What are the common symptoms of genital herpes. How is genital herpes diagnosed and treated. Can genital herpes be prevented. What are the long-term effects of genital herpes. How does genital herpes affect pregnancy and childbirth.

Understanding Genital Herpes: Causes and Transmission

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV that can cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact. HSV-2 is more commonly responsible for genital herpes.

How is genital herpes transmitted? The virus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It’s important to note that transmission can occur even when the infected person does not have visible symptoms or sores.

Key Facts About Genital Herpes Transmission:

• Genital herpes can be spread through any type of sexual contact
• The virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms
• Herpes cannot be contracted from toilet seats, towels, or other objects
• Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States has genital herpes

Recognizing the Symptoms of Genital Herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience severe outbreaks, while others may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Understanding the typical signs of genital herpes is crucial for early detection and proper management of the condition.

Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes:

• Itching or tingling sensation in the genital area
• Small, painful blisters on the genitals, rectum, or mouth
• Sores that ooze or bleed
• Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak (fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes)
• Pain or discomfort during urination

When do genital herpes symptoms typically appear? Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after contracting the virus. However, it’s important to remember that some individuals may remain asymptomatic or have such mild symptoms that they go unnoticed.

Diagnosing Genital Herpes: Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of genital herpes is essential for proper treatment and management. Healthcare providers use various methods to diagnose the condition, including visual examination, laboratory tests, and patient history.

Diagnostic Methods for Genital Herpes:

1. Visual examination of sores or lesions
2. Swab test to collect a sample from an active sore
3. Blood tests to detect HSV antibodies
4. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test to identify the virus’s genetic material

How long does it take to get genital herpes test results? The timeframe for receiving test results can vary depending on the type of test performed. Swab tests typically provide results within a few days, while blood tests may take up to a week.

Treatment Options for Genital Herpes

While there is no cure for genital herpes, several treatment options can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, and lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners.

Antiviral Medications for Genital Herpes:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

How do antiviral medications help manage genital herpes? These medications work by suppressing the herpes virus, reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks, and decreasing the risk of transmission. They can be prescribed for episodic treatment (taken during outbreaks) or suppressive therapy (taken daily to prevent outbreaks).

Treatment Approaches:

1. Episodic therapy: Taking medication at the first sign of an outbreak
2. Suppressive therapy: Daily medication to prevent outbreaks and reduce transmission risk
3. Combination of episodic and suppressive therapy based on individual needs

Living with Genital Herpes: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

Managing genital herpes involves more than just medical treatment. Adopting certain lifestyle changes and coping strategies can help individuals better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Tips for Managing Genital Herpes:

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to promote healing during outbreaks
• Avoid triggers that may cause outbreaks (e.g., stress, lack of sleep, poor diet)
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of the body
• Join support groups or seek counseling to address emotional challenges
• Maintain open communication with sexual partners about your condition

How can stress management help individuals with genital herpes? Stress is a known trigger for herpes outbreaks. By implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, exercise, or therapy, individuals may experience fewer and less severe outbreaks.

Preventing the Spread of Genital Herpes

While genital herpes is a manageable condition, preventing its spread is crucial for public health. Understanding and implementing prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Effective Prevention Methods:

1. Consistent and correct use of condoms or dental dams during sexual activity
2. Avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks
3. Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections
4. Open communication with sexual partners about STI status
5. Considering suppressive antiviral therapy to reduce transmission risk

Can genital herpes be completely prevented? While no method is 100% effective, combining multiple prevention strategies significantly reduces the risk of transmission. It’s important to note that condoms and dental dams only protect the areas they cover, so there’s still a possibility of transmission from uncovered areas.

Genital Herpes and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Genital herpes can pose unique challenges during pregnancy and childbirth. Proper management and communication with healthcare providers are essential to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.

Key Considerations for Pregnant Women with Genital Herpes:

• Increased risk of transmission to the baby during vaginal delivery, especially during a first-time outbreak
• Possibility of cesarean section recommendation if an outbreak occurs near delivery time
• Potential use of antiviral medication during late pregnancy to reduce outbreak risk
• Importance of informing healthcare providers about herpes status early in pregnancy

How does genital herpes affect newborns? If a newborn contracts herpes during birth, it can lead to severe complications, including skin rashes, eye problems, and potentially life-threatening infections. However, with proper management and precautions, the risk of neonatal herpes can be significantly reduced.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Genital Herpes

Misinformation and stigma surrounding genital herpes can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Addressing common myths and providing accurate information is crucial for promoting understanding and reducing stigma.

