Herpes occurs in the intimate area due to infection of the body with the second type of herpes virus. The predominant route of transmission is sexual, but occasionally the symptoms of herpes in the intimate area appear due to the introduction of the pathogen by the hematogenous route.
What does herpes look like in the intimate area
Herpes in the intimate area (photo 2) shows its symptoms almost immediately after infection. At the initial stage, the symptoms of herpes in the intimate area are painful, the skin itches, reddens. When touched, soreness and hyperthermia are felt. Then small bubbles appear on the surface of the lesion, which provoke various ones, they quickly increase in size and fill with liquid. Herpes in the intimate area in children rarely appears - this may be a consequence of infection with the virus even in utero.
Herpetic rash is quite painful. Herpes in the intimate area in men can spread to the penis and scrotum. The same characteristic rashes appear there. Herpes in the intimate area in women (photo in the gallery) also threatens with complications - it occurs on the inside of the thigh, signs of a herpetic lesion can be seen on the labia, in the vaginal area.
In the future, herpes in the intimate area matures, and the liquid in the vesicles becomes cloudy. After they burst, the active stage of herpes can be considered complete - the restoration of the skin begins, which takes about seven to ten days.
Herpes on the pubis
The disease delivers not only pain, but also significant discomfort. Herpes on the pubic part in women(photo 3) and in men it appears against the background of the same prodromal symptoms of redness, itching and burning. Pubic herpes in men affects not only the skin itself, but also the hair follicles. Often you can see an abscess with a hair sticking out of it. The risk of infection of the subcutaneous layers in this case increases.
The appearance of herpes on the pubis is red spots, in the center of which there are bubbles with liquid. Herpes on the forehead(photo below) causes inconvenience in that constant friction on clothes leads to an early breakthrough of the contents of the bubbles, weeping zones remain in their place, and with suppuration of the hair follicles, skin recovery is significantly delayed. After the integrity of the bubbles is violated, specks with dried contents remain in their place, and sometimes even a slight admixture of blood. In the process of healing, the crusts come off, and under them a thin healthy epithelium is exposed. On average, the healing process ends by the end of the first week.
What does herpes look like in the groin
Herpes in the groin in men (photo 4) and women is also a type of genital herpes, the disease is caused by the same second type of herpes virus. The first symptoms that it causes are itching and burning in the groin area. At this stage, the characteristic herpetic vesicles do not yet appear, but the sick are already worried about incomprehensible soreness, discomfort in the genital area.
Symptoms of herpes in the groin in men can be supplemented by an increase in lymph nodes, swelling of the skin, and the appearance of puffiness. Usually, the skin becomes painful when touched, there is a feeling of heat and burning in the area affected by the herpes virus. Symptoms of herpes in the groin in women provoke swelling of the mucous membrane, vagina. Due to a decrease in immunity, it can begin in girls.
After some time, inguinal herpes (photo in gal.) progresses, elevations appear on the skin, they increase every hour and form into herpetic vesicles containing a liquid filled with pathogens inside. When the body begins to destroy, the liquid inside the bubbles becomes cloudy, and then they burst completely. When bursting, herpes in the inguinal region in men forms weeping zones, which, under the influence of friction on clothes, hurt a lot, sometimes an infection gets there, and they suppurate. Inguinal herpes in men heals slowly, but, ultimately, the skin is completely restored.
Treatment of herpes in the intimate area
Conduct treatment of herpes in the intimate area necessary in a timely manner and with great care. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, when redness and burning in the intimate area has just begun, it is necessary to immediately treat the skin surface with antiviral drugs. As external preparations, pubic herpes can be treated with Panavir, Herpferon, Acyclovir, Zovirax ointments. Apply them several times a day, rubbing in small portions into the surface of the intimate area.
In addition to external preparations, doctors recommend treating a rash in the intimate area with tablets, which will enhance the effect and lead to the fastest getting rid of the pathology. Usually the dosage and name of the drug is determined by the doctor. In severe forms of the course of herpes, it is very important to use both the means internally and externally. You can treat herpes in the groin with tablets using Valacyclovir 500 mg, Famciclovir-Teva 125 mg, Acyclovir Forte 400 mg. The average course of therapy is five to seven days.
During herpetic therapy, it is important to keep the genitals especially clean. You need to take care of loose underwear, several times a day you can wash the surface of the genital organs with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect the surface of the skin and prevent infection.
