Genital Herpes - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection. It is a transmitted disease. 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.

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