Common Myths About Genital Herpes:

1. Myth: Genital herpes can be contracted from toilet seats or shared objects.
2. Fact: The herpes virus cannot survive long outside the body and is not transmitted through inanimate objects.

2. Myth: People with genital herpes cannot have sexual relationships.
3. Fact: With proper precautions and open communication, individuals with genital herpes can maintain healthy sexual relationships.

3. Myth: Genital herpes always causes noticeable symptoms.
4. Fact: Many people with genital herpes are asymptomatic or have such mild symptoms that they go unnoticed.

Why is it important to dispel myths about genital herpes? Accurate information helps reduce stigma, encourages testing and treatment, and promotes better overall sexual health awareness in the community.

Advances in Genital Herpes Research and Future Treatments

The field of genital herpes research is continuously evolving, with scientists working on new treatments and potential vaccines. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope and new options for individuals living with the condition.

Recent Advancements in Genital Herpes Research:

• Development of novel antiviral compounds with improved efficacy
• Exploration of immunotherapy approaches to boost the body’s natural defenses against the virus
• Progress in vaccine development, including therapeutic and preventive vaccines
• Investigation of gene editing techniques to target the herpes virus

What potential benefits could a genital herpes vaccine offer? A successful vaccine could prevent new infections, reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks in those already infected, and potentially lead to better control of the global spread of genital herpes.

The Psychological Impact of Genital Herpes: Emotional Support and Mental Health

Living with genital herpes can have significant psychological effects on individuals. Addressing the emotional aspects of the condition is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life.

Common Emotional Challenges Associated with Genital Herpes:

• Feelings of shame or embarrassment
• Anxiety about disclosing the condition to partners
• Fear of rejection or judgment
• Depression or mood changes
• Impact on self-esteem and body image

How can individuals cope with the emotional impact of genital herpes? Seeking professional counseling, joining support groups, and practicing self-care can help manage the psychological aspects of living with genital herpes. It’s important to remember that having genital herpes does not define a person’s worth or value.

Resources for Emotional Support:

1. Mental health professionals specializing in sexual health issues
2. Online and in-person support groups for individuals with genital herpes
3. Educational materials and workshops on managing the emotional aspects of STIs
4. Hotlines and crisis support services for immediate assistance

Navigating Relationships with Genital Herpes: Communication and Intimacy

Maintaining healthy relationships while living with genital herpes requires open communication, mutual understanding, and a commitment to sexual health. Learning how to navigate these conversations can lead to more fulfilling and honest relationships.

Tips for Discussing Genital Herpes with Partners:

• Choose an appropriate time and place for the conversation
• Prepare by gathering accurate information about genital herpes
• Be honest and direct about your condition
• Allow your partner time to process the information and ask questions
• Discuss prevention methods and treatment options

When is the best time to disclose genital herpes to a new partner? While there’s no perfect time, it’s generally recommended to have this conversation before engaging in sexual activity. This allows both partners to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Maintaining Intimacy with Genital Herpes:

1. Explore non-sexual forms of intimacy during outbreaks
2. Practice safe sex consistently, including the use of barriers and antiviral medications
3. Communicate openly about symptoms and outbreak patterns
4. Focus on building emotional intimacy and trust in the relationship

Legal and Ethical Considerations Surrounding Genital Herpes

The legal and ethical landscape surrounding genital herpes can be complex, involving issues of disclosure, consent, and public health. Understanding these aspects can help individuals navigate potential legal situations and make informed decisions about their health and relationships.

Legal Aspects of Genital Herpes:

• Disclosure laws vary by jurisdiction
• Potential legal consequences for knowingly transmitting genital herpes
• Privacy rights concerning medical information
• Workplace discrimination protections for individuals with STIs

Are there legal requirements for disclosing genital herpes to sexual partners? Laws regarding STI disclosure vary by location. In some jurisdictions, failing to disclose a known STI before sexual contact can lead to legal consequences. It’s important to familiarize oneself with local laws and ethical considerations.

Ethical Considerations:

1. Balancing personal privacy with the responsibility to protect partners
2. Addressing stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings
3. Ethical implications of partner notification programs
4. Considerations for healthcare providers in maintaining patient confidentiality

Global Perspectives on Genital Herpes: Prevalence and Cultural Attitudes

Genital herpes affects millions of people worldwide, but its prevalence, perception, and management can vary significantly across different cultures and regions. Understanding these global perspectives can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in addressing this common STI on a global scale.

