Genital Herpes caused by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) type 1 and type 2.
It is affected of men and women. This may be due to male-to-female
transmissions being more likely than female-to-male transmission. One of
several strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus responsible for chickenpox,
shingles, mononucleosis, and oral herpes (fever blisters or cold sores,
HSV-1). About 45 million Americans, age 12 and older have genital herpes. It's
estimated that up to one million people become infected each year. Genital
Herpes (HSV-2) is more common in women than men. Genital HSV-1 is spread
mainly through oral with a partner who has a sore on the mouth or lips.
HSV-1 is much less likely to cause repeat outbreaks of genital herpes than
HSV-2. Almost all people who have recurrent genital herpes are infected with
HSV-2.
Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. Genital herpes usually is pain or
itching, beginning within a few weeks Symptoms of genital herpes vary from
person to person. Once exposed to the virus, there is an incubation period
that generally lasts 3 to 7 days before a lesion develops. Person may have
flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Some
people have severe symptoms, such as many painful sores, while others have
mild symptoms. An initial outbreak of genital herpes usually brings about
symptoms within two weeks of having contact with an infected person and can
last from two to three weeks. Other conditions such as jock itch, yeast
infections, razor burn or allergic reactions to detergents. Women's symptoms
can include is Sores, the cervix, on the external genitals, near the anus or
on the thighs or buttocks; and tender lumps in the groin (lymphadenopathy).
Men's symptoms can include is sores, near the anus or on the thighs or
buttocks.
Genital herpes is manageable. There are several available treatments for
Genital herpes. Certain drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and
famciclovir can shorten outbreaks and make them less severe, or stop them
from happening. Pain relievers include simple analgesics (such as aspirin
and paracetamol), ice (which can be soothing if applied directly to the
sores) and creams with an anaesthetic component. Creams, however, can slow
down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief.
Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches.
Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infection from
developing. Try to avoid touching the sores. Salt Bath use to wash hands
after contact with the sores. Avoid contact from the time symptoms are first
recognized until the sores are completely healed, that is, until scabs have
fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesion.
Treatment of Genital herpes Tips
1.Wear loose clothing during outbreaks
2.Drinking large amounts of fluids will decrease pain during urination, and
urinating in the bath may be less painful
3.Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch an infected area, and in
particular, do not rub your eyes or touch your mouth after touching infected
skin
4.Avoid further infection by keeping the infected area clean and dry. When
drying actively infected areas, use a hair dryer or lightly pat the area dry
5.Epson salts in bath water can help clean and dry out infected areas
6.Wash bath towels before reusing and wash underclothing frequently
7.Salt Bath used to wash the genital area, can clean, soothe and dry the
sores. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow
bath.
8.A healthy lifestyle including proper diet, adequate rest and low stress
levels can improve your immune system, and reduce the likelihood of
outbreaks.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care clinic and home remedies.
She also writes articles on beauty tips.
