy can be supplemented by immunotherapy, physiotherapy, general strengthening drugs. The prevention of herpes is the use of condoms in case of sexual contact with a non-regular partner.

If you are sick with genital herpes, you need to come to our clinic and be examined. The clinic’s specialists will prescribe you competent treatment that will relieve the severity of symptoms and prevent relapses of the disease.

See also : Visiting a gynecologist.

What is the insidiousness of genital herpes?

Herpes is one of the most common human viral infections. The genitourinary system can be infected with herpes simplex viruses (HSV) of the 1st and 2nd types. It is believed that HSV-1 is more likely to cause damage to the mucous membranes of the upper half of the body (usually the face), occurs in more than 80% of people. HSV-2 or genital herpes is diagnosed in 20% of people. I must say right away that drugs that would completely destroy all herpes viruses in the body do not yet exist.Therefore, some patients, and even doctors, doubt why treat herpes at all? The problem is that the presence of HSV in the human body does not always cause a pathological process. The virus itself sits quietly in the ganglia of the spine and only occasionally, more often after hypothermia and other stresses, is activated. Then the patient develops classic rashes, blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Over time, they dry up and go away even without treatment. In some people, such exacerbations can occur once a year, in others – 3-4-5.Often in girls and women, genital herpes causes suffering every month before menstruation. In such cases, treatment is prescribed for a long time: months and years.

However, the main insidiousness of herpes is that the disease often has atypical manifestations. The herpes virus can affect internal organs when there are no rashes on the body. The patient suffers and does not understand from what. It would never occur to him to be examined for viruses, and doctors most often do not prescribe such an examination for him.HSV often affects the pelvic organs, bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles, uterus, and large intestine. A woman in such cases is worried about periodic pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, menstruation disorder, exacerbation of cystitis, adnexitis. The patient is examined and treated for a long time by a neurologist, gynecologist, urologist. She is diagnosed with lumbodynia, cystitis, colitis, adnexitis. In men, herpes infection can be detected with prostatitis, infertility. Pain relievers and antibiotics used in such cases have a temporary effect and do not affect the cause of the disease.Gynecologists and urologists, of course, examine smears for STIs, including herpes by PCR. The problem is that often the virus is not detected in smears, it is not on the skin and mucous membranes, it affects the internal organs. Only the use of targeted complex diagnostics by several methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), will help establish a true diagnosis. A feature of many urogenital infections, including herpes, is their combined course. HSV almost never affects the genitourinary organs alone.Various pathogens (chlamydia, Trichomonas) interact with each other, support the inflammatory process. The symbiosis of bacteria, viruses, fungi allows them to jointly fight the action of drugs. Mixed infection not immediately detected leads to ineffective treatment of the disease.

Currently, there are many different methods of therapy and drugs that can stop the development of a viral infection, suppress the pathogen for a long time, for months, years, maybe for a lifetime.The correct application of diagnostic and treatment methods will save a person from the suffering and complications associated with genital herpes.

90,000 From love to herpes: is it dangerous to kiss pets

Photo author, Barcroft Media, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Can you catch influenza from a snout influencer?

Pigs, hedgehogs and raccoons are so cute that people start to feel sick, literally.The fashion for exotic pets has swept through Instagram and boosted demand in pet stores. But along with photos and hashtags, various types of ailments come into use.

Hedgehogs

Photo author, Barcroft Media, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Hedgehogs have become habitual inhabitants of Instagram, but doctors recommend communicating with them in virtual reality, not real life

At the beginning of this year the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded an outbreak of salmonellosis, the source of which was recognized as domestic hedgehogs.

The Salmonella strain was found in 11 Americans within one week. All of them turned out to be owners of thorny pets and lived in different states, which excludes the possibility of collective infection from one sociable animal.

10 people confessed to kissing their pets before seeking medical help. American veterinarians urge blacksmiths to give up the manifestation of excessive feelings, wash their hands more often and carefully monitor the hygiene of the wards.