Global Prevalence of Genital Herpes:

• Varying rates of infection across different countries and regions
• Impact of socioeconomic factors on prevalence and management
• Differences in testing and reporting practices worldwide
• Influence of cultural norms on sexual health practices and STI prevention

How do cultural attitudes affect the management of genital herpes globally? Cultural beliefs, religious practices, and societal norms can significantly influence how genital herpes is perceived, discussed, and treated in different parts of the world. These factors can impact everything from healthcare-seeking behaviors to the stigma associated with the condition.

Challenges in Global Herpes Management:

1. Limited access to testing and treatment in resource-poor settings
2. Cultural taboos surrounding sexual health discussions
3. Variations in sex education and STI awareness programs
4. Impact of global travel on the spread of different HSV strains

Understanding these global perspectives is crucial for developing effective, culturally sensitive strategies to address genital herpes on an international scale. By recognizing the diverse challenges and attitudes surrounding this condition worldwide, we can work towards more comprehensive and inclusive approaches to prevention, treatment, and support.

Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Medically Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on December 02, 2022

You may feel itchy or tingly around your genitals. This is usually followed by painful, small blisters that pop and leave sores that ooze or bleed. Most people notice symptoms within a few weeks after they catch the virus from someone else. The first time it happens, you may also have a fever, headache, or other flu-like feelings. Some people have few or no symptoms.

You get herpes by having any kind of sex — vaginal, oral, or anal — with someone who’s infected. It’s so common in the U.S. that 1 in every 5 adults has it. Herpes can be spread during oral sex if you or your partner has a cold sore. Because the virus can’t live long outside your body, you can’t catch it from something like a toilet seat or towel. 

Sometimes people mistake a pimple or ingrown hair for herpes. Your doctor can take a small sample from sores by using a swab test. If you don’t have symptoms but think you might have herpes, your doctor can do a blood test. It may take a few days to get your results.

Genital herpes usually comes from the virus called herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2). Its cousin, HSV-1, is what gives you cold sores. You can get HSV-2 from someone whether they have symptoms or not.

Your doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine. These pills can help you feel better and shorten an outbreak. In the meantime, don’t kiss or have any kind of sex with other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still spread the disease.

Some people only take their medications if they feel the itching and tingling that means an outbreak is coming on — or when sores show up — to stop it from getting worse. Your doctor may suggest you take an antiviral every day if you:

• Have lots of outbreaks
• Want to prevent more outbreaks
• Want to lower the risk of spreading it to your partner

You can treat herpes, but once you get it, you’ll always have it. When symptoms show up, it’s called having an outbreak. The first is usually the worst. Most people have them on and off for several years,  but they get milder and happen less often over time.

As long as you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you could get herpes. You’ll make it a lot less likely if you use a latex or polyurethane condom or dental dam every time, for every activity. The dam or condom only protects the area it covers. If you don’t have herpes, you and your partner should get tested for STDs before sex. If you’re both disease-free and aren’t having sex with other people, you should be safe.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
• Avoid sun or heat that could cause more blisters.
• Take a warm, soothing bath.
• Don’t use perfumed soaps or douches near your blisters.

The herpes virus stays in your body forever, even if you have no symptoms. You may have an outbreak when you’re sick, after you’ve been out in the sun, or when you’re stressed out or tired. If you’re a woman, you could get one when you start your period.

You still can have sex if you have genital herpes, but you must tell your partner you have the virus. They need to know so they can get tested. Wear a condom any time you have sex. Never have sex during an outbreak.

People often don’t have serious problems from herpes, but there’s a chance of them. Wash your hands often, especially during an outbreak. If you touch a blister and rub your eyes, the infection can spread to your eyes. If your eyes are red, swollen, hurt, or are sensitive to light, see your doctor. Treating it can help prevent serious vision problems.

If you’re pregnant and have herpes, your doctor may suggest that you have your baby by C-section if you are experiencing an outbreak. Why? During vaginal birth, the herpes virus could spread to your baby, especially if your first outbreak happens around the delivery time. The virus could give your baby rashes, eye problems, or more serious issues. A C-section makes that less likely. Your doctor may also have you take anti-viral medicine starting at about 34 weeks to avoid an outbreak around your due date.

