Herpes: Causes, symptoms & treatment

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes a long- term infection called Herpes. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses exists, HSV- 1or herpes type 1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 or herpes type 2 (genital herpes). The external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces and other parts of skin are affected by the virus. 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India, elaborates on the causes, symptoms and available treatment of the infection.

Causes of Herpes

HSV present on the surface of an infected individual, can be easily passed on the other person through the moist skin that lines the mouth, anus, genitals, other areas of skin and the eyes. Virus transmission may occur in other ways like-

·         Indulging in unprotected vaginal or anal sex

·         Having intercourse with a cold sores infected individual

·         Sharing sex toys

·         Taking part in genital contact with an HIV infected person

·         A pregnant woman with genital herpes has sores while giving birth, can pass the infection to the baby

HSV-1 is estimated to infect 67% of people aged above 49. It will be contracted from interactions like- eating from the same utensil, sharing lip care, kissing or having oral sex with cold sores infection person.

HSV-2 is estimated to infect 20% of sexually active adults. It can be contracted through forms of sexual contact with a HSV-2 infected individual. Some of the risk factors associated with this infection include having multiple sex partners, being women, having sex at a younger age, have another sexually transmitted infection (STI) or have a weak immune system.

Symptoms of Herpes

Symptoms of primary infection

·         Have blisters and ulceration on external genitalia, in the vagina or the cervix

·         Vaginal discharge

·         Tender and enlarged lymph nodes

·         Itching and pain

·         Experience pain while urinating

·         High temperature fever

·         Feeling unwell or malaise

·         Red blisters on the skin

·         Cold sores around the mouth

Symptoms of recurrent infection

·         Before blisters appear, burning or tingling around genitals

·         Females may have blisters and ulceration on the cervix

·         Cold sores around the mouth

·         Red blisters

·         Headaches

·         Tiredness

·         Lack of appetite

·         Eye pain

Diagnosis of Herpes

Doctor may perform physical exam by checking the body for sores and ask for other symptoms. Herpes culture, a HSV testing can also be recommended, to confirm the sores on the genitals. Also, blood tests for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 can help in diagnosis of these infection.

Treatment for Herpes

Medication

An antiviral like acyclovir can prevent the virus more multiplying. Some of the other medications recommended by the doctors are famciclovir and valacyclovir, which can reduce the risk of virus transmitting to others. Other drugs including Famvir, Zovirax and Valtex, can treat the symptoms of herpes. These medications are available in oral or pill form and as cream too. It can be bought at 3MEDS, the best medicine app in India.

Episodic and suppressive treatment

Episodic treatment prevents further recurrences. A five-day course of antivirals is prescribed to people who have less than six recurrences in one year. Suppressive treatment reduces the risk of passing HSV to a partner. Daily antiviral treatment is recommended to person who experiences more than six recurrences in a year.

Home care

·         Painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken.

·         Certain symptoms can be relieved by bathing in lightly salted water

·         Soaking in a warm sitz bath

·         Avoid wearing tight clothing around the affected region

·         Apply petroleum jelly to the affected region

·         Wash hands properly, after touching the affected area

·         Avoid indulging in sexual activities until symptoms fade

·         Apply cream or lotion like lidocaine to the urethra, if experience pain while urinating.

Prevention methods to avoid herpes virus transmission

·         Avoid direct physical contact with others

·         Don’t share items like cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup or lip care, that may possibly transmit the virus

·         During an outbreak, don’t indulge in kissing, oral sex or any type of sexual activity

·         Use condom during intercourse, in case an individual has no symptoms but is affected by the virus

·         After applying medications to the affected region with cotton swabs, wash hands thoroughly, to avoid contact with sores

·         Medications must be taken by infected pregnant women, to prevent the unborn baby from infection

Ending note

The herpes virus infection has no defined cure or treatment. If a person to encountered with the virus, it happens to stay in the body. It can be inactivated, while certain triggers can make way to its recurrence.