Symptoms of Genital Herpes - Know More To Save Yourself

                

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Many people who contract genital herpes may not show any symptoms. Some may show mild symptoms that are taken as something else, while others may get severe problems. Genital herpes occurs in episodes. When you contract the virus, the virus travels to the nerve centers near the spinal cord. It travels back from there to the genital area and breaks out from time to time.

First Episode-

The first episode begins within a fortnight of contact. Some people get severe symptoms of herpes in this episode while others may get very mild symptoms of herpes during the first episode. The main symptom is appearance of lesions. You may see blisters filled with fluid or ulcers. The blisters rupture in to ulcers in few days and crust and heal within a month. The common areas are: on the vulva, penis, near anus, thighs, and inside vagina. Commonly women get more severe symptoms then men. If women get blisters in the vagina, cervix or urethra they may take it as something else. The symptoms of urethra may be treated as urinary tract infection. The symptoms of the vagina or cervix may be treated as yeast infection, if they are also accompanied by a discharge. If a woman repeatedly gets such symptoms, she should get herself checked for herpes. Blisters in the urethra of men may also be misdiagnosed by the patient. One should keep watch over any such symptoms after having unprotected sex.

Painful urination and headache may also occur during the first episode. Some patients also show flu-like symptoms during the first episode. Those who get mild symptoms may take them as insect bites, rashes, ringworm, etc. As these symptoms resolve soon, people are left unaware of the fact that they have herpes.

Recurring Episodes-

Most often the recurring episodes are far milder than the first episode. While some may have up to eight episodes in a year, others may have only one or two episodes. The recurrence depends upon the triggers of herpes. Certain factors trigger herpes. If you are careless about them you may get more recurrences.

In the next episodes, the symptoms of genital herpes may appear like: ingrown hair, insect bites, pimples, spots, etc. If blisters form, they crust over in few days and resolve. Most of the following episodes resolve much quickly than the first episode. Symptoms mimicking hemorrhoids may also appear on the anus. If you get repeated fissures or any other symptoms near or on the genitals, you should get screened for genital herpes. On average, a person having genital herpes from HSV2 may have three to four episodes of recurrence every year. Many times, despite the virus being active near the genitals, one may show no symptoms. But during this phase the person sheds the virus. That is called asymptomatic shedding.

Prodrome phase-

Prodrome is the early symptom that indicates that a disease attack is imminent. Many people feel some pain, tingling or itching before active onset of genital herpes. Within a day or two, lesions appear on the affected area. Once you recognize the prodrome, you should begin your medicines to reduce the intensity and duration of the attack.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

DoctorGoodSkin.com is a popular skin care guide where you can find a lot of information, articles and tips about STDs, skin diseases and conditions, skin treatments and procedures, skin care, skin care products, etc. You will also find information about hair and nails. You can try out some of the skin and health quizzes, to test your knowledge about various skin, hair and nail conditions. Other popular topics on the site include eczema, psoriasis, dermabrasion, hair loss, liposuction, cosmetic, sun damage, chemical peeling, etc. To learn more about Genital Herpes visit doctorgoodskin.com

A Simple Overview To Genital Herpes And How To Talk To Your Children About It

                

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Genital herpes is one of the most commonly occurring Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the world and it is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.

There are two variations of the virus: type 1 also referred to as HSV-1 and type 2 commonly known as HSV-2. Type 1 which is the reason behind the cold sores you might see people sporting on their lips and type 2 which is most commonly responsible for genital herpes.

Genital herpes has no preference when it comes to gender, age or social status. It affects men and women, teenagers and adults, single and married people.

A person can only get infected during sexual contact with someone who is already infected. The most common way to transmit the HSV virus is thru sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can be vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most people have none to very minimal signs or symptoms from type 1 or type 2 infections. When signs do occur, they tend to appear as small blisters in the pubic and anal region of the person infected. These blisters break leaving sores that may take several weeks to heal. In most cases, the first outbreak is the most severe with signs and symptoms that include flu-like symptoms, fever and swollen glands. Outbreaks tend to happen less often and less severe over time.

