Myths and Facts About Genital Herpes. Part I

Test your knowledge of genital herpes. Of the following statements, which are facts and which are myths?

1. You can spread genital herpes when you don't have any symptoms.

Fact. Genital herpes can be spread to a sex partner even when you have no symptoms. This is how most new cases of genital herpes are spread.

2. A person can have genital herpes and not even know it.

Fact. The genital herpes virus can be active in a person's body even though they have no symptoms. That's why out of the 50 million Americans who have genital herpes, 90% don't even realize they are infected with the virus and may unknowingly infect others.

3. You can get genital herpes from toilet seats.

Myth. The genital herpes virus is a fragile virus that dries out when it is exposed to air. There have been no proven cases of genital herpes transmission from a toilet seat.

4. If you have genital herpes, you can never have sex again.

Myth. While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. But it is important to avoid sexual contact if you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms. Also, even if sores are not present, you could still be contagious because of asymptomatic viral shedding. Even when you are asymptomatic, you should use a condom for extra protection. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.) Even though condoms have been shown to reduce transmission, they are not always effective.

Source: http://www.famvir.com/info/genital-herpes-facts.jsp

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Treatment

Self-Help Remedies

The following non-specific treatments can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

SALT BATHS

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.




HERPES PAIN RELIEVERS

Include simple analgesics such as

Aspirin and paracetamol

Ice can be soothing if applied directly to the sores

Creams with an anaesthetic component

Creams, however, can slow down drying and should therefore be used sparingly and only for pain relief. In addition, topical creams have limited value on moist mucosal surfaces, particularly in women.

LOOSE UNDERCLOTHES

Preferably cotton (not nylon), can help minimize discomfort and allow healing.

For anyone experiencing extreme pain when urinating, the process can be less painful when done in a cool bath. And it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine.

Bach Flower Remedies may be prescribed to ease the emotional stress of herpes, particularly Rescue Remedy.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Treatment

Zovirax® (Acyclovir)

DESCRIPTION

When acyclovir is taken as episodic treatment, it can reduce the severity of outbreaks of genital herpes, shorten their duration, and shorten the time during which the herpes virus is detected on the skin's surface, in a similar way to valacyclovir.



As an episodic treatment, Acyclovir should be taken five times daily. Acyclovir can also be used as a suppressive treatment to help reduce the number of outbreaks. If you take Acyclovir as suppressive treatment, you will need to take tablets two, three or four times a day. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Common side-effects include:

Nausea

Diarrhoea

Antiviral Therapy: Valtrex

Valtrex® (Valacyclovir)

DESCRIPTION

When used as an episodic treatment, Valacyclovir helps the sores heal faster, shortens the period of pain during the outbreak and cuts down the time during which the virus is detected on genital skin surfaces (virus shedding).



When taken as soon as the first signs of an outbreak are noticed, such as tingling, itching or redness, Valacyclovir may be able to completely prevent the development of painful blisters.

Valacyclovir is taken twice daily when used as an episodic treatment. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

In many countries, Valacyclovir can be used as a 'suppressive' treatment. Clinical trials have proved it to prevent or delay up to 85% of herpes outbreaks. For suppressive treatment, Valacyclovir is taken once daily, or possibly twice a day if outbreaks are very frequent.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea and abdominal pain.

Serious complications have been reported in some cases where people have had an immune system that is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, or bone marrow or kidney transplant.

Where to Buy Valtrex

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

OXYGEN THERAPY

DESCRIPTION

Relies on the principle that if we increase the blood concentration of oxygen its action is extremely potent against pathogens such as viruses and bacterium.

EFFICIENCY RATING

Many reports are received of persons claiming partial to complete success with oxygen therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS

Unfortunately if the blood concentration of oxygen exceeds a certain limit it is dangerous to normal cells, but this should not happen if the directions are followed.


Hydrogen peroxide should not be used as an oxygen source since most sources of hydrogen peroxide are not prepared for internal use and often contain high levels of unacceptable impurities.