Salmonella is not the only disease that can be caught from rustling animals.

In recent years, hedgehog breeders have increasingly consulted doctors with herpes symptoms. It turned out that hedgehogs, along with rabbits, can be carriers of the herpes virus of the first type and share it with people at the first opportunity.

Pigs

Mini-pigs became, perhaps, the main sensation of social networks last year. Mischievous pigs play like puppies, trainable, affectionate and easy to handle.

Instagram continues to collect likes from dozens of influential pigs with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, including the rosy-cheeked Nutmeg, the pet of Hollywood star Tori Spelling. Many veterinarians even recommend getting mini pigs for people with allergies. Pig hair is hypoallergenic and does not shed.

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Video caption,

Mini-pigs are taking over the world.

But this does not mean that the owners of “patches” can sleep peacefully in an embrace with their pets. Campylobacteriosis is a word every pig breeder needs to memorize. This disease occurs in almost 15-20 percent of individuals and is transmitted through the biological secretions of animals.

The infection provokes serious diarrhea, which can last for several days. Campylobacteriosis is rarely fatal, but it is especially insidious for the elderly and young children. And the stars of “Instagram” love to take pictures of kids together with their mini-pigs.

Raccoons

Photo author, Barcroft Media, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Raccoons look like dogs, but behave not like dogs at all

1.4 million subscribers are watching raccoons’ pranks.

This beast literally fell on the head of its owner, falling from a palm tree on the island of Nassau, in the Bahamas. He quickly became friends with her two dogs and became a full member of the family. Since then, Pumpkin has inspired hundreds of people around the world to domesticate other raccoons.

But it is extremely difficult to deceive evolution, even with the help of the Internet. Raccoons are extremely reluctant to train, especially when it comes to toilet habits. Insidious puddles not only harm furniture and feng shui, but are also fraught with numerous diseases.

One of the most dangerous is called leptospirosis. Raccoon urine is teeming with these bacteria. Considering that the product of the animal’s vital activity can also be on the table, it can also get into the food with inaccurate cooking or inattentive cleaning.

Microorganisms readily travel through the human body and cause flu-like symptoms, including muscle pain, fever and, in some cases, severe liver and kidney damage.

Parrots

The example of rock legend Iggy Pop shows that a parrot can very well become a devoted and caring friend of a person. Biggie accompanies the musician on tour, watches Netflix series with him and falls asleep on the couch after a hearty dinner.

Instagram is silent about dark days in the relationship between the rocker and the bird.

But the statistics of veterinarians are irreconcilable – almost 40% of parrots are carriers of psittacosis bacteria. Unfortunately for humans, this infection can be contracted through touching the beak or contact with other elements of avian life.

Bacteria irritate mucous membranes, cause intoxication and damage to internal organs. Often, one bird can infect an entire family with psittacosis.There have been fatalities in history.

The advice of veterinarians is simple – carefully monitor the hygiene of birds, clean the cage with rubber gloves and keep a distance when communicating with animals. Even if you or your parrot are overwhelmed by bouts of tenderness.

Cats and dogs

Human companions for thousands of years of living together have managed to fully adapt to our habits, lifestyle and biological characteristics.

Photo author, OLI SCARFF, GETTY IMAGES

Caption to photo,

Veterinarians have not fully decided whether it is dangerous or useful to kiss dogs

Veterinarians note that bacteria in the saliva of cats and dogs are harmless to humans – with an amendment that some owners can keep their pets in far from sterile conditions.

But wild cats and dogs often get sick with rabies.

Pets growing in “greenhouse conditions” can reward their owners with scabies or toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis pathogens are especially dangerous for pregnant women and can enter the baby’s bloodstream. However, such incidents are extremely rare.

On the other hand, research by scientists at the University of Chicago has shown that young children raised with cats and dogs tend to be less susceptible to allergies and infectious diseases.

