Things you should know about genital herpes and its treatment
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). The virus responsible for the infection is spread from one person to another by sexual contact. Secretions from the mouth or genitals can also spread the infection to healthy individual. Virus that is responsible for causing cold sores herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) can also herpes in genital area in some cases.
Signs and Symptoms
Like most of the STIs, there are chances that people infected by with genital herpes never show any sores. In other cases, mild symptoms including skin infection develop in the infected people. Signs and symptoms in the first outbreak appear within 2 days to 2 weeks of being infected. Decreased appetite, high fever, ache in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees are some of the general symptoms of the infection. Some people also experience swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin during an outbreak.
In women, small, painful blisters filled with clear fluid may appear on the outer vaginal lips, vagina, cervix, around the anus, and on the thighs or buttocks. In men, such blisters are usually seen on the penis, scrotum, around the anus, on the thighs or buttocks. Skin tingling, burning, itching, or pain around the blister is common. In case the blisters break, ulcers can be formed that take over 7 - 14 days to heal. Second outbreaks are usually less severe than the first one and also go away sooner.
Before discussing treatment for skin infection, it is essential to understand can't be cured Medication and topical solution can only reduce the appearance of the sign and symptoms. The herpes simplex virus always stays inside the body of infected person and can reactivate at any time. Fatigue, stress, genital irritation, menstruation and injury are some of the common conditions that can trigger the reactivation of virus. Outbreaks are more frequent in women than in men.
Diagnoses
During the outbreak, women may have vaginal discharge or even face problems while urination. For the selecting the right treatment, it is important to diagnose the herpes first. PCR test on skin sores or blisters can help diagnose herpes. These tests have to be done during the first outbreak only. Pregnant women, who have a history of infection or have symptoms, are also recommended to get tested regularly.
Treatment
As already mentioned, there is no known cure for herpes; treatments are only available for the outbreaks.
Prevention
As prevention is better than cure, it is best to avoid sexual contact, including oral sex with infected person to avoid genital herpes. If you frequently have sex with strangers, then condom is the best way of protecting against catching the infection. Only latex condoms should be used to reduce the risk of transmitting herpes. Condom should also be used during oral sex to prevent getting infected from person who does not have any sores or blisters at that time. However, using condom can only reduce the risk of infection. It is possible to get genital herpes even after protected sex.
Signs and Symptoms
Like most of the STIs, there are chances that people infected by with genital herpes never show any sores. In other cases, mild symptoms including skin infection develop in the infected people. Signs and symptoms in the first outbreak appear within 2 days to 2 weeks of being infected. Decreased appetite, high fever, ache in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees are some of the general symptoms of the infection. Some people also experience swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin during an outbreak.
In women, small, painful blisters filled with clear fluid may appear on the outer vaginal lips, vagina, cervix, around the anus, and on the thighs or buttocks. In men, such blisters are usually seen on the penis, scrotum, around the anus, on the thighs or buttocks. Skin tingling, burning, itching, or pain around the blister is common. In case the blisters break, ulcers can be formed that take over 7 - 14 days to heal. Second outbreaks are usually less severe than the first one and also go away sooner.
Before discussing treatment for skin infection, it is essential to understand can't be cured Medication and topical solution can only reduce the appearance of the sign and symptoms. The herpes simplex virus always stays inside the body of infected person and can reactivate at any time. Fatigue, stress, genital irritation, menstruation and injury are some of the common conditions that can trigger the reactivation of virus. Outbreaks are more frequent in women than in men.
Diagnoses
During the outbreak, women may have vaginal discharge or even face problems while urination. For the selecting the right treatment, it is important to diagnose the herpes first. PCR test on skin sores or blisters can help diagnose herpes. These tests have to be done during the first outbreak only. Pregnant women, who have a history of infection or have symptoms, are also recommended to get tested regularly.
Treatment
As already mentioned, there is no known cure for herpes; treatments are only available for the outbreaks.
- Oral medication: Doctors often prescribe drugs like acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir for treating the outbreak and preventing the virus from multiplying. In severe cases, these drugs can also be injected intravenously.
- Topical solutions: Several creams, gels and solutions are available that can be applied directly on the lesions to reduce its appearance. However, oral medications are preferred over topical treatments as they are more effective.
- Natural treatment: FDA approved Herpeset genital herpes relief is one of the most effective treatment for reducing itching and swelling of genital herpes. This liquid treatment needs to be sprayed under the tongue at least 3 to 4 times days.
Prevention
As prevention is better than cure, it is best to avoid sexual contact, including oral sex with infected person to avoid genital herpes. If you frequently have sex with strangers, then condom is the best way of protecting against catching the infection. Only latex condoms should be used to reduce the risk of transmitting herpes. Condom should also be used during oral sex to prevent getting infected from person who does not have any sores or blisters at that time. However, using condom can only reduce the risk of infection. It is possible to get genital herpes even after protected sex.
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