Live Life Team
The herpes simplex virus causes infection of the genitals which is known as genital herpes. This virus can also affect the skin of the face causing cold sores to develop usually around the mouth. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) that is HSV1 (type1) and HSV2 (type2). This is a very chronic condition. People infected by HSV frequently get genital herpes. However it becomes less severe with subsequent occurrence. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread by direct contact. It can also be sexually transmitted by an infected person. People infected with HSV are generally unaware as it remains inactive most of the time showing few or no initial symptoms. Genital herpes appear as painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas. There is no cure to this disease but can be effectively controlled using anti viral medicine.
Symptoms of genital herpes
Most people do not experience any symptoms when infected. The symptoms take 4 to 7 days to appear after a person is affected by the virus. When a person is infected for the first time, it is known as primary infection. The symptoms of primary infection are:
– blisters and ulceration at the lower part of womb in case of women
-painful red blisters on the external genital areas, thighs, buttocks and rectum
-vaginal discharge
-pain while passing urine
-fever
-generally feel unwell
Symptoms of recurrent infections
-a burning or tingling sensation around the genitals before the blisters appear.
-painful red blisters on external genital area, thighs, buttocks and rectum
-blister and ulceration on the cervix
Cause
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is highly contagious and is transmitted from the infected person on direct skin to skin contact like vaginal, oral or anal sex.This virus easily passes through moist skin which lines the genitals, anus and mouth. Direct contact with eyes and skin of the infected person may also cause this condition. This condition reoccurs in case of an infected person. The virus stays in the skin of an infected person in dormant state. It becomes active time to time causing reoccurrence of the condition. Certain triggers may be responsible for reoccurrence of genital herpes
-friction in genital area
– Stress
– being ‘run down’, or ill
– exposure of your genital area to strong sunlight
– drinking excess amounts of alcohol
Treatment
The treatment of genital herpes depends on whether the person is infected for the first time or if it is a case of reoccurrence
Treating a primary infection of genital herpes
A first case of genital herpes may take months to years to develop after being exposed to the virus. But generally it takes 4 to 7 days to appear. Treatment for first infection includes:
Treatment from a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) specialist
Treatment from your GP
A GP may prescribe anti-viral tablets called acyclovir. This tablet prevents HSV from multiplying.
Treating recurrent infections of genital herpes:
Episodic treatment- A GP may prescribe a five day course of acyclovir if the infection occurs less than 6 times in a year.
Suppressive treatment-A person may need to take acyclovir every day as part of a long-term treatment plan if the condition appears more than 6 times in a year.