Gallery of photos of herpes in the intimate area
Herpes video playlist (video selection in the upper right corner)
How herpes manifests itself in men, what are the treatment and prevention of this disease - we will try to answer these and many other questions in this article.
1. Complications.
Where is this disease going? This disease is dangerous, first of all, for its complications. At some points, the disease can spread throughout the body, causing disturbances in the functioning of the prostate gland. In particular, the genital herpes virus can provoke cancer prostate.
Serious complications on the nervous system are also possible. Complications in the central nervous system are manifested in the form of meningitis, encephalitis. On the visual system, it can give a complication in the form of conjunctivitis or keratitis. In general, with a weakened immune system, the pathogen can affect almost all organs, causing complications in the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, excretory, respiratory and visual systems.
However, such serious complications can be only in 1% of cases.
Photos of herpes in men in the intimate area:
2. Ease of infection.
At the moment, it is known that up to ninety percent of the population is affected by the virus, while in a visible form it manifests itself in only 20%. The virus seems to “hide” in the nerve nodes of an infected person, manifesting itself only in conditions when immunity is reduced.
In the active phase, the patient becomes contagious, and the pathogen can be transmitted in numerous ways - through blood transfusion, sexually, from mother to child in the process of gestation and childbirth, and even by airborne droplets.
3. Relapses.
A person who has been ill once already has this disease. The hepatitis virus is continuously present in the nervous tissues, waiting for favorable conditions for its reproduction. And then he again goes into an acute phase.
Ways of transmission of genital herpes.
Transmission through saliva, there is a probability of a few percent. 1. When transfusing blood.
Despite the fact that when transfusing blood from a patient with herpes, the risk of infection is close to 100%, this route of transmission is not the leading one, due to the comparative rarity of the procedure and a rather careful selection of donors.
2. Sexual.
This is the most common type of infection with genital herpes. Infection occurs during any type of sex with an infected partner (genital, oral, anal, petting), and the use of a condom helps protect against transmission in only 70-80% of cases. Some researchers do not exclude the possibility of infection from a partner who is in a state where there are no visible symptoms of infection.
When kissing 3. Household.
The genital herpes virus can be transmitted through common hygiene items (towels, etc.), through bedding and through any tactile contact (handshake, hugs). Despite the fact that the predominant route of transmission of this infection is sexual, this species contact with an infected person is also unsafe.
4. From mother to child.
For example, if a pregnant woman has an active form, then the risk of transmission through the placenta is up to 80%. Also, a child can become infected from the mother during childbirth, for example, if the vaginal mucosa is affected by sores (vesicles). The third route of infection from mother to child is the care of an infected mother for her children, feeding, etc.
In general, you can get infected from a sick person in different ways. At the same time, it is not at all necessary that he has any visual signs, because many men and women with strong immunity have genital herpes almost asymptomatically, noting only a slight malaise, fever, which can be attributed to the onset of a cold.
Since the virus mainly affects people who are active sexual life, men aged 18 to 40 are most susceptible to it.
Symptoms.
Everything is the same on other parts of the body. 1. Initial phase.
The latent period (when there are no signs of illness, but the virus has already entered the body and began to multiply) is about a month. in men are similar to colds. A person feels a slight malaise, weakness, feels overwhelmed. Subfebrile temperature is often observed (a couple of days it is increased to 37-38 degrees).
Then these symptoms disappear, and the disease continues to develop, capturing more and more new areas.
2. Active phase.
If the mucous membrane of the urethra is affected, burning and other pain sensations may occur. Further, in the inguinal region, pains of a pulling nature, itching may begin. In some cases, there is an increase in the size of the inguinal lymph nodes.
3. Final stage.
Pubic
On the genitals, and in some cases on the adjacent areas, redness occurs, at first filled with liquid, which rapidly becomes cloudy, becoming whitish. Bubbles can be numerous, or they can merge into large ones, forming small foci.
Within 2-3 days, the bubbles open, forming small weeping ulcers on the surface of the skin. Ulcers slowly dry out over time, becoming covered with a crust.
In the case of normal immunity, the ulcers completely resolve within 2-3 weeks, leaving no traces on the skin. However, during the healing process, the affected areas of the skin itch and itch. Herpes is especially painful in men on the head.
In rare moments (1% or less), it gives severe complications to the central nervous system and other organs. In this example, severe headaches, discomfort in the muscles, tendons and joints, significant weakness and other symptoms are observed. This indicates a serious pathological process in the brain and other organs, you need to immediately consult a doctor.
