The sexually transmitted disease called genital herpes is an infection that appears in the area of the genitals (vagina, penis and anus), in the form of eruptions that produce blisters, which cause pain and itching, both inside and around these areas. Although sometimes it can take different variations, which afflict the other areas of the body. This disease is caused by two types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The one that produces most of the ailments is the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2), and the rest is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). The latter is also the cause of oral infections better known as cold sores or cold sores.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease is a global problem, since according to its estimates for the year 2012 ” there were 417 million people infected worldwide”. The WHO also points out that the prevalence is highest in Africa, with 31%, followed by the Americas with 14.4%. Also, despite the fact that most infections occur in adolescence, it was shown that this increases with age. As you can see, genital herpes can be spread when you have sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal and anal), with another individual who is a carrier of HSV or suffers from the disease. That is, it contracts at the moment of having friction with the injury (the liquid that is inside the sores, since they contain the virus). Similarly, by contact with the skin, mucous membranes and secretions. In this sense, it is not transmitted through blood, much less, it is hereditary. On the other hand, according to the WHO “there are more cases of women infected with HSV-2 than men”, and this is due to the fact that it is easier for them to transmit the virus to women than men.
In case of pregnancy, the chances of infecting the fetus increase by 50%, since transmission occurs at the time of delivery, through contact with secretions from the mother’s genitals. Coming to cause different conditions in the newborn, ranging from damage to the nervous system (skin, eyes and mouth), neurological disabilities (such as encephalitis), to death, according to the WHO. Therefore, the measures taken with the infected pregnant woman is to medicate her at the end of the pregnancy or to perform a cesarean section, thus reducing transmission through this route. When the woman has suffered from the disease before pregnancy, the risk of transmission to the baby decreases, however, it is convenient for the mother to provide the treating doctor with this information. However, the symptoms that this infection produces in most cases are asymptomatic or so mild that they go unnoticed. That is, some people may have contracted the virus but do not know it. In most cases, only 20% of those affected by the virus show the typical symptoms of the disease, blisters. However, conditions can be classified according to the following conditions:
Primary: occurs when a subject, who has never been exposed to infection with any of the virus types (HSV-1/HSV-2), becomes infected. You may not show symptoms or they may be mild. However, when he manifests it, some of these symptoms may occur: General bodily discomfort such as weakness, pain in the legs and fever. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (crotch). This indicates that the immune system is fighting the virus. Lesions or blisters in the throat or mouth, with pain and itching. Lesions or blisters on the genitals (vagina, penis and anus), as well as secretions that cause pain when urinating and itching. Women: they can present blisters both in the internal part of the lips of the vulva, and in the external ones. They are usually not noticed by them. On the outside, scabs are created that later fall off, but not on the inside, which do not form, but are replaced with new skin. In addition, they may also have lesions inside the cervix (cervix) or vaginal infections. Men: they can present lesions inside the penis, producing secretions that will cause pain when urinating and itching. Duration: 2 to 3 weeks, then they can reappear 5 or 7 days later. Initial (non-primary): originate when an individual who has already had HSV-1 is infected with HSV-2. As it has the antibodies of the first, the symptoms of the second virus are milder or go unnoticed. The duration is shorter than the previous one, and if it shows any sign of the disease, such as blisters, they are less widespread on the body. Recurrent: occur when a subject who has already had an HSV infection in a part of the body, reappears there or in areas near the lesion, that is, genitals, lower abdomen, legs, buttocks, anus. Regardless of the fact that there has been no contact in these areas during sexual intercourse, since this entire area is part of the same nerve network. It can last from 2 to 10 days and present: Less extensive lesions. Most do not have the symptoms of the primary, such as fever. Some women manifest the virus in the cervix. However, this does not cause cervical cancer. It is important to highlight that each person is different and the organism too, even if it is recurrent, once it may manifest the symptoms of a stage, such as the initial one, and on other occasions it may have the symptoms of the primary process. Or the case of an indication that he is a carrier of HSV-2 and does not know it, since he does not present any symptoms and then as the years go by, the disease manifests itself. Although in January 2017 the WHO has indicated that they are committed to curbing this disease, with the study of vaccines and microbicides, this virus does not have a cure. However, medicines called antivirals are used to treat it. Whose purpose is to prevent and shorten the symptoms (injuries), while taking the treatment.
The pharmacological treatments used are the following:
Acyclovir: it is the most used compound and it comes in presentation of cream, ointment, tablets and injectable solution. The latter, for neonatal patients and when herpes is spread throughout the body. Famciclovir and valaciclovir: both compounds are the most innovative because they are easy to take. Daily prophylactic or suppressive: used in recurrent patients. Now, since the symptomatology varies in each individual, since the antibodies react differently to the virus, follow the following instructions that will show you how to cure genital herpes, and thus reduce the symptoms and speed up the recovery from the infectious process.
What do you need to cure Genital Herpes?
Medical diagnostic. Local antiviral or analgesic treatment. Disposable medical type gloves. Common or table salt.
Instructions to cure Genital Herpes
If you present any of the symptoms of genital herpes described above, you suspect that you suffer from it, you are pregnant or simply to rule out that you have this disease, you can go to your doctor to verify through a blood test or laboratory tests if you suffer from this infection. He will correctly interpret the results and if necessary, will indicate the precise treatment. Take the treatment as prescribed by the doctor, which will be one of the antivirals mentioned above: acyclovir, famciclovir or the one indicated. If lesions appear, you can wash these areas with salt baths (15 grams of common salt for every 2 ½ cups of water). This will calm and dry them. If there is a lot of pain, apply local analgesics, such as ice or creams, but everything in a measured way, since what you are looking for is to dry the blisters, and the process could be delayed a bit.
Try to stay well hydrated, so your urination will be more diluted. If you have pain when urinating, you can ease the process if you come into contact with a warm or cold bath. Wear loose, non-tight, 100% cotton underwear. They will keep you cool and contribute to recovery. If recurrences occur, start treatment immediately. Strengthen your immune system through food. Add protein to every meal, as well as legumes, as they are good sources of zinc, iron, and vitamin B6. This vitamin is involved in the generation of lymphocytes (white blood cells), which help fight infections. You can also opt for fish that contain more omega-3, for example, sardines, since they act in anti-inflammatory processes. Avoid having sex of any kind (oral, genital, and anal). Always inform your partner.
Tips to Cure Genital Herpes
If you suspect that you could be infected with the virus or your partner is, go to your doctor and make him aware of the situation, so you will clear up any doubts and prevent further complications. If you are pregnant, it is necessary that you notify your doctor to carry out adequate control and avoid any possible transmission to the fetus. Always use a condom, thus reducing the risk of contracting this or any of the sexually transmitted diseases. Remember someone can be infected without knowing it. If you have sexual relations with someone who suffers from this disease, keep in mind that even if you use condoms, it does not guarantee 100% protection against the virus, since it can affect other areas of the body that the condom does not cover, and infect you by the secretion produced in these areas. If you manifest any symptoms such as blisters, do not touch them or the liquids they are secreting, as they are very contagious and could infect other parts of the body, for example, the face or the eyes. If this happens, immediately wash your hands. Wear disposable medical gloves to treat affected sites. Take the necessary measures if you have cold sores (HSV-1). Avoid oral contact and sharing objects brought to this area. Also, have oral-genital contact.
You can choose to consume those foods that strengthen your immune system. So, keep spices like turmeric and garlic in mind. The first is a root with great anti-inflammatory power and the second is an excellent antioxidant that prevents and fights infections, that is, genital herpes.