Beware of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is classified as a sexually transmitted disease. The main reason for this classification is, of course, the mode of transmission of the disease. Genital herpes in women, men and children – is a far from pleasant phenomenon. At the same time, it is very important to carry out a timely diagnosis of genital herpes and start appropriate treatment as soon as possible, which will help to avoid complications after this disease. By what signs can genital herpes be recognized, as well as its types, diagnosis and treatment will be discussed in this article.

Recently, the number of cases of infectious and venereal diseases that attack the genitourinary system has increased quite noticeably. One of these diseases – genital herpes.

Genital herpes and its classification

Genital herpes is a type of herpes infection that affects the skin and mucous epithelium of the genital organs. The disease provoked by the herpes simplex virus was recognized as a genital infection in the 19th century. At that time, it was identified by the appearance of blisters and sores on the skin and mucous membranes. Genital herpes is detected in 20% of the adult population. Cases of infection of newborns from sick mothers are known. Lack of treatment causes a number of complications.

There are 8 known types of herpes virus. Genital infections are caused by viruses of the 1st and 2nd type. In most cases, infection is characterized by the defeat of HSV-2. In just 20% of all cases, the disease is caused by HSV-1 or both types of viruses.

Herpes simplex has the following classification:

primary herpes, manifested as a result of primary infection in the absence of specific antibodies;
recurrent herpes, characterized by the periodic manifestation of symptoms of the disease;
asymptomatic herpes;
latent infection in which the virus is present in a non-infectious form.
Primary and recurrent herpes have similar symptoms.

Causes and symptoms of genital herpes

In most cases, the herpes virus develops through sexual contact with an infected partner. There are other ways of transmission, including airborne, domestic and transplacental. The causative agents of infection multiply intensively under the influence of unfavorable factors:

frequent stress;
other infectious diseases;
surgical intervention;
frequent change of partners;
strict diets;
menstrual cycle;
hypothermia;
abuse of bad habits.

Genital herpes in women sometimes does not make itself felt for quite a long time. Herpes on the labia appears when the immune system is weakened. Rashes can be localized not only outside, but also on the mucous epithelium of internal organs. Cases of damage to the urethra are known.

The first sign of genital herpes – the appearance of itching, redness, swelling in the genital area. Later on, other symptoms appear:

formation of vesicles on the external genitalia and in the anus, filled with turbid liquid;
pain and itching in affected areas;
feeling of discomfort, tingling during urination;
increase in size of inguinal lymph nodes;
increased body temperature, muscle soreness, general weakness.

Before the appearance of small bubbles, skin itching bothers. Bubbles burst in 5-7 days. In areas of the skin and mucous epithelium, small erosions or sores are formed. After 1-2 weeks, the sores are replaced by healthy tissue. Signs appear only with exacerbations. During the rest of the time, the infection does not make itself felt.

Genital herpes during pregnancy can cause infection of the fetus. Most often, the child becomes infected under an hour of passage through the birth canal. The likelihood of transmission of infection is higher with primary herpes. Surgical delivery does not exclude infection of the newborn. Genital herpes during pregnancy is characterized by the appearance of discharge from the vagina and urethra. At the same time, the woman is worried about itching in the genital area, which is explained by the formation of characteristic bubbles.

Genital herpes in men is characterized by a sharp onset of unpleasant symptoms:

itching, tingling in the urethra;
bright reddening of affected areas;
appearance of transparent vesicles containing serous fluid inside.

The clinical picture is more pronounced in the first 10-12 days. Patients experience general malaise. Often there are muscle and headaches. Symptoms of genital herpes in men and women are similar. The disease often recurs. Remissions can last for years. Exacerbations are easier compared to the primary manifestations. Symptoms of genital herpes in children are more pronounced than in adults.

Infection is possible within an hour of passing through the birth canal of an infected mother. In infancy, a herpetic infection provokes disruption of the internal organs.

In adolescents, infection often occurs through sexual contact. In girls, ulcers appear in the area of the vagina and vulva, in boys – on the penis. Children experience the following concerns:

sleep disturbance, fatigue;
pain when urinating; soreness and heaviness in the lower abdomen;
increase in body temperature.

As in adults, small sores in children burst after a week. Later, a crust forms. Perhaps an increase in the size of the inguinal lymph nodes. During the manifestation of the disease, it is very important to observe the rules of personal hygiene. Otherwise, the likelihood of a bacterial infection increases.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

Genital herpes in medicine refers to herpes simplex type II. Meanwhile, despite the term "simple", this should not be taken lightly, since this type of herpes is often the cause of HIV infection.

According to statistics, about 40% of HIV patients have had genital herpes before. The identification of this disease is complicated by the fact that sometimes it proceeds imperceptibly, for more than one year. Let's single out the main signs of genital herpes.

The disease affects the genitals. At the same time, genital herpes in women often acquires signs of thrush, as a result of which an incorrect diagnosis is sometimes made or it is mistakenly not made at all. The main signs of genital herpes in men and women are itching, redness of the genitals, burning in the pelvic area, and a blistering rash on the genitals. In children, the most common symptoms are redness in the genital area, itching and burning.