Photo by Craig F. Walker

Caption,

Scientists say growing with dogs and cats can be healthy

In another study, experts suggested that certain bacteria in dog saliva could promote healthy digestion …

So it can be assumed that over 40,000 years of domestication, dogs and cats have become not only our best friends, but also empathetic therapists.

Genital herpes

Herpes is one of the most common human viral infections.Herpes simplex virus (HSV) affects the skin and mucous membranes (most often on the face and genitals), the central nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis), eyes (conjunctivitis, keratitis). HSV causes pathology of pregnancy and childbirth, often leading to “spontaneous” abortions and fetal death, or causes generalized infection in newborns; there is an association of genital herpes with cervical and prostate cancer.

Genital herpes is caused by two serotypes of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2; most often HSV-2.

Ways of transmission of herpes

The disease is transmitted mainly through sexual contact from a patient with genital herpes. Often, genital herpes is transmitted from people who do not have symptoms of the disease at the time of sexual intercourse or who do not even know that they are infected. Factors contributing to the manifestation and / or recurrence of genital herpes are:

  • decrease in immunological reactivity,
  • hypothermia and overheating of the body,
  • intercurrent diseases,
  • medical procedures, including abortion and the introduction of an intrauterine device,
  • Certain mental and physiological conditions.

Symptoms of herpes

Primary genital herpes (the first case of the disease) and relapse (the second and subsequent cases of the disease) are distinguished.
The first symptoms of primary genital herpes are usually burning, pain and swelling in the affected area. These symptoms can be accompanied by malaise, fever, and headache (like with the flu). After a few days, small bubbles appear filled with a clear liquid. The blisters burst to form painful red ulcers.If the sores are located on the genitals, it may be painful to urinate. The rash heals within 14 days.

Relapse of the disease occurs more easily compared to primary genital herpes. With relapse, there is usually no malaise, fever and headache; less rashes. Infections, hypothermia, alcohol consumption and emotional stress contribute to relapse. Relapses tend to occur in the same place.Rashes with relapse heal faster – within 7-10 days.
Patients with primary genital herpes and recurrence (that is, patients with symptoms of the disease) are most contagious.

Very often, genital herpes is asymptomatic. In this case, infection of sexual partners is possible in the absence of symptoms. Most infected individuals do not have clinical manifestations of genital herpes. The characteristic localization of genital herpes in women: labia minora and majora, vulva, clitoris, vagina, cervix; in men: glans penis, foreskin, urethra.

At present, due to the variety of clinical manifestations of genital herpes and its frequent combination with other urogenital infections with similar symptoms, identification of the causative agent of the disease is of great importance.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

Diagnosis of genital herpes at Service Med is painless and fast, and concomitant sexually transmitted diseases that often “accompany” herpes can be detected.For typical symptoms, diagnosis is clinical. In doubtful cases, they resort to laboratory tests. Laboratory tests used to diagnose this disease are divided into two groups: (1) methods for detecting HSV and (2) methods for detecting antibodies to HSV. For HSV detection methods, material is taken directly from rashes suspected of genital herpes. The test material for detecting antibodies to HSV is blood.

Treatment of genital herpes

Modern methods of treatment do not allow you to completely get rid of HSV.Outside of relapse, the virus is inactive. With a weakening of the immune system, a relapse of genital herpes occurs. Treatment speeds up the healing of rashes, reduces the risk of recurrence, and reduces the shedding of the pathogen, but cannot completely eradicate the virus.

Antiviral drugs are the mainstay of treatment for genital herpes. Local application of antiviral drugs (in the form of creams and ointments) is ineffective.

In some cases, treatment is prescribed in addition to antiviral therapy (immunotherapy, restorative drugs, etc.)etc.).

Treatment of patients with genital herpes, especially chronic recurrent forms, presents significant methodological and practical difficulties. The duration, intensity and volume of therapy for patients with genital herpes are determined by the clinical form, stage and severity of the process.