When a person has an outbreak, which means that the blisters are present, they are more likely to transmit the disease. That doesn?t mean that someone who is infected with genital herpes and doesn?t have blisters is safe. They?re not. Safe sex practices do need to be followed regardless of the presence of blisters.

The only accurate way to be diagnosed with genital herpes is by getting a blood test though most diagnosis are visual when sores are present. When you are diagnosed with genital herpes you may view that as the end of your sexual life. It?s not. Many people live with this condition and enjoy active intimate lives. There are multiple sites dedicated to introduce singles with herpes for dating.

Some surprising facts about genital herpes that many people aren?t aware of include:

* Approximately 1 million people are infected with genital herpes each year.
* In the United States it?s estimated that 1 in 5 people are infected with genital herpes.
* Type-2 infections are more common in women than in men.
* Up to 90% of people who are infected with genital herpes aren?t aware of it.

In order to manage this condition you do need to be diagnosed by a doctor. That?s the first step towards treatment. Although there isn?t an available cure for genital herpes it can be managed by oral medication known as suppressive therapy.

If you are a parent, you shouldn't wait to start talking to your children about genital herpes and do not expect their school to educate them about STDs. It is best to start educating your children when they are in their pre-teen or early teen years.

If your partner or child confides in you that he or she may have genital herpes or you suspect that you may be infected, plan a visit to your physician as soon as possible.

Carmen Peralta is the Genital Herpes channel guide and a member of Herpes Dating website STDSingles.com.

 

Herpes 101 - An Introduction To The Herpes Simplex Virus

                

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There is often great confusion when it comes to herpes. Just the word "herpes" often conjures up images of a particularly nasty sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that herpes actually stems from a virus known as the herpes simplex virus? And were you aware, that the chances are that you have already caught it at some stage during your life? In fact, statistics show that around 85% of the world's population has been infected, and it is in fact the hardest virus to control known to man. However, this is often where the confusion stems from. You see, there are two strains of the virus, known as herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2).

Herpes simplex 1 is the most common strain and is the cause of cold sores and fever blisters that appear around the mouth, lips and gums. Now everyone's heard of a cold sore, but did you know that it is in fact oral herpes. Despite around 85% of the population being infected with HSV-1, not all people will develop cold sores or lesions around the mouth. This is because each person's immune system is unique and many are able to suppress an outbreak. Instead, the virus lies dormant, although a carrier will still be able to pass the virus on under certain conditions.

The second strand of the virus, herpes simplex 2, is the virus responsible for genital herpes. Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent STDs, and more worryingly, research shows that there has been 32% rise in the U.S alone between 1978 and 1990. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of 5 American teenagers and adults is infected with HSV-2. The symptoms of genital herpes usually occur within 2 weeks of contracting the virus. The area infected can include the genitals, rectum, buttocks, thighs, or any other part of the body where the virus could have entered through broken skin. Small red bumps appear first which develop into itchy blisters. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, difficulty urinating, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area.

The symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks. Once infected, HSV remains in the nerve cells of your body for life, and outbreaks (recurrence) can occur several times a year. Despite there still being no cure, scientists are confident that a vaccination will be developed in the next 5 years. However, an effective treatment to reduce the pain and recurrence of symptoms is Acyclovir (Zovirax), which is an antiviral medication. This can be taken in an ointment form, liquid, orally, or even intravenously depending on the severity of the outbreak. Always consult your doctor before taking any new course of medication.

An old clich? is that prevention is better than cure, and this certainly applies to herpes. Never engage in oral sex if your partner has either mouth herpes or genital herpes. Never share towels, cutlery or a toothbrush with an infected person. Always practice safe sex. Using a condom can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, although it is by no means 100% effective, since it may not cover all infected areas. Valtrex, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may offer the best hope to sufferers at the present time. It can significantly reduce the chance of transmission, although the person infected must take it continuously.

Caroline Smith is an author and regular contributor to http://www.about-herpes.com - An educational resource with information on genital herpes, cold sores, shingles and other diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus.