Having unprotected sex causes the herpes simplex virus to transmit. Although Herpes is most contagious when virus-filled lesions are present, it can also spread by asymptomatic shedding, which means Herpes virus can be in the saliva or the genitals secretions even when there are no signs of cold sores or genital lesion and can be transferred from one person to the other.
Typically, when herpes is contracted by a person who has never had the virus before, it dives into the skin's small cracks, which internalize it. The virus remains dormant until triggered. The recurrent episodes vary in severity from mild to severe and are triggered by stress, skin damage, and viral illnesses.
HSV can also be transmitted at birth when the baby passes through maternal vaginal secretions, which may cause skin, eye, and mucus membrane lesions in the baby after delivery, typically at the site of damaged skin. It may cause a very severe disseminated illness resulting in seizures, lethargy, or irritability in babies as well.
There are two types of herpes virus capable of causing genital herpes. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). 90% of genital herpes are due to HSV-2 infection, whereas 10% result from HSV-1. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are structurally similar.
Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases. In 2015, it affected 12% of the people around the globe. One million cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S alone.
The infection is sometimes asymptomatic. Patients may complain of headaches, fever, body ache, enlarged lymph nodes, and cold sores during the first outbreak that may take up to six weeks to heal fully. The most common symptoms are;
Several conditions may resemble the infection of genital herpes
If you have symptoms, consult your healthcare provider. You may need to consult in a clinic specific for sexual infections. The doctor will take the history of your symptoms, sexual contacts, previous episodes, and other sexual infections. They will perform the physical examination, emphasizing the genital area or the lesions. Your doctor might take scrapings from the lesions to send for laboratory analysis. The following tests are done to identify the organism;
Most HSV infections are self-limiting. Life-threatening conditions include neonatal herpes, herpes encephalitis, HSV infections in immunocompromised patients, and severely malnourished infants and children. Recurrent ocular herpes can lead to corneal scarring and blindness. HSV infections are temporary and resolve without a detrimental sequel for most people. Unfortunately, recurrence is common. The pain and discomfort and the psychological impact of the outbreak cause morbidity to individuals who are affected. Having genital herpes makes it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, it is not disabling and does not reduce the lifespan of individuals.
Practicing safe sex, i.e., the use of condoms during sexual contact and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex, limits the virus from spreading. However, there may be sores on places the condoms don't cover. A person who suffers from genital herpes must inform their partner and consult their doctor so that the doctor can advise a treatment plan. A mother who is expecting must inform their doctors before delivery. The doctor may recommend a C section so that the newborn is not infected with the virus. A healthy diet and vitamins with adequate sleep and stress management will make the herpes outbreaks less frequent. Topical Salves for Herpes 1 and 2 are aloe vera, Epsom, coconut oil, neem, lemon balm, propolis, manuka honey, tree tea oil, and zinc for relief from symptoms.
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on April 20th, 2023.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673607619084
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV 2). Generally, the infection does not result in apparent signs and symptoms. They might be mild or even absent. It causes burning, tingling, sores, blisters on the skin, and mucous membranes when symptomatic. It can be divided into infections above the waist involving the mouth and the tongue usually caused by HSV1 and those below the waist involving the genitals caused by HSV 2. Once infected, the virus remains in your body and can cause a recurrent infection when triggered. Genital herpes can not be eradicated, but medicines or home remedies control the symptoms, and spread is prevented by using condoms.