Benefits of our treatments for herpes

Taking antiviral drugs, started in the early stages of the disease (when only burning and pain are worried, but there is no rash yet), can prevent the appearance of rashes.If the rash has already occurred, antiviral drugs will shorten the healing time of the rash. With frequent relapses, prophylactic treatment of genital herpes is possible (within several months). The sexual partners of patients with genital herpes should be examined and, if they have manifestations of herpes, treated.

90,000 causes and treatment> Rubric Medicine in Samara

A fever, or sore on the lips, is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type I.More than 90% of people worldwide are infected with it.

This means that the virus constantly lives in the body, but mostly “asleep”, not everyone has manifestations of the disease. How do you keep it under control?

What is it?

Herpes is a virus that infects a cell, penetrating its genetic apparatus. It is completely impossible to get rid of the virus. However, he usually does not manifest himself in any way.

The most common symptoms of herpes are blister-shaped rashes that can appear on the lips, mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, on the genitals and on the body.

Unfortunately, the Russians have a well-established principle of treatment with exclusively external ointment. However, an important fact is that the virus is divided in the blood and treatment must be systemic. External agents are mainly prescribed only for mucous membranes, and even then as an additional measure, since the drug from the skin surface is practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation. In Europe, there is a very clear distinction in the frequency of relapses. It is believed that if exacerbations of herpes simplex occur up to four times a year, then this is a rare recurrence, and treatment is prescribed for exacerbation.If relapses of herpes simplex occur more than four times a year, then treatment with antiviral drugs is prescribed for life. This is a shock for an unprepared person: not only do you need to swallow pills, but also always! But this technique completely eliminates relapses, the patient begins to live fully. Moreover, more and more advanced drugs are now appearing. The main thing is that the problem can be solved and done safely. Sergey Kazakov, dermatovenerologist

You can get herpes in different ways.For example, genital, airborne or generic (from mother to child). Infection is also common through physical contact with the patient – shaking hands, touching common objects, kissing. It is considered the norm if the rash appears no more than four to five times a year and only on the lips. However, you need to be wary of exacerbations that occur more often. If rashes appear not only on the lips, but also on other parts of the body, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and undergo an immunological examination.

Reasons

The virus awakens when a person’s immune system weakens. This can happen for a variety of reasons: hypothermia, overheating, pregnancy, a lot of alcohol, stress, or infectious diseases.

Dormant herpes is not transmitted. It becomes most contagious when there are blisters and sores on the skin, from which discharge may appear.

After a person has had herpes, the virus remains inactive in the nerve cells under the skin.Therefore, it may appear in the same place in the future. A repeated exacerbation of the disease is provoked by a viral infection or fever, hormonal changes, stress, fatigue, exposure to sunlight and wind, and the instability of the immune system.

pixabay.com

Waking herpes often accompanies people with HIV – infection and AIDS, eczema, severe burns, those taking chemotherapy and strong medications.

The cause of cold sores in winter can be severe hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, lack of movement and fresh air, as well as SARS and flu.

Symptoms

Before the bubbles “hatch”, itching, burning, tingling may appear at the site of future rashes. Therefore, doctors recommend starting drug therapy at this stage, it is more effective.

Symptoms may persist for several days and the blisters will heal within two to four weeks. During the first appearance of herpes, some people experience fever, painful erosion of the gums, sore throat, headache or muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

Recurrence of oral herpes symptoms can cause discomfort and mental distress. In genital herpes, these factors impair quality of life and sexual intercourse. However, over time, most people get used to this “symbiosis”, they adapt to coexistence with the infection.

How to protect yourself

If herpes has already appeared, then the doctor should prescribe antiviral drugs to the patient for regular use. During an exacerbation of the disease, doctors advise to prevent its spread.To do this, it is necessary to avoid skin contact with other people, do not use common objects – towels, lip ointments, lipstick, dishes. Also, the patient should remember about hygiene and wash his hands as often as possible.