Frequency and depth of relapses.
You shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Run to the doctor! The virus remains in the body after the primary disease, hiding in the nervous tissue for decades in a latent form. Relapses occur in case of a strong decrease in immunity, which can be caused by hypothermia, overheating, severe stress, etc.
That is, it can have relapses both after a few days and after a few years, depending on the state of the body, or it may never appear after the primary disease if the patient's state of health remains consistently good.
In case of recurrence, skin rashes, vesicles and sores can be observed in approximately the same areas as in the initial infection. Moreover, these manifestations pass much faster, and are accompanied by unpleasant sensations to a much lesser extent. Skin rashes disappear with a relapse, as a rule, within a week.
Quite rarely, with relapses of the disease, there is a general deterioration in the condition, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, headache. There may be pain when emptying the bladder.
The herpes virus is in a latent state in the body of an infected person all his life, and during periods of exposure to stress factors, it migrates from the nervous tissue, causing a recurrence of the disease.
Diagnostics.
Diagnostics There are the following diagnostic methods:
- Thorough external inspection. The presence of characteristic rashes allows you to confidently make a diagnosis.
- Linked immunosorbent assay. Allows you to determine the disease by antibodies specific to this virus.
- Determination of the characteristic DNA polymerase of the virus in blood samples taken or scrapings.
- Growing a culture of the virus from the samples taken, followed by determination using a microscope.
Complications of herpes in men.
- damage to the prostate gland is fraught with cancer;
- defeat of the central nervous system can cause meningitis, encephalitis;
- the herpes virus can affect the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis or keratitis;
- herpes urethritis;
- herpes cystitis;
- herpes prostatitis (according to some estimates, up to 30% of prostatitis moments in general);
- The digestive, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, and respiratory systems can also be affected by the virus.
Serious complications occur in less than 1% of situations. In the event of complications, symptoms such as general deterioration, weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, headache, suppuration of the eyes, and others can be observed.
Also, in some cases, a rectal fissure is possible, which is accompanied by pain, blood in the stool, and flatulence.
Basic drugs and treatment regimens.
Huge selection of drugs, but there are At the onset of the first signs of genital prostatitis, you should consult a doctor. Do not self-medicate, remember that it can give serious complications!
Despite the fact that it will never be possible to completely remove the prostatitis virus from the body, the correct and timely treatment of herpes in men on the genitals will keep the disease in the latent phase indefinitely. Such treatment helps to avoid complications and alleviate the course of both the primary disease and relapses, reducing pain.
For treatment, 4 main antiviral drugs are used:
Effective remedies - Acyclovir. Take 5 tablets per day. On the recommendation of a doctor, in some cases, the dosage is doubled. The medication is taken within five to seven days. With a relapse of the disease, the dose taken is reduced, on the recommendation of the attending physician, to three or four tablets.
- Famciclovir. It is used for treatment if the virus has managed to develop resistance to the previous drug. Dosage - 3 tablets per day, the duration of treatment is similar to acyclovir.
- Valaciclovir. It is similar in therapeutic effect to famciclovir. Dosage - 2 times a day, 500 milligrams, until complete recovery.
- Panavir. In severe cases, administered intravenously. The dosage is established by the attending physician.
Listed medicines block the process of reproduction in pathogens, and with the timely start of treatment, reduce the degree of pain.
The dosages of the listed antiviral drugs are adjusted in case of liver disease, kidney disease, in the treatment of elderly and black patients: all of the listed patients have flow characteristics that are taken into account when writing a prescription.
In addition to tablets, ointments and gels based on antiviral drugs can be used - for example, Zovirax, Panavir, etc. For severe pain, painkillers and sedatives are used.
With the exact implementation of the instructions of the doctors and the observance of the regimen of taking medications, more than 90% of the variants of the disease are successfully cured. Remember that timely treatment of herpes on the sex organs in men is the key to future sexual health!
We protect ourselves from infection and relapse.
The main recommendations from the company that produces the drug cycloferon. - exclude promiscuity, make love only with trusted partners; it is better to give up a short pleasure than to spend nerves and money on doctors and sometimes expensive treatment;
- if you are not sure about your partner, you must use condoms, after sex, lubricate the genitals and the skin around them with antiviral agents, such as miramistin; it is especially important to use it in the case of a broken condom;
- avoid sex with partners who have visible manifestations, especially in the area of the lips and intimate organs;
- observe special hygiene rules in conditions of possible infection (if one of the family members has genital herpes):
- The sick person should sleep separately, use a separate towel, dishes and other hygiene products.