Getting ready to talk to your partner about herpes? These tips can help you prepare for the conversation. The American Sexual Health Association recommends you pick a time when you won’t be interrupted, plan what you want to say ahead of time, and practice what you’ll say so you feel confident.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

(1)    Interactive Medical Media LLC, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Dr. Harold Fisher
(2)    Blend Images
(3)    iStock
(4)    The Image Bank
(5)    Moment Open
(6)    Stockbyte
(7)    iStock
(8)    Photo Alto
(9)    Digital Vision
(10)   Taxi
(11)   Iconica
(12)   Photo Researchers / Getty
(13)   Monkey Business
(14)   Photonica

SOURCES:

American Sexual Health Association

Brown University Health Education: “Genital Herpes.”

CDC: “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.”

Kimberlin, D. Human Herpes Viruses, 2007.

TeensHealth: “Genital Herpes.”

University of Rochester Medical Center: “What You Need to Know About STDs. “

UpToDate.com: “Patient information: Genital herpes (Beyond the Basics).”

WomensHealth.gov: “Genital herpes fact sheet.”

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Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, STD Symptoms, & Testing

Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on January 14, 2023

You don’t have to have sex to get an STD. Skin-to-skin contact is enough to spread HPV, the virus family that causes genital warts. Some types cause warts and are usually harmless, but others may lead to cervical or anal cancer. Vaccines can protect against some of the most dangerous types.

Signs: Pink or flesh-colored warts that are raised, flat, or shaped like cauliflower. Often there are no symptoms.

“Crabs” is the common term for lice that set up shop in pubic hair. The term comes from the shape of the tiny parasites, which look very different from head or body lice. The creatures crawl from one person to another during close contact. Pubic lice can be killed with over-the-counter lotions.

Symptoms: Intense itching, tiny eggs attached to pubic hair, or crawling lice.

Scabies is an itchy infestation caused by a tiny mite that burrows into human skin to lay eggs. It is not always an STD, as it can spread through any skin-to-skin contact. But among young adults, the mites are often acquired during sex. Scabies is treated with prescription creams.

Symptoms: Intense itching especially at night and a pimple-like rash. It may take 2-6 weeks for symptoms to appear.

Gonorrhea spreads easily and can lead to infertility in both men and women, if untreated. Antibiotics stop the infection.

Symptoms: Common symptoms are burning during urination and discharge, but often there are no early symptoms. Later, the infection may cause skin rashes or spread to the joints and blood.

In Men: Discharge from the penis, swollen testicles.

In Women: Vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, spotting. Symptoms may be mild and are easily confused with a urinary tract or vaginal infection.

Most people don’t notice the early symptoms of syphilis. The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis infection in persons who are at increased risk for infection. Without treatment, it can lead to paralysis, blindness, and death. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.

Signs and Symptoms: The first sign is usually a firm, round, painless sore on the genitals or anus. The disease spreads through direct contact with this sore. Later there may be a rash on the soles, palms, or other parts of the body (seen here), as well as swollen glands, fever, hair loss, or fatigue. In the late stage, symptoms come from damage to organs such as the heart, brain, liver, nerves, and eyes.

Chlamydia is a common STD that can lead to infertility if left untreated. It clears up quickly with antibiotics. But it often goes unnoticed because symptoms are vague or absent. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat.

Symptoms in Men: Burning and itching at the tip of the penis, discharge, painful urination.

Symptoms in Women: Vaginal itching, discharge that may have an odor, pain during sex, painful urination.

That painful cold sore you get on your lip every now and then? It’s probably caused by a type of herpes virus called HSV-1. This virus is usually not an STD; it spreads easily among household members or through kissing. But it can be spread to the genitals through oral or genital contact with an infected person. Though there is no cure, drugs can shorten or prevent outbreaks.

Signs and Symptoms: Occasional cold sores or “fever blisters” on the lips. Small blister or sores on the genitals are also possible.

Most cases of genital herpes are caused by a virus called HSV-2. It’s highly contagious and can spread through intercourse or direct contact with a herpes sore. As with HSV-1, there is no cure. But antiviral drugs can make outbreaks less frequent and help clear up symptoms more quickly.

Symptoms: Fluid-filled blisters that form painful, crusted sores on the genitals, anus, thighs, or buttocks. Can spread to the lips through oral contact.

Hepatitis B is a stealthy virus that can cause severe liver damage. It spreads through contact with blood and other body fluids. People can be infected through sex, needle sharing, and at birth, as well as by sharing razors and toothbrushes. There is no cure, but drugs can keep the virus in check. There’s also an effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.