Herpes in the mouth is caused by the herpes simplex virus type I, often acquired during childhood. It is worth noting that the infection persists throughout life. The herpes virus is transmitted through the surface of the mouth and facial skin. The manifestation of rashes and relapses during life often provokes a reduced and weakened immunity.In order not to get infected with the herpes simplex virus, you should avoid kissing and contact with the saliva of people who have rashes in the mouth. Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and a well-developed immune system that maintains normal vitamin D3 levels will help prevent relapse. If herpes is activated often – more than twice a year – or the rash is profuse, you should see a doctor. Irina Buleeva, general practitioner, clinical pharmacologist of the Online Doctor service

First of all , you need to dress warmly.In order to prevent the recurrence of herpes, it is better to wear a long down jacket or fur coat, warm shoes and socks. Do not forget about the hat, mittens, scarf. It is better to prevent hypothermia than to be treated for two weeks.

Secondly , watch the power supply. Eating fruits and vegetables will save you from vitamin deficiency. Pay special attention to vitamins A, C and E. Ginger, tangerines, oranges, persimmons, boiled rose hips and other foods rich in nutrients will help support the immune system.

Thirdly , it is worth more walking and playing sports. Winter is the time for active sports and outdoor recreation. Those who do not like skiing and snowboarding can simply enjoy a walk in the winter park or in the forest.

Fourth , get good rest. Stress and nervous exhaustion also weaken the immune system. Don’t skip vacation or take on a lot of work when you’re feeling very tired. Herpes appears not only in winter, but also in summer. If the sun’s rays provoke it, use sunscreen before going outside.

[box type = »info» align = »» class = »» width = »»] As studies show, most people infected with the herpes virus have never noticed symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus is of two types. The former is transmitted primarily through oral contact and causes oral herpes, or cold sores. The second belongs to the number of sexually transmitted infections. [/ Box]

Cover photo: pixabay.com

90,000 Genital herpes.Full description: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Herpes – a viral infection – one of the most common viral infections in humans and represents a serious medical and social problem.

DO NOT EXPERIENCE THE ILLUSION THAT HERPES IS NOT A SERIOUS DISEASE.

COMPLICATIONS FROM UNCURE HERPES LEAD TO CANCER!

____

The most common manifestations of this infection are genital and orolabial herpes .Herpes is transmitted by airborne droplets (when coughing, sneezing, talking), conta kte (when kissing, sharing utensils, lipstick) and sexually.

The main causative agent of genital herpes is herpes simplex virus type 1:

Type 1 is a lesion of the lips, face, arms, trunk, and last but not least, the genitals. There is a purely asymptomatic genital herpes.

Intact mucous membranes and damaged skin serve as the entrance gate. Primary infection is accompanied by the multiplication of the virus at the site of penetration, then it moves along the nerve trunk and is located in the paravertebral ganglia of the lumbosacral spine throughout a person’s life.

Stress, hormonal disturbances, ultraviolet e or radioactive irradiation, serious diseases, a decrease in the local and general reactivity of the body – cause the activation of the virus.

It is important for expectant mothers and fathers to be screened for herpes infection, because in the early stages, herpes can be the cause of spontaneous abortion (up to 30% of cases), in the later stages – pathology or fetal death.

First symptoms of herpes:

  • Grouped painful vesicles (hereinafter – erosion), with local pain, itching, burning.
  • May be accompanied by headache, fever, malaise.
  • Women are often affected by the labia, vaginal opening, perineum, thighs, and buttocks.
  • In men: the lesion is more often observed on the head of the penis, urethra, body of the penis, less often on the scrotum, perineum, thighs and buttocks.
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It should be noted that primary genital herpes in women is more acute and longer than in men.The frequency of relapses usually corrects with the severity of the primary infection, the more severe, the more often relapses occur in the future.