- Exclude sex, kissing, close contacts.
- A sick man needs to change his underwear every day, every few days - bed linen.
- You should endure the sensation of itching, do not touch the affected area. If you still can’t stand it, you must immediately wash your hands with hot water and soap, in no case touching other parts of the body.
In the example of violation of these simple rules, there is a risk of infection spreading to other parts of the mucous membrane and skin (including eyes, lips, oropharynx).
It should be remembered that genital herpes is contagious not only during the period of the primary disease, but also during periods of relapse. Follow the safety rules, do not infect your loved ones!
It is extremely important to maintain a state of immunity at a high level. To do this, you need to give the body a regular physical activity, observe the regime of the day and rest. Nutrition should be balanced, contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Avoid both overheating and hypothermia.
Useful hardening, active species sports and other methods that improve health. And most importantly, perhaps, is to avoid excessive stress loads. Indeed, in our difficult time, stress is one of the main factors that determine the state of health.
Thus, it is common and quite dangerous disease which must be taken seriously. Get treated in a timely manner, maintain your health, and enjoy a full sex life!
Who said that curing herpes is difficult?
- Do you suffer from itching and burning in the places of rashes?
- The sight of blisters does not at all add to your self-confidence ...
- And somehow ashamed, especially if you suffer from genital herpes ...
- And for some reason, ointments and medicines recommended by doctors are not effective in your case ...
- In addition, constant relapses have already firmly entered your life ...
- And now you are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that will help you get rid of herpes!
Effective remedy from herpes exists. and find out how Elena Makarenko cured herself of genital herpes in 3 days!
Herpes in the intimate area is an extremely unpleasant and painful disease that has an extremely negative effect on the physical and psychological state of the patient and can lead to serious health problems.
Doctors refer to genital herpes as a type of sexually transmitted disease, since infection occurs mainly through sexual contact. Herpes in the intimate area, unlike herpes simplex virus, has specific features that should be taken into account when conducting complex therapy.
The genital herpes virus is extremely contagious and easily transmitted from one sexual partner to another. At the same time, the carrier himself may not know that an infection has lurked in his body, since the herpes virus can be in a latent state for a long time.
The risk group for genital herpes is young, sexually active people aged 16-30, or people who are sexually promiscuous. We will learn more about how infection occurs, what symptoms herpes manifests in the intimate area in men and women, and how to treat it.
Genital herpes is caused by one of the varieties of herpes simplex virus, namely herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) affects the lips, face, and skin on the body. But recently, scientists have put forward a version that these two types can go from one to another, that is, under appropriate conditions, type 1 herpesvirus can also cause symptoms of genital herpes.
Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral), if the partner is a latent carrier of the virus, or he has characteristic rashes on the lips and genitals. Since the virus is highly contagious, you can become infected even by touching or kissing.
The main ways of transmission of infection are as follows:
The frequency of recurrence of the disease largely depends on the state of the immune system. If the body's defenses are weakened, the infection can worsen especially often (1-2 times a month). The following factors contribute to the weakening of the immune system:
- stressful situations;
- chronic infections;
- severe hypothermia or overheating of the body;
- rigid diets leading to beriberi;
- unhealthy diet;
- promiscuity;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene.
The sexual revolution and emancipation in the intimate sphere largely contributed to the widespread spread of genital herpes. The increased practice of oral sex led to the fact that the virus, which manifested itself on the lips, was easily transferred to the partner's genitals. The smallest damage to the mucous membranes became the entrance gate for the infection to enter the body, and soon the disease manifested itself as unpleasant and painful symptoms.
In men, the virus enters the body through the glans penis, but since the diameter of the urinary canal is small, the virus does not always lead to infection on the surrounding skin. For the representatives of the weaker sex, the picture is quite different. During contact, the entire vaginal mucosa comes into contact with the sexual organ of the partner, so it is impossible to avoid infection.
Men are much more likely to suffer from manifestations of genital herpes, because they are more sexually active, often change partners and often neglect barrier methods of contraception. Herpes in the intimate area in women is less common, but the infection is much more severe and is accompanied by a serious deterioration in general well-being.