More about Oxygen Therapy

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Treatment

MEDICINAL HERBS

DESCRIPTION

Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for hundreds of years, on both humans and animals. Each herb works most effectively when chosen specifically for each person and ailment. The active ingredient in most herbs is an alkaloid, a very toxic molecule if taken in considerable excess.

When using herbs it is best for safety and quality purposes to buy standardized extracts, usually dispensed by accredited Herbalists or Naturopaths. You are then guaranteed to get quality/regulated concentrations, that if taken according to directions should cause no harm.

This advice only applies to the very strong and toxic medicinal herbs - not those that are used in the common kitchen to help our immune systems and flavor our foods.

EFFICIENCY RATING

The following have all been shown to have anti-viral properties against Herpes Simplex:

Olive leaf extract

Prunella vulgaris

Cactus opuntia streptacantha

Red marine algae

There are several medicinal herbs that are beneficial in dealing with most viruses:

LAVENDER - widely known for its rapid anti-staphylococcus and streptococcus effects, but is also beneficial against the cold sore/herpes virus.

MYRRH - a plant herb that yields a therapeutic toxic resin renowned for curing severe ulcers, as well as chest and blood infections from viruses and other pathogens.

SAGE - a moderately strong antiseptic that will kill most bacteria and viruses that it comes in contact with.

The following herbs may also be beneficial:

GOLDEN SEAL

FEVERFEW

BURDOCK

HYSSOP

LEMON

PENNYROYAL

ST. JOHN'S WORT

SARSAPARILLA

WINTERGREEN

WORMWOOD

GENTIAN

RED CLOVER

All of these have a greater or lesser affect on pathogens, such as bacterium and viruses, within the human physiology.

SIDE EFFECTS

Medicinal herbs should always be taken as directed, by an experienced practitioner or health care provider. Many herbs have side effects if taken in excess or used incorrectly.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Treatment

Famvir® (Famciclovir)

DESCRIPTION

Famciclovir has been shown to reduce the time outbreaks last when used as an episodic treatment, it also decreases the severity of pain with outbreaks and shortens the period during which the virus is detected on genital surfaces, similar to Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Acyclovir (Zovirax).


Famciclovir is taken three times a day, when it is used as an episodic treatment for the initial genital herpes episode, or two times a day to treat recurrent outbreaks. Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage.

Famciclovir is approved in some countries for daily use as suppressive therapy (your doctor will be able to advise you if this is the case in your country). When it is used in this way, it has been shown in clinical trials to increase the time between outbreaks. For suppressive therapy, Famciclovir is taken two times every day.

EFFICIENCY RATING

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

SIDE EFFECTS

Most commonly reported side effects:

Headache

Nausea

Diarrhea

Those individuals with known hypersensitivity to the product, its components, and Denavir® (penciclovir cream) should not use Famvir.

Concurrent use of Famvir with probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of penciclovir. .

If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will determine if you should use Famvir and the appropriate dose for you.

It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy unless the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus.

Dose reduction recommended in patients with renal impairment.

The safety and efficacy of Famvir therapy beyond 1 year of treatment have not been established.

Where to Buy Famvir

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Treament

Essential Oils

Essential oils produce strong powerful results against skin infections and when used internally purge the blood of most pathogens.

Active ingredients vary from terpenes and sesquiterpenes through to ketones, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and phenols.


The most commonly used essential oils are:

LAVENDER

BASIL

CALENDULA

LEMON

TEA TREE

CINNAMON

CITRONELLA

CLOVES

EUCALYPTUS

GERANIUM

NIAOULI

OREGANO

PEPPERMINT

THYME

GINGER

PATCHOULI

CEDAR WOOD

MELISSA (Lemon Balm)

CAJEPUT

ROSEMARY

And many others.

SIDE EFFECTS

Essential oils are the refined active ingredients of flowers, leaves and roots of plants, and as such are very strong and can even be toxic when used in large quantities and to excess. As with all topically applied products, always do a skin sensitivity test to first determine if you have any unusual allergy.

EFFICIENCY RATING

Essential oils work very well when used for the right problem. Against the herpes virus there have been many, many reports of successful treatments. It seems to depend on the individual, one oil works well for one person and not so well for the next.