Symptoms: People may develop nausea, belly pain, dark urine, fatigue, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes with acute infection. Chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Many people have no symptoms for years.

The HIV virus weakens the body’s defense against infections. HIV spreads through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or being born to an infected mother. It may cause no symptoms for years, so a blood test is the best way to learn your status. Timely treatment is important to help prevent serious illnesses.

Early symptoms of HIV Infection: Many have no symptoms, but some people get temporary flu-like symptoms one to two months after infection: swollen glands (seen here), a fever, headaches, and fatigue. Canker sores in the mouth can occur, too.

Reliable HIV tests can be done in a clinic or at home with the FDA-approved Home Access brand test kit. Anonymous tests use only a number to identify you. One limitation is the “window period” of up to six months after exposure to HIV when these antibody tests sometimes do not find the virus. You can pass HIV to others during that time.

If You Suspect HIV/AIDS: If you’ve been exposed to HIV, starting medications immediately can help prevent infection. If you have the virus, treatments can help prevent HIV from turning into AIDS.

While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications that can suppress the amount of virus multiplying inside the body. People take a combination of antiviral drugs in hopes of preventing the infection from advancing to AIDS. Additional treatments can help prevent or fight off serious infections, if the immune system has weakened.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that spreads during sexual contact. It can be cured with prescription drugs.

Signs and Symptoms in Men: Most men have no obvious symptoms. Some develop a mild discharge or slight burning during urination.

Signs and Symptoms in Women: Women may develop a yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, vaginal itching, or pain during sex or urination. Symptoms usually begin five to 28 days after acquiring the parasite.

Chancroid is a bacterial STD that is common in Africa and Asia but rare in the U.S. It causes genital sores that can spread the bacteria from one person to another. Antibiotics can cure the infection.

Symptoms in Men: Painful bumps on the penis that may develop into pus-filled open sores, pain in the genitals and groin.
Symptoms in Women: Painful bumps in the genital area that can develop into open sores, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

LGV is caused by a type of chlamydia that is usually rare in the U.S. But it’s becoming more common in men who have sex with men. Like other forms of chlamydia, it can be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms: Open sores on the genitals or anus, headache, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands in the groin (seen here). If acquired through anal sex, LGV may cause rectal bleeding or discharge.

Not an STD itself, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious complication of untreated STDs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. It happens when bacteria spread to infect the uterus and other female reproductive organs. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent damage to a woman’s fertility.

Signs and Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, painful intercourse, painful urination, and spotting. However, there are often no warning signs.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STD, regardless of gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation. That said, teenagers and young adults acquire STDs more easily than older people. By age 25, half of sexually active adults get an STD. Having multiple sex partners also raises the risk. The CDC has noted that some STDs are on the rise in men who have sex with men, including syphilis and LGV.

Yes, they can. Many STDs spread through any type of sexual activity, including skin-to-skin contact and oral sex. This is especially true of STDs that produce genital lesions or sores.

The best ways to avoid getting an STD are to abstain from any sexual contact and be in a monogamous, long-term relationship with an uninfected partner. To reduce the odds of getting STDs:

• Ask your partner if they have an STD.
• Ask partners to be tested before sexual activity.
• Use condoms.
• Avoid sexual activity if your partner has signs of an STD.
• Be aware of symptoms and get regular checkups with your health care provider.

While condoms are effective in preventing the spread of some STDs, they are not perfect. Condoms are better at protecting against gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But they offer less protection against herpes, syphilis, and genital warts. These infections can spread through contact with skin lesions that are not covered by a condom. Finally, condoms offer virtually no protection against crabs and scabies.

If you think you have an STD, tell your partner(s) as soon as possible. You may be able to spread the infection even if you have already begun treatment or are using condoms. With some STDs, doctors recommend treating both partners at the same time. This may be a difficult conversation. Some people find it helpful to write a script ahead of time. Be sure to let your partner ask questions and express their feelings.

It is important for pregnant women to be checked for STDs. They can cause women to go into labor too early and may complicate delivery. Many STDs can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or after the baby is born. STDs’ effects on babies can include stillbirth, low birth weight, neurologic problems, blindness, liver disease, and serious infection. But there are treatments to minimize these risks. Treatment during pregnancy can cure some STDs and lower the risk of passing the infection to your baby. 

Most STD treatments do not protect you from getting the same infection again. A course of drugs may cure gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, but a new exposure can start a new infection. If your partner is not treated, you can continue to pass infections back and forth. And if you’re not taking the right precautions to protect yourself, you can be re-infected quickly or even pick up a second STD.  