Incubation period after infection is from 3 to 10 days, after which they begin to appear common features indicating the development of a viral infection. These include;
- deterioration of well-being;
- weakness, malaise;
- fever, fever;
- muscle pain.
After some time, characteristic symptoms appear in the genital area:
The disease begins with local redness in the region of the glans penis. Then there is a burning sensation, itching, severe pain. A few hours after the first manifestations, small vesicles filled with serous fluid appear in the area of redness.
In addition to a deterioration in well-being, intestinal disorders may develop, an increase in inguinal lymph nodes can be noted. In some cases, purulent discharge from the urethra, pain during urination are noted. Sometimes painful blisters form in the perineum and scrotum.
After a few days, the blisters break and in their place remain weeping, long-healing sores that cause severe pain and discomfort. Soon, erosion begins to dry out and become covered with a dry crust.
Herpes in the intimate area often acquires a chronic course, accompanied by frequent relapses. The infection can worsen at the slightest weakening of the immune system, and painful rashes reappear.
Often men do not attach special significance symptoms of genital herpes, especially in cases where relapses are rare. Such a frivolous attitude contributes to the suppression of the immune system, the depletion of the body and the development of serious diseases (urethritis, prostatitis).
The disease in the weaker sex is much more severe. In addition to feeling unwell and general malaise, the appearance of rashes in the intimate area is accompanied by pain, swelling, and itching.
In women, the vulva, vaginal mucosa, urethra, cervix, surface of the buttocks and thighs are affected. A visual representation of the manifestations of the infection is given by photos of herpes in the intimate area, which can be viewed on thematic sites on the Internet.
To all the unpleasant symptoms are added pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back and rectum. In this case, there may be vaginal discharge, increasing in the second half of the cycle. Watery bubbles are very painful, constant discomfort, burning and itching negatively affect the psychological state, deplete the nervous system.
In the future, herpes in the intimate zone develops according to the standard scheme, that is, the vesicles open, with the formation of weeping erosions. Painful sores do not heal for a long time, depriving a woman of sleep and causing nervous breakdowns. At the stage of recovery, erosion is covered with a dry crust, which disappears as the mucosa heals. Approximately 2 weeks after the onset of the disease, the symptoms of herpes in the intimate area disappear, and the disease becomes latent (latent) form.
Genital herpes in women often recurs and, depending on the stage of the process, causes serious complications that can lead to impaired reproductive function.
Experts warn patients that the manifestations of genital herpes should be taken seriously, since this is a systemic infection and with each new exacerbation it depresses the immune system more and more and leads to the development of serious complications.
In men, advanced forms of genital herpes lead to urethritis, herpetic proctitis. When the immune defense is weakened, pathogenic microflora is activated, which affects the organs of the genitourinary system (kidneys, bladder, urethra). Frequent relapses of the disease lead to psychological problems and the development of depressive conditions.
In women, the virus affects not only the genitals, but also the pelvic organs (appendages, cervix, uterus). As a result suffers reproductive system which results in infertility. If the primary infection occurred in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage and fetal malformations associated with damage to the nervous system, visual and auditory dysfunctions increases.
Infection in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy can result in a stillborn baby. In addition, herpes in the intimate area in women can provoke oncological diseases (cervical cancer).
Diagnostics
To clarify the diagnosis, you will need to consult a urologist, dermatologist or dermatovenereologist. The specialist will make a preliminary diagnosis based on the characteristic clinical picture of the disease. In difficult cases, with an atypical or asymptomatic form of herpes, you will have to undergo a number of additional laboratory tests:
- ELISA (enzymatic immunoassay). This is a serological method that allows you to determine the presence in the body of antibodies to the herpes virus.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - the study is aimed at detecting the DNA of the virus in blood samples, mucus or other biological fluids.
- cultural method. Allows you to isolate and identify the virus by inoculating it on specially prepared culture media.
Often, the primary symptoms of the genital form of herpes are similar to manifestations of other diseases (colds, food poisoning, allergic reactions). Therefore, it is very important not to waste precious time and correctly diagnose viral infection, differentiating it from other pathological conditions.
When the first alarming symptoms appear, you should seek the help of specialists. An experienced doctor, after conducting laboratory tests, will determine how to treat herpes in the intimate area, and, taking into account the type of virus and the severity of symptoms, will select the optimal therapy regimen.
Treatment of genital herpes is based on the use of antiviral drugs that can quickly eliminate painful symptoms, deactivate the virus and put it into a latent state. The complex therapy regimen includes the following drugs:
Antiviral drugs in tablets
In severe cases of the disease, antiviral drugs are recommended to be administered intravenously, the treatment regimen and dosage are determined by the doctor and depend on the characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease.
External means
To treat lesions, the doctor will prescribe antiviral or gel. Their use allows you to relieve painful symptoms, eliminate inflammation, swelling and itching. In the treatment of genital herpes, the following medicines are used:
Panavir (gel). This remedy helps prevent further spread of the virus to healthy areas of the body. It is based on vegetable glycosides isolated from potato shoots. natural remedy characterized by safety and minimum side effects. There is no addiction to it, so it can be used for a long time. The gel should be applied to the affected area up to 6 times a day. In addition, the following ointments based on herbal ingredients have a similar effect:
- Alpizarin
- Khelepin
- Myrtoplex
Herpferon (ointment). A combination drug that includes interferon, the antiviral component acyclovir and the anesthetic lidocaine, which effectively eliminates pain. The use of the ointment can reduce unpleasant symptoms in the acute phase of genital herpes. In mild forms of infection, the drug can be prescribed as monotherapy and used for 5-6 days.
In addition, in the treatment of genital herpes, Acyclovir also shows good efficacy. They should be used 4 to 6 times a day, treating rashes every 4 hours.
One more stage complex treatment- conducting immunomodulatory therapy aimed at strengthening the body's defenses. For this purpose, interferon preparations (Viferon, Genferon), as well as interferon inducers (Amiksin, Cycloferon), which have an antiviral effect and contribute to the production of interferon in the body, are prescribed.
With genital herpes, it is useful to take general tonic herbal preparations (tincture of Eleutherococcus, ginseng, echinacea). good effect gives the use of vitamin therapy, in particular the appointment of calcium, zinc, vitamins of groups B, C, E. In order to reduce the frequency of relapses, the patient may be prescribed subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulins.
Such a treatment regimen helps restore the body's defenses and direct them to fight a viral infection.
Apart from drug treatment during illness, it is advised to review your diet and exclude fatty, spicy, pickled foods, sweets and alcohol. Emphasis should be placed on a dairy-vegetarian diet and include vegetables, fruits, sour-milk drinks, cereals, legumes, cereals, lean meat and fish in the daily menu. It is recommended to drink more fluids, this will help the rapid removal of toxins from the body.
In addition to the main treatment, you can use folk remedies: 
- Decoction of licorice. Chopped licorice root (2 tablespoons) is poured into 200 ml of hot water and boiled for 15 minutes. The finished broth is cooled, filtered and taken several times a day, 50 ml each, or used as lotions to treat rashes.
- Essential oils bergamot, citrus, tea tree can be added in a small amount (a few drops) to therapeutic ointments and creams. Such components have a strong disinfectant and antiseptic effect and quickly reduce the activity of the virus.
- St. John's wort ointment. Effectively relieve itching, irritation and inflammation during exacerbations of herpes. For cooking remedy 5 tbsp crushed plant pour 500 ml of vegetable oil, insist in a dark place for a month, filter and apply to treat rashes.
Prevention
Basic preventive measure against genital herpes is the presence of one, proven partner and the rejection of promiscuity. At contacts it is necessary to use barrier means of protection (condoms). This measure will help reduce the risk of infection, but cannot completely eliminate it, since the virus can spread and affect the skin in the buttocks, groin, and thighs. Even if sexual intercourse was protected, after it it is recommended to treat the groin area with antiseptic solutions (for example, Miramistin).
If infection nevertheless occurred, then in order to prevent recurrence of the disease, it is recommended to conduct healthy lifestyle life, give up bad habits, exercise and eat right. This will strengthen the immune system and become an obstacle to the return of the disease.
Current medicine treats genital herpes in two main directions:
- Etiopathogenetic antiviral therapy with antiviral drugs.
- Complex treatment, adding immunotherapy to antiviral symptomatic therapy.
How to treat genital herpes most effectively?
At right approach in the treatment in the initial period of the development of the disease, it can be cured within 1-3 weeks. But before starting any of the methods of treatment, you need to be clearly aware that there are no ways to get rid of the herpetic virus forever!