One product that has earned a good reputation in the herpes community is H-Balm. It consists of pure essential oils specially selected and combined for use on herpes outbreaks.

H-Balm adheres to very strict quality standards. It is 100% pure, all natural and CERTIFIED ORGANIC. All extracts and essential oils in H-Balm have been tested to be 100% chemical and pesticide free, no synthetic substances present. H-Balm and H-Balm Daily are a safe, efficient and affordable means of dealing with herpes and cold sore outbreaks.

The manufacturer claims that herpes outbreaks have been permanently eliminated by using H-Balm and H-Balm Daily.

H-Balm and H-Balm Daily are composed of essential oils of Lemonbalm (Melissa officinalis) and six separate anti-viral essential oils and plant extracts all medically proven to inactivate the herpes virus.

Where to Buy H-Balm

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Treatment

DYNAMICLEAR®

DESCRIPTION

Dynamiclear is a popular topical product (applied externally) and is used on active skin lesions.

The use of Dynamiclear can result in:

Rapid healing of the infected area

Smaller, less intense outbreaks

Partial/Complete end to symptoms associated with the herpes simplex virus


Dynamiclear is similar in its molecular structure to an earlier molecule used to purify water and is based around the action of Sulphur and the herb Hypericum (St John's Wort).

The antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of Sulphur have been appreciated for hundreds of years and was successfully used last century to stop infection in soldiers' battle wounds. More recently, Sulphur has been employed as the basic fundamental molecule in modern antibiotics.

It has been shown by demonstration that Dynamiclear will usually kill any herpes virus that it encounters. Immediately after application to the broken blisters mild to strong burning is felt.

This appears to be the Dynamiclear molecule running down the peripheral nerves, killing the virus as it goes. Most users report a rapid drying out of the blister with the area first going black, quickly followed by the forming of a healthy scab.

EFFICIENCY RATING

There is strong evidence to indicate local eradication of the virus. Total eradication of the virus may be related to the duration of the infection and/or the strength of the virus strain acquired.

Dynamiclear treatment used soon after the initial infection by the virus appears to be very successful because the virus has not yet permeated throughout the body.

The company can provide a list of customer testimonials claiming moderate to total success.

SIDE EFFECTS

No noticeable side effects but a sharp to moderate stinging pain on application may be felt. Pain is sometimes strong and feels as if it were running down the nerve, but soon subsides.

Not recommended by manufacturer during first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

As with all treatments, in rare cases an individual may be sensitive. A skin sensitivity test should always be performed to ensure sensitivity is not a problem.


Where to Buy DYNAMICLEAR

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Treatment

Genital herpes is manageable. Over the years, a number of treatments offering effective relief from symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores have been developed.


According to a survey conducted by the American Social Health Association in 1991, most patients with Herpes try between two and five different therapies.

These include:

Prescription drugs

OTC "cold sore" treatments

Herbal remedies

Vitamins

Nutritional changes

Psychotherapy

And more

ANTIVIRAL THERAPY

The standard, effective and specific treatment for genital herpes is antiviral therapy, which is usually in tablet form.

Antiviral drugs stop HSV from replicating in the body. The treatment only works while you are taking the drug, and cannot prevent future outbreaks once you stop taking it.

Antiviral treatments can:

shorten the duration of a genital herpes outbreak and help speed healing

reduce the number of outbreaks suffered - or prevent them completely

Antiviral medications can be used in two ways:

1. To treat outbreaks as they happen ('episodic' treatment). With episodic treatment, the aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. If you are coping well and your outbreaks are not too frequent, you and your doctor may agree that episodic treatment is the most appropriate option.

2. To prevent or delay recurrent outbreaks ('suppressive' therapy). If your recurrent outbreaks are frequent or severe your doctor may recommend that you take oral antiviral medication every day to help prevent outbreaks happening. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, e.g. daily, for months or even years.

Oral antiviral medication is only available by prescription.

You should consult your doctor for further information about antiviral treatment for your particular situation.

These medical drugs are usually synthetically made and their usage should be very strictly monitored.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Simplex Viruses

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes herpes labialis also called:

cold sores

fever blisters

oral herpes

The virus produces highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing.


Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in men and women.

Symptoms of genital herpes include:

bumps

rashes in the genital areas

recurrent clusters of blisters

HSV-1 and HSV-2

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause other diseases including:

Herpes simplex encephalitis

a rare but potentially fatal herpetic infection of the brain

Neonatal herpes

a rare but potentially severe HSV infection in a newborn
is caused by transmission of the virus from mother to baby during delivery

Herpetic whitlow

an HSV infection of the finger
caused from transfer of the infection from another part of the body or from direct contact with another
is more prevalent amongst health care workers

Herpes keratitis

an HSV infection of the eye
can cause blindness

Herpes gladiatorum

an HSV infection, usually of the skin, acquired during wrestling
skin can become abraded or scraped, during a wrestling match, allowing a herpes virus to enter the body and establish an infection

Unlike viruses such as influenza which can be transmitted through the air, herpes simplex viruses require physical contact.

They are frequently transmitted through:

mouth-to-mouth contact (HSV-1)

genital-to-genital contact (HSV-2)

hand-to-genital

mouth-to-genital

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm#self_help_remedies

Associated Herpes Viruses.2

Cytomegalovirus

Infection by the cytomegalovirus (DNA, ether sensitive virus belonging to the herpes family) occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact.

About 4 out of 5 people over the age of 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it is sometimes overlooked.


CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to:

brain damage

neonatal illness.

other birth defects

stillbirth

Cytomegalovirus has been found in:

blood

breast milk

cervical secretions

feces

saliva

semen

urine

vaginal secretions

Transmission usually occurs through contact with the infected secretions, which harbor the virus for months or even years

Risk Groups

Immunodeficient patients

AIDS patients or those who have received transplanted organs are a high risk for contracting CMV infection.

Immunodeficient patients and those receiving immunosuppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections.

Recipients of blood transfusions

Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk.

Cytomegalovirus is thought to be spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions.

The disease usually runs a self-limiting course.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group which usually affects young adults and children.

Infectious mononucleosis produces:

an increase in lymphocytes and monocytes

cervical lymphodenopathy

development of heterophil antibodies

fatigue

fever

headaches

hepatic dysfunction

malaise

sore throat

temperature fluctuations

Recovery prospects are excellent.

Other infectious diseases with symptoms similar to mononucleosis include:

Cervical lymphodenopathy

Hepatitis

Rubella

Toxoplasmosis

Symptoms usually subside about 6-10 days after onset of the disease but may persist for weeks.

Over 80 known viruses exist within the Herpes family, 8 of which are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2.

HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. HSV-1 usually occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Associated Herpes Viruses.1

Herpes is a disease posing great risk to the community and is of growing public health importance. Keeping yourself informed is your best protection. The Herpes family of viruses is large.

Human herpes viruses include:

Epstein-Barr Virus

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Human cytomegalovirus

Varicella-Zoster virus

These viruses cause or are associated with a whole spectrum of diseases ranging from infectious mononucleosis to malignancies and mental retardation and have the ability to cause more than one kind of disease.

Herpes Type I

affects the skin and mucous membranes

is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions

produces cold sores or fever blisters

Herpes Type II

is transmitted by sexual contact, with cross-infection possible from oral/genital sex

primarily affects the genital area

Approximately 85% of all HV infections are sub-clinical, the others produce localized lesions and systemic reactions.

After the first infection, a patient is susceptible to recurrent infections brought on by:

fever

heat and/or cold

menses

stress

In recurrent infections there may be no constitutional signs and symptoms. Herpes occurs equally in males and females.

Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is an acute unilateral and segmental inflammation of the dorsal root ganglia caused by infection with the herpes virus, varicella-zoster, which also causes chicken pox.

Herpes Zoster usually occurs in adults producing:

localized vesicular skin lesions confined to a dermatome

severe neuralgic pain in peripheral areas especially the nerves arising in the inflamed root ganglia

Prognosis

Unless the infection spreads to the brain eventually most patients recover completely, except for possible scarring and, in corneal damage, visual impairment. However, in some cases neuralgia may persist for months or years.

Herpes zoster results from reactivation of the varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots after infection from chicken pox.