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1)    Science Source, Dr P. Marazzi, Dr. Harout Tanielian, Biophoto Associates /  Photo Researchers Inc.
2)    London Scientific Films
3)    Dr. P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc.
4)    Juergen Berger / Photo Researchers, Interactive Medical Media LLC , Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
5)    Science Source/Photo Researchers, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
6)    BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc
7)    Interactive Medical Media LLC
8)    Interactive Medical Media LLC, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Dr. Harold Fisher/Visuals Unlimited
9)    Eye of Science/Photo Researchers Inc
10)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., Science Source, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology
11)    Bildagentur RM/Tips Italia
12)    Bruce Forester/Photographer’s Choice
13)    IMA / Photo Researchers Inc
14)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc., David M. Phillips / Photo Researchers, Inc, Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatolog
15)    Dr. M.A. Ansary / Photo Researchers, Inc.
16)    Judith Glick / Phototake
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19)    George Diebold/Photographer’s Choice
20)    Michael Winokur/Workbook Stock
21)    John Lamb/Stone
22)    UHB Trust/Stone
23)    Alan Powdrill/Stone

REFERENCES:

American Social Health Association.
American Social Health Association’s National Herpes Resource Center.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.
FDA web site.
Fleming, et al. The New England Journal of Medicine, Oct. 16, 1997.
March of Dimes web site.
Merck Manual, 17th edition.
National HIV Testing Resources.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
National Institutes of Health.
The Nemours Foundation’s Kids Health web site.
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

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Stomatidine

Stomatidine

• Herpes: causes and consequences
• How to recognize herpes
• Diagnostics and prevention
• Herpes: how to treat

Herpes is a disease caused primarily by two types of virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The infection affects the skin, organs of vision, genitals, in severe cases penetrates the nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis. The most famous form is herpes on the lip – it is familiar to everyone. About 90% of the urban population of the planet are carriers of herpes. This is not only the most common virus, but also one of the oldest forms of infection in existence.

The first pathogen was isolated by W. Gruter in 1912. Today, 8 varieties of the virus are known. The insidiousness of herpes lies in the fact that, once it enters the body, it remains there for life. It can stay in a latent form, not appear at all, or remind of itself with inveterate periodicity. It affects any part of the body and provokes a different outcome of the disease – from the most imperceptible course to death.

Herpes: causes and consequences

Having settled in the body, the herpes virus waits for the right moment. The tactic is simple: catch the time when the immune system is weakened and penetrate the bloodstream. Immunity gives in to a serious blow and suffers even more. Against the background of an awakened infection, other diseases may be added. Not only the skin suffers, but also the internal organs, mucous membranes. Herpes is incurable. However, humanity lives with it, successfully suppressing the symptoms and pathogen.

First type

Herpes on the lip and mouth is caused by a virus of the first type. They used to call him a cold, in part, it is. A cold is a process of activation of pathogenic microflora that already lives in the body. It multiplies with a decrease in immunity. So does herpes.

The child acquires antibodies to the virus from the mother, but by the age of 3 they disappear. Since infection occurs easily, it does not appear immediately, many do not even notice it. The only way out is to increase the body’s natural defenses (immunity).

Causes of herpes, more precisely factors that reduce immunity and provoke its manifestation:

• viral diseases and colds
• Start of menstruation in women
• severe stress
• long exposure to the sun
• lack of sleep
• hypothermia or overheating
• vitamin deficiency
• exhausting diets

Many factors can be avoided by a healthy lifestyle.

The virus easily enters the environment from patients with rashes. If the particles of the pathogen get on the skin or mucous membranes, infection occurs. Any household items can also cause infection: linen, toys, dishes.

Second type

Type 2 virus causes genital infection. It is transmitted sexually. After oral sex, herpes can develop in the mouth. One of the most dangerous forms of the disease is intrauterine infection. This happens if the virus is activated in the mother’s body during pregnancy. For the fetus, the consequences are severe.

With a mild course of the disease, the prognosis is good: the symptoms were eliminated, and the virus subsided for many years. Sometimes there are complications:

• damage to eggs and sperm leading to infertility
• herpetic vision loss
• suffering from the central nervous system and brain
• sciatica
• angina and pharyngitis
• herpetic pneumonia
• hepatitis

These severe effects are a reminder that cold sores are not to be trifled with and should be treated promptly at the slightest sign of symptoms.

