Online Medical Clinic

Genital Herpes

August 16, 2007 on 2:55 pm | In Skin DIsorders |

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people have no or minimal symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. The virus is spread very rarely, if it is thenl, by objects such as a toilet seat or hot tub. When symptoms occurs, they appear as one or more lesions on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters rupture, leaving tender ulcers (sores) may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. It is caused by the herpes simplex viruse. Many people get genital herpes by having sex with one who is shedding the herpes virus either during an outbreak or during a period with no symptoms. People who don’t know they have herpes plays an important role in its transmission. Although the infection may remain in the body for a long time, the number of outbreaks tends to lower over a period of years. Around 45 million Americans, age 12 and older contains genital herpes. It’s estimated that up to one million people become infected each year.

Herpes is a virus which can be transmitted through sexual contact. Moreover, herpes is most infectious when a person has open sores.Genital herpes spread from person to person. Some patients have harsh symptoms, as many painful sores, but others have mild symptoms. Genital herpes typically brings about indication within two weeks of having sexual contact with an infected person and can last from two to three weeks. Genital Herpes (HSV-2) is more acute in women than men. Those people having herpes should not have sexual connectivity when sores or other signs of herpes are present. HSV-1 can results in genital herpes, but the patient ordinaarily faces infections of the mouth and lips or “fever blisters.” Condoms can reduce the possibility of getting herpes.

Causes of Genital Herpes

Common causes of Genital Herpes

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes

• Itching or burning.
• Fever.
• Swollen glands.
• Pain in the legs, buttocks and genital area.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach.
• Muscle aches.
• Headaches.

Treatment of Genital Herpes

Common Treatment of Genital Herpes

• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight, which makes the irritation more uncomfortable.
• Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches.
• Wear more comfortable, loose cotton clothing.
• If you are pain, take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen.
• Cool cloths on the affected area may soothe the pain.
• Avoid touching the sores; wash hands after contact with the sores.