The virus is thought to multiply as it is reactivated and is neutralized by antibodies remaining from the initial infection. However, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroys the host neuron, and spreads down the sensory nerves to the skin if effective antibodies are not present.

Herpes zoster is found primarily in adults over 50 and seldom recurs.

Onset of herpes zoster is characterized by:

fever

malaise

Within 2-4 days, severe deep, continuous pain may develop

Other symptoms may include:

hyperesthesia (abnormally increased sensitivity to stimuli)

paresthesia (an abnormal or perverted sensation, such as burning or tingling due to disorder of the sensory nervous system)

pruritus (itching)

This usually occurs on the trunk and occasionally on the arms and legs lasting from 1-4 weeks.

Small red nodular skin lesions can continue to erupt on the painful areas up to 2 weeks after the first symptoms.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Prevention

Herpes is spread through:

anal sex

oral sex

vaginal sex

To help prevent the spread of herpes:

avoid any sexual contact if you are infected

limit the number of sexual partners

use latex condoms

visit a local sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic, hospital, or your doctor if you are infected


Genital herpes infections can be spread by people with no noticeable symptoms.

The herpes virus is also transmitted through:

caressing infected areas

kissing

touching

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Conditions Confused with Herpes

Listed below are some other conditions sometimes mistaken for herpes:

Bacterial or yeast infections

do not usually produce blistering

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)

are gray with a distinct edge

usually occur inside the mouth

usually heal within 10-14 days without treatment

Impetigo

is a highly infectious bacterial disease

often produces crusty blisters

is more common among children


Molluscum contagiosum (molluscum)

like herpes, molluscum is a viral infection of the skin

unlike herpes, molluscum produces lesions that are raised, with a central dimple

Syphilis

is a bacterial infection

causes chancres sometimes mistaken for blisters caused by genital herpes

Unlike genital herpes, Syphilis does not usually produce a cluster of blisters, and it usually responds well to antibiotics.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Herpes Handbook

Diagnosis/Testing

Diagnosis

can be made by:

Blood Test


A blood test for herpes is available only in a few research centers.

Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings

In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and then examined under a microscope.

This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is present.

One common test is called a Tzanck smear.

Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.

Viral Cell Culture Test

The test is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus.

The doctor or health consultant will obtain fluid from the sores and send it to a laboratory to see if the herpes virus is present.

A viral culture is a fluid sample taken from a lesion when it first appears. Highly accurate results can be given from a culture taken while the lesion is still in the clear blister stage, but the process takes a few days.

The test will not work if the sores have healed.

Immune Response Tests

These tests detect the body's immune response to the herpes virus and are slightly less reliable than viral cultures, but more reliable than tissue scrapings.

Results can sometimes be provided in two hours.

Other available tests:

Antigen test
Pap Smear

Identifying Your Type

Not everyone knows whether they have HSV-1 or HSV-2 and in certain situations that information could be relevant.

In a situation where both partners have HSV-2 both are already infected so precautions to prevent the spread of the disease are optional.

If one partner has genital HSV-1 and the other has HSV-2, each might get infected with a second type unless precautions are used.

HSV- 1

Diagnosing genital HSV- 1 is difficult because the infection seldom recurs. Since many people have HSV-1 orally, a finding of HSV-1 by Western blot serology (blood test) would not positively identify genital infection.

A Western blot confirms if you have HSV-2. If you are seronegative (negative by blood test) for type 2, but positive for type 1, that gives you a strong clue as to the cause of your outbreaks, i.e. seropositive for type 1 but not type 2, with infrequent recurring genital herpes is probably genital HSV1.

Seek immediate professional help if genital herpes is suspected. Some of the available diagnostic procedures become less reliable the longer you wait.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

More Herpes Pictures

Herpes Simplex Pictures


If you suspect you have herpes you should visit your health care provider immediately.

The herpes pictures on this site are provided as a guide only and should not be used to diagnose any health condition.