How to recognize herpes

All 8 types of herpes virus have different manifestations of the disease. The causative agent can be identified by the symptoms and the area of ​​​​the body that is affected.

Symptoms of herpes

The development of the disease occurs imperceptibly. Once in the body, the virus is attacked by the immune system. Now there are two options for the development of the situation:

• the disease actively affects the skin, mucous membranes, organs
• virus enters latent stage

The causative agent may remain silent for days to decades.

During the latent period (calm of the disease) no symptoms appear. The carrier of the virus is not contagious. Then the hidden reproduction of the infection begins, asymptomatic, but already with a threat to others.

When herpes is activated, the symptoms appear gradually:

• itching occurs on the affected area
• a blistering rash develops after a few days
• enlarged lymph nodes
• in some cases, the temperature rises, muscles ache, headache
• the infection enters the cells of the nervous system, where it can live for years

These are the first symptoms that indicate infection. Herpes (from the Greek “herpein”) means “to crawl”. It is able to spread to all internal organs. There is no complete medical cure for the disease. Treatment of herpes is reduced to the removal of symptoms and temporary suppression of the virus.

Disease stages

The disease proceeds with pronounced periods. There are five of them.

• The first stage is itching. During this period, the affected area causes discomfort. Herpes on the lip is characterized by a burning sensation in the corners of the mouth.
• The second stage is the inflammatory process. There is swelling that hurts. Gradually, it occupies a large area. Many small bubbles of liquid cover the skin, concentrating on one area.
• Erosion occurs in the third stage. The bubbles burst, the liquid flows out. It contains infectious viral particles. A wound remains at the site of inflammation, which heals at the next stage.
• The fourth stage is the formation of scabs. They look unaesthetic, cause pain, and may bleed. However, the crusts speak of the final stage of the course of the disease.
• The fifth stage does not occur in all cases, manifesting itself with severe consequences and complications. With a favorable outcome, the virus calms down.

Species

Diseases are provoked by 8 types of herpes virus.

Virus	Main disease	Symptoms	Complications, severe diseases
HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1)	Herpes of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, pneumonia	Blisters on the lips. Sometimes pharyngitis, stomatitis, fever and fever	Hepatitis, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, encephalitis, meningitis, neuroblastoma
HSV-2	Genital herpes, neonatal herpes	Redness of the genitals, itching and blisters in the intimate area. Herpes in children of the first 4 weeks of life is very dangerous: internal organs are affected	Neonatal herpes, encephalitis, meningitis in adults, cervical and prostate cancer
HHV-3	Chickenpox and shingles	Red rash on the body, fever. With lichen – rashes localized in the region of the ribs and chest	Neuropathy, encephalitis
Epstein-Barr virus (type 4)	Infectious mononucleosis	High fever, enlargement of internal organs (liver, spleen) and lymph nodes, tonsillitis	Burkitt’s lymphoma, lymphogranulomatosis, encephalitis, meningitis carcinoma
Cytomegalovirus (CMV, HHV-5)	Congenital CMV infection, hepatitis, pneumonia, enterocolitis, CMV mononucleosis	Fever, intoxication, weakness, chills, headaches, muscle pain, bronchitis. Duration up to 6 weeks	CNS congenital disorders, meningitis, encephalitis, cranial neuropathy, brain lymphomas, genital tumors
Human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6)	Sudden roseola in children, chronic fatigue syndrome	Manifested in children under 2 years of age. The temperature immediately rises to 39-40 degrees, lasts up to 5 days. Starting from 4-5 days, rashes appear on the body, the temperature goes down. Often confused with SARS and drug allergies.	Encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, malignant lymphoma
HHV-7	Chronic fatigue syndrome	Permanent weakness not related to other causes.	Lymphoma of the brain
HHV-8	Not established	Symptoms of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Appears on the feet, legs, hands. The foci are symmetrical, with clear boundaries.	Kaposi’s sarcoma, especially in HIV-infected people

Often, when it comes to HSV, they mean herpes in the mouth, lips, eyes and genitals, caused by the first two types of the virus.

Diagnosis and prevention

Herpes: how to treat

When the pathogen has passed into the active stage, the question arises: how to treat herpes? To suppress the first type of virus, both individual agents and complex therapy are used. Depending on the form of manifestation of the infection and the affected area (lips, oral mucosa, pharynx), a cure for herpes is selected. Use antiviral drugs and broad-spectrum drugs. Ointments are prescribed for the treatment of the skin. In the case when the infection has penetrated the pharynx or the mucous membrane in the mouth has suffered, rinse solutions are prescribed.

