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Transmitted Infections > Herpes
The information presented here is intended
as a guide. Please consult your doctor or health professional for
assistance.
Herpes
What is Herpes?
Herpes is the colloquial term for the generally
non-lethal infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus
has two separate manifestations; Type 1 (labial herpes) and Types
2 (genital herpes). Labial herpes typically exist around the mouth.
This is the virus which causes common cold sores and mouth blisters.
Genital herpes generally exists on the genitals. It is important
to note that labial herpes can be transmitted to the genitals and
vice versa. This section concentrates on the symptoms, causes and
treatments for genital herpes.
What are the symptoms of Herpes?
From two to twenty days after exposure to the
virus, one begins to see the first signs of infection. The first
signals which indicate that one may have herpes include burning
and itching of the genitals. This is quickly followed by the emergence
of blisters. The blisters begin as a group of tiny, red, painful
spots which will develop into yellowish blisters which burst. What
remains is a collection of ulcers which are painful to touch but
will heal in about 10 days. While the blisters are active, it is
common to suffer from a fever, loss of appetite and/or swelling
in the genital area.
Herpes Symptoms And Women
Women's experience with herpes is distinctly
different from that of men. Due to the different genital structures,
women have a larger area (the vulva) which may become infected.
Consequently, women may experience more pain than men when urinating.
Furthermore, the virus can often be carried into the vagina to infect
the cervix. If this occurs, your physician may ask you to have a
Pap test done. This is done to protect you because the incidence
of cervical cancer is higher in the presence of herpes. Pregnant
women should inform their physician immediately.
Herpes Symptoms And Men
The most common location for the blister is
on the head of a man's penis. However, the virus can spread to the
testicular area. Blisters that are irritated by clothing can cause
additional pain.
How is Herpes contracted?
The vast majority of cases are transmitted
through intimate contact with the herpes virus. Sexual contact between
the genitals is the most common, but oral-genital sex can also transmit
the virus. The herpes virus exists in warm damp areas and therefore
wet or damp towels could carry the virus, but with less danger.
The virus is destroyed by heat so hot tubs are no threat.
When assessing how to protect yourself or partner
against herpes, you must ensure that the blistered area is covered.
While the best solution is to refrain from sex when you or your
partner is having an outbreak, you may also use condoms if the blisters
are isolated to the genitals. If, however, a woman's vaginal secretions
leak outside the area covered by the condom, herpes can spread regardless
of protection. The best means of protection are understanding the
condition and when it becomes active. See your doctor at the first
signs of any kind of rash or discomfort to discern if it is indeed
herpes, and what can be done to protect yourself and your partner.
How is the condition treated?
There is no cure available for herpes and therefore
treatment is directed at relieving discomfort and preventing bacterial
infection. This can be accomplished by keeping the genital area
clean. Prepare a hot bath 2-3 times daily with some salt added to
the water. Afterwards it is a good idea to put a small freezer bag
on the infected area. Remember to avoid touching the sores and then
rubbing your eyes or other parts of the body which are susceptible
to infection. Please ensure that you wash your hands immediately
after touching the sores.
Anti-viral drugs may also be useful in treating
herpes. Consult your physician for further details on what treatment
may be best for you.
Why does the condition recur?
In order to understand why herpes recurs, it
is useful to understand why herpes can be treated but not cured.
When the virus enters the body during the first infection, it multiplies
quickly destroying cells. The body's immune system moves in to combat
and kill the virus. Unfortunately, some of the virus escapes and
travels up nerve pathways and rests in the nerve cells. The virus
may remain inactive for some time but for some unknown reason the
virus is reactivated and another problem with herpes develops. If
the immune system successfully develops antibodies, then there will
not be a recurrence. Normally, the recurrence, which does develop,
is not as severe as the first one.
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