Image source: FotoArchive

(selected by Dr. Bauer);

supervision: Prof. Dr. Simon









Image source: Foto Archive
(selected by Dr. Krejci-Papa),

Dermatologische Universitätsklinik Erlangen;
supervision: Prof. Dr. Simon


Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores-treatment-pictures.com/

Herpes Handbook

Symptoms of Herpes

Symptoms of herpes vary, but often most people have no noticeable symptoms.

Early symptoms may include:

burning sensation in the genitals

flu-like symptoms

lower back pain

pain when urinating


Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after initial symptoms, which later develop into painful blisters.

The blisters usually:

crust over

form a scab

heal

GENITAL HERPES

The First Outbreak

Symptoms usually develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.

The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.

The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding).

Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.

Typical Symptoms

When it gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.

Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.

During the outbreak the infected area may:

be painful

burn

itch

tingle

Other symptoms include:

fever

headache

infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating

muscle ache

painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area

swollen lymph glands

vaginal or penis discharge

The first episode is the most severe, with most episodes lasting 10-21 days. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.

Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately.

Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Handbook

Questions about Herpes

How serious is Herpes?

Mild symptoms can be experienced with HSV-2, but often no apparent symptoms are present.

HSV-2 may cause recurrent painful genital ulcers and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Severe genital herpes frequently causes psychological and emotional stress.


If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections in infants can occur. A cesarean-section delivery is usually carried out if a woman has active genital herpes at time of giving birth.

People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.

How do you know if you are infected with genital herpes?

Many people with HSV-2 are sometimes not aware that they are infected.

Some people infected with HSV-2 do not have lesions or may suffer only very mild, almost unnoticeable, symptoms which are sometimes mistaken for insect bites or a rash.

Symptoms of the primary episode can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.

Other symptoms may include a second crop of lesions, or flu-like symptoms including:

fever

swollen glands

A primary episode of genital herpes can cause several symptomatic recurrences a year (average 4 or 5). Most recurrences occur more often within the first year following the primary episode.

Herpes simplex, a recurrent viral infection, caused by Herpes Virus hominis (HVH), is a widespread infectious agent, which is very hard to control. As well there are latent herpes associated infections.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Handbook

Herpes Transmission


Herpes is spread by direct contact including:

Sexual contact

Anal sex

Oral sex

Vaginal sex

as well as

Kissing

Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and HSV-2

Genital herpes

Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms

Is often transmitted by people who do not realize infection can be passed on even when there are no symptoms

Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected

Statistics

An estimated 40 million people have genital herpes which is a chronic viral infection

About 500,000 new people get symptomatic herpes each year

There are even more people without symptoms

Genital herpes infection

has increased 30% in the U.S.

has increased most dramatically among young white teens (12-19 years old)

among whites is 5 times higher than 20 years ago

is twice as likely to infect 20-29 year old adults

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Handbook

Genital Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States.

Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.

It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.

HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:

access to quality health care

poverty

living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs

illicit drug use

The Herpes Virus

HSV-type 1
causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)

HSV-type 2
typically affects the genital area (genital herpes)

Both viral types can:

be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms

cause either genital or oral infections

cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers

People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode.

Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/

Herpes Pictures

What herpes looks like? There are some pictures of herpes.




But remember: if you suspect you have herpes you should visit your doctor immediately.





The pictures are provided for information only and should not be used to diagnose any health condition.




Source: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes_pictures.htm
http://www.afraidtoask.com

Herpes Treatment: Home Remedies. Part IV

Home remedies for cold sores: Raw Whole Milk



Applying raw milk has been a well-known home remedy for cold sores for years. Now science has confirmed its potential. Indeed, raw whole milk contains a fat called monocaprin that can kill the virus on contact according to a recent study. So applying milk fat should be better that the milk itself. Whole milk is simple and easy to find. You may already have some in your kitchen as we speak. So why not give it a try next time you feel that nagging itch again.


I hope you'll try some of these great home remedies for cold sores. Don't use them all at once and don't use raw garlic with anything else. But have some fun with them. They can come in handy when it's sunday night and the closest open drugstore is miles away or when you're on vacation and you left your favorite home remedies for cold sores at home.


Source: http://www.best-herpes-treatments.com/home-remedies-for-cold-sores.html

Photo: www.flickr.com