The following methods are used for diagnostics:

  • Molecular biological (PCR)
  • Serological (detection of antibodies to the herpes virus (IgM, IgA, IgG) and antibodies by ELISA.

Herpes treatment

Treatment of herpes infection in our clinic is aimed at reducing the severity and duration of and the current process; decrease in the frequency of relapses; stopping transmission of the virus to a partner.

The duration, intensity and required amount of treatment for genital herpes depends on the clinical form, stage and severity of the process. The use of antiviral drugs in combination with immuno-modulators is necessary.

Our specialists apply the most effective methods of treating herpes . thus saving you and your partner from this unpleasant disease.

Prevention of genital herpes:

  • Exclusion of casual sex partners.
  • Condom use.
  • Full-fledged specialized treatment of primary episode of genital herpes
  • Control of disease-provoking factors.
  • Essential knowledge in the hygiene of genital herpes.

The cost of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Remember, in the “Health Clinic” very affordable prices for treatment!

Treatment of gonorrhea (gonorrhea)

Gonorrhea (gonorrhea) is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs.Sexually transmitted infections are caused by Neisser’s gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae).

When infected, the mucous membranes of the genitourinary organs, rectum, cervix, pharynx and conjunctiva are affected. Both men and women are susceptible to infection.

How the infection spreads

Infection with gonorrhea occurs during sexual intercourse, anal and oral sex. In addition to sexual transmission, gonorrhea can be contracted during childbirth, when the infection is passed from mother to child.In this case, the newborn develops gonococcal conjunctivitis. Domestic infection is also possible – through towels, washcloths, linen. However, this option is unlikely, since gonococci are unstable in the external environment.

Symptoms of gonorrhea infection

Signs of the disease are observed several days after infection (see “Symptoms of gonorrhea”).

Men have the following signs of infection:

  • burning and itching, especially when urinating;
  • Frequent urge to urinate;
  • temperature rise is possible;
  • clouding of urine;
  • inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin;
  • pain when urinating;
  • yellowish-white discharge from the urethra;
  • symptom of “morning drop”: the peak of discharge falls on morning urination;
  • Clumping of the urethral sponges in the morning.

Women show the following symptoms of gonorrhea:

  • itching;
  • yellowish-white vaginal discharge;
  • pain when urinating;
  • frequent urination;
  • intermenstrual bleeding;
  • pain in the lower abdomen.

Gonorrhea can have a number of serious consequences, therefore, it is better not to delay treatment with it. Complications of gonorrhea include, for example, inflammation of the epididymis in men or inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages, infertility in women.If signs of infection appear, it is recommended that you immediately see a doctor and get tested for gonorrhea.

Treatment of gonorrhea for women

Timely treatment of gonorrhea in women will avoid complications such as:

  • inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages
  • frigidity
  • threatened miscarriage
  • ectopic pregnancy
  • premature birth
  • postpartum complications
  • infertility

It is important to remember that in some cases of gonorrhea other diseases, such as chlamydia, are associated.Therefore, the drugs used must be active against both gonococci and chlamydia. Therefore, it is best to entrust the treatment of gonorrhea to a professional, and in no case resort to self-treatment.

Treatment of gonorrhea for men

Treatment of gonorrhea in men is rather quick with the use of modern medicines.

As a result of correct treatment within a week, inflammatory processes are sharply reduced, the manifestations of gonorrhea weaken.After about 10 days, a cure occurs. Symptoms may persist for some time.

Treatment of gonorrhea – general guidelines

In case of relapses, local treatment and immunotherapy are prescribed. After this, re-treatment with antibiotics is possible. Treatment of relapses and chronic forms of gonorrhea is best done in a hospital.

Success in treating this common condition in men and women depends on the correct use of antibiotics, immunotherapy, topical treatments and physiotherapy, and adherence to all doctor’s directions.