Genital herpes is a common venereal disease. It is mainly caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2 - herpes simplex virus) but can also be caused by HSV-1. The virus is transmitted through close contact, with a person who carries the virus and sheds it from the skin or genital secretions. The virus enters the body through minor skin or mucosal injuries and multiplies in the epithelial cells at the point of entry/contact.
The first symptoms of the virus may look very similar to those of the flu (malaise, low-grade fever, etc.), as well as stinging or itching in the genital area. Later, small fluid-filled bubbles may appear, which may "burst" and become painful ulcers or erosions.
Transmission of the virus is possible even when there are no clinical manifestations of the infection. When someone is infected with the herpes virus, they may experience clinical manifestations of the virus days, weeks, and even months after infection.
The symptoms normally improve on their own within a few days, the wounds close without scarring and the virus becomes inactive but remains in the body. In some people, the virus can become active again, with a frequency of up to 1 episode/month, causing recurrent outbreaks (relapses). This usually happens when the body's defences go down, but also after intense fatigue, stress, just before menstruation, etc.
REASONS
Risk factors for the transmission of genital herpes are:
- The large number of sexual partners
- Personal history of other sexually transmitted diseases
- The onset of sexual life at a young age
WHAT WE DO
- Keeping the affected area in a clean and dry condition in order to avoid contamination
- Placement of cold patches on the skin to remove bubbles and relieve the area
- Avoiding touching the lesions
- Clean hands especially when in contact with the wound.
- Avoiding sexual intercourse when there is an active infection until it is completely gone.
- The use of a condom is essential.
- Avoiding sexual intercourse when the virus is at its peak
- Cotton underwear and clothing is preferable
THERAPY
The administration of antiviral drugs (asclovir, Valacyclovir, Famsiclovir) reduces the severity and duration of symptoms both in the initial phase of infection and in relapses. In case of frequent episodes, prophylactic antiviral treatment is recommended in order to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses.
Source : www.edae.gr