The primary diagnosis of genital herpes is quite simple and follows from its main features. Meanwhile, having noticed something was wrong, you should not hope that it will pass by itself (many refer to the usual allergic reaction to the tissue), and wait until the disease takes on persistent forms. A correct diagnosis will help prevent more serious consequences in time.

In medicine, the diagnosis of genital herpes is based on the method of immunogram or enzyme immunoassay. The first method is more effective, because during the passage of the immunogram, not only the presence of herpes viruses, but also other diseases is checked, and the overall stability of the immune system is established. In addition to the basic methods, there is a traditional method for studying analyzes. The material for analysis is taken from the contents of the rash bubbles that cover the body. If there are no bubbles, then this diagnostic method will not work.

Often, many sick people neglect the need to see a doctor, fearing the unknown, because they do not know what exactly they will examine (after all, the genitals — is an intimate part of the body). Meanwhile, this fear is far-fetched — in its structure, the examination of a patient with genital herpes resembles a regular examination by a gynecologist or surgeon (in men).

In the absence of timely treatment of genital herpes, the infection spreads to the fingers and eyes. Damage to the visual organs of a herpes virus infection can lead to blindness. In rare cases, difficulty urinating, a decrease in the sensitivity of the genital organs, or their severe soreness is possible. In immunocompromised adults with HSV-1 infection, there is a risk of destruction of brain tissue and other organs, including the lungs, liver, and joints. Serious bleeding disorders are possible. These serious complications can lead to death. Genital herpes during pregnancy provokes infection in the fetus. In infants, the work of internal organs is disrupted.

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Treatment of genital herpes

Today, the treatment of genital herpes is a rather difficult task not only for each patient, but also for the doctor who examined him. To cure genital herpes, it is necessary to consider the condition of the whole organism. Before you start treating genital herpes, you should make sure that this diagnosis is 100% confirmed, that is, diagnose it with laboratory methods. Genital herpes is treated by a dermatovenereologist, in women – gynecologist. The traditional effective method of treatment in this case will be taking lysine. It must be taken daily.

Genital herpes is classified as a sexually transmitted infection, as this virus is easily transmitted sexually. Moreover, women suffer from this disease 6 times more often than men. Antiviral drugs (in pill form) such as acyclovir and famciclovir should be taken at the peak of the spread of this virus. It will definitely not be possible to cure genital herpes without correcting the patient's immunity. For this, patients are prescribed to take drugs such as immunomax, panavir and others.

It should be noted that not only adults suffer from this disease quite often. Genital herpes in children is also quite common. It is this disease that has become one of the most dangerous and widespread throughout the world.

Genital herpes in women is often the cause of infertility. The disease during pregnancy is also very dangerous, since the most severe consequences can affect the health of the baby. In this case, the herpes virus can provoke premature birth, the child may be born with deviations regarding mental and physical development.

The most terrible type of genital herpes is herpes that occurs without symptoms. In order to prevent addiction to pills, for the most effective treatment, it is necessary to use them in combination. Genital herpes in pregnant women during exacerbation is very dangerous and requires the timely conduct of three courses of immunoglobulins administered intravenously.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, you should immediately start taking medication strictly by the hour, just like when prescribing antibiotics. Insufficient effect, as statistics show, is given by various ointments and gels in the treatment of genital herpes. Genital herpes in men is also quite common. His treatment is supplemented with acyclovir and docosanol. If the first signs of genital herpes appear, then antiviral ointments are traditionally prescribed for its treatment.

The use of herpes vaccine gives good results in the treatment of women. With this disease, both children and adults (both men and women) should abandon tight underwear. It is necessary to wear only fabrics made from natural fibers, as the affected skin needs oxygen. If herpes was found on the labia, then you should immediately get yourself tonic vitamins and tablets that contain a large amount of mineral supplements and vitamin C. Nutrition should be correct. It is necessary to consume foods containing zinc, which also destroys the genital herpes virus with its properties.

Prevention of genital herpes

One of the effective methods of prevention – vaccination against HSV-2. Preventive measure for sexually active adults – condom use. It also protects against other sexually transmitted infections.

Modern pharmaceutical companies produce special preparations for the prevention of viral infections during sexual intercourse. Vaginal tablets or suppositories are effective for up to two hours after intercourse. At the same time, men need to treat the external genitalia, the inner thighs with special liquid preparations. One of them – 10% betadine solution.

Wash off the medicine after 10-15 minutes. Absolute protection against genital herpes is impossible to provide. Preventive measures only reduce the risk of infection. Timely treatment will help to avoid complications. It is necessary to abandon bad habits, to prevent hypothermia of the body. And taking vitamin and mineral complexes during the season of beriberi will help strengthen the immune system and resist various infections.

Take care of yourself and be always healthy!

Courtesy of simptom.org