Among preschool children, infection with the herpes virus occurs in kindergartens or playgrounds. Mother’s antibodies protect the child up to 3-4 years, then a collision with an infection is inevitable. The virus is transmitted through shared toys, dishes, close contact with infected babies. The treatment of herpes in children is complicated, as they can scratch the wounds, scratch the affected area of ​​the skin, wipe the ointment. Herpetic stomatitis develops. Other complications include herpes laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis. They occur in both children and adults.

Treatment of herpes in adults and children from 6 years of age is aimed at eliminating viral particles from the affected area. Use antimicrobial agents and antiseptics. Along with antiviral drugs, external antiseptic agents are used in the treatment of herpes. Similar medicines for herpes include Stomatidin ^® . The active ingredient of the drug acts on the oropharyngeal mucosa from 8 to 65 hours, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. How to treat herpes, the doctor will tell you in person. The course and use of the drug depend on the severity of the symptoms. Usually prescribed rinsing the mouth with 15 ml of undiluted solution, for 30 seconds, 2-3 times a day. The medicine is not diluted with water and is used after meals.

Stomatidin ^® is a modern antimicrobial and antibacterial agent used to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria in oral infections in children and adults. Before using the drug, you should consult with your doctor. In the treatment of herpes, Stomatidin ^® is usually prescribed in complex therapy.

The herpes virus lives in the body of most of the world’s population. With the observance of preventive measures, timely diagnosis and therapy, the infection proceeds easily and imperceptibly.

Manual

See also:

self-medication can harm your health

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Genital herpes – symptoms and treatment ᐉ report on the site

Herpes – the viral disease is widespread, as it can appear in any person. There are two types of virus – the first one attacks the nasal mucosa and the other one – the organs of the body. The same wine is called genital herpes. Like symptoms of illness, that like yogo exuberance mirozpovimo far away.

Symptoms of illness

Basically, genital herpes is transmitted by a static route. It can also become self-infected (through the hands from the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose). Often the virus is transmitted from mother to child through the placenta in a few hours.

The ailment attacks like men, and women with the same frequency. In rich people, the herpes virus is alive in the body, but it does not manifest itself. However, with reduced immunity or other concomitant factors of infection, first symptoms of infection are observed. You can see them:

• pukhirtsevy visipka with translucence in place on the articular organs, in the area of ​​the anus and stegon;
• severe illness, weakness;
• strong liver damage in the area of ​​state organs;
• blotch and scarring of the genitals;
• increase in lymph nodes in the groin;
• temperature increase;
• bіl at m’yazakh groin, in the area across;

Call

• parts before cutting.

In women, genital herpes can be localized on the cervix of the uterus. In humans, the disease affects the head of the state member, the foreskin, the scrotum and the pubis.

After a few days, the bulbs burst, satisfying the fire. On the spot, you can winknut virazki with a rotten place. At the time of arrival of a viral infection, the illness becomes more complicated.

Call the incubation period three times one or two days. Like herpes do not exult, ill pass at an important stage. The most widespread complications are reduced immunity, bacterial infections, damage to the nervous system and cancer of state organs.

The virus can sleep for a long time and not manifest itself. Acute guilt through hypothermia, stress, decreased immunity in case of GRVI.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

Diagnosing genital herpes is important on your own, but you can confuse the symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore, if there are any signs, immediately go to the doctor. After the last inspection, the doctor will send you for analysis. Most effective – price:

• IFA. The test shows the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood. Such an analysis allows you to determine whether a person is carrying the virus (to remember that it is still at the stage of remission).
• PLR. The test helps to detect the presence of the virus in the blood.

After analysis, appoint a drug.

Treatment for genital herpes

It is impossible to vibrate against the herpes virus. However, with correctly recognized likuvanni, a person enters the stage of remission and is allowed to show symptoms for three hours.

Basically, for the stabilization of the situation, it is necessary to sow the following:

• Antiviral therapy. Seek out the look of the tablets – acyclovir and zovirax. Similar medical preparations will take into account the spread and spread of the virus and the symptoms. Other faces are introduced internally.
• Ointments. Zinc, oxolinium, interfering zasіb dopomozhe znyat sverbіzh and speed up the zavnіshnіh manifestations of ailments.
• Candles.