The virus is located within the nerve cells, remaining in them forever. All treatment procedures are aimed at reducing symptoms, at the earliest relief of clinical discomfort, as well as reducing the frequency of recurrent cases. In a global sense, it is necessary to stop the process of virus reproduction, as well as increase the resistance of the immune system.
How to treat genital herpes at the initial stage?
- Treatment of genital herpes most often begins with antiviral drugs based on acyclovir, as well as its derivative, ribavirin.
- Tablets and ointments, in which the active ingredients are acyclovir and ribavirin, stop the viral spread, and also relieve many symptoms.
- Reducing burning sensation, as well as eliminating other unpleasant symptoms, can be achieved through mild analgesics.
- The frequency of application of ointments is from 3 to 5 times a day on the affected areas of the genitals, which must be pre-cleaned and dried.
- It is possible to use antiviral suppositories if the anal or vaginal mucous membranes are affected.
The treatment regimen is signed only by a doctor! On average, the course of treatment lasts up to 7th days, with a primary viral infection - up to 10 days.
If frequent recurrences of genital herpes are recorded, then it is reasonable to receive preventive treatment from a doctor. Preventive treatment involves taking antiviral drugs with acyclovir and ribavirin for 2-3 months, which will help to further reduce the number of relapses by 30%.
Also, in order to form the correct immunity with frequent relapses, vaccination is recommended, which will stimulate the formation of one's own interferons to fight the herpes virus.
What does genital herpes look like in the perineum
Genital herpes is "famous" not only for the physical discomfort it causes, but also for its unaesthetic appearance. After the first harbingers of the disease (burning, itching and swelling of the affected areas), rashes begin to appear in the form of bubbles.
What does genital herpes look like?
- Rashes on the surfaces of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, as well as on the areas of the skin adjacent to them, look like bubbles in the form of minor clusters with pronounced redness and swelling around.
- After a few days (up to 4 days on average), the blisters begin to burst, the contents of these blisters pour out, and then ulcers and erosions begin to form, the size of which depends on the initial accumulations of herpetic blisters.
- Drying up, sores and erosions cause the formation of crusts, which can cause repeated weeping lesions if they are removed forcibly or, for example, accidentally clinging to underwear.
- The foci of rashes are most often limited, less often they are widespread.
All this is observed in the classical form of the course of genital herpes. If the illness is in atypical form(found most often in women), then there may not be any striking foci of an erosive or blistering rash at all, but doctors may see a clear inflammatory process in the genitals, which can also be confirmed by appropriate tests.
In the genitals, only some redness, itching (sometimes with burning), painful cracks will be noted throughout the potential infection zone, but no bubbles will be observed.
Primary diagnosis of genital herpes virus
The primary diagnosis of the genital herpes virus includes a visual examination and laboratory virological blood tests, namely: a biochemical study of blood serum for the presence of virus-specific antibodies in it (a study of paired sera and monitoring the growth of antibodies in dynamics).
Secondary diagnosis of herpes in the perineum
The task of the secondary diagnosis of herpes is the isolation and differentiation of the herpes virus from the infected material of the perineum.
The laboratory material for research is:
- vesicular contents;
- liquid from the bottom of weeping erosions;
- vaginal and urogenital discharge;
- scrapings from the mucous membrane of the urethra, cervical canal, anus, vaginal walls, rectal ampoule.
Most often, a molecular PCR reaction (polymerase chain reaction) is used to make a diagnosis, in which the diagnosis of genital herpes can be made even without clinical manifestations of the disease. If the analysis is carried out correctly, with all the nuances of sampling, then its effectiveness and truthfulness can reach all 100%.
The first signs of genital herpes: we determine the disease correctly
The disease has two forms - primary and recurrent. The primary form very often does not have any symptoms, i.e. a person is actually a virus carrier - there are no first signs of genital herpes, but contagiousness is present.
However, sometimes herpes begins to appear already in the first few days after infection, then the first signs of genital herpes in the area of \u200b\u200bfuture rashes will be itching, possibly a noticeable burning sensation, as well as visible swelling.
Lymph nodes begin to increase in the groin (mainly unilateral enlargement), general weakness is felt due to general viral intoxication of the body, and body temperature also rises (most often not higher than 38 °). These are all the very first harbingers of the disease, which can persist throughout the entire period of exacerbation.
Herpes is widespread in the human population. This viral infection is a significant medical and social problem.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is present in 9 out of 10 people on the planet. In every fifth person, it causes any external manifestations. HSV is characterized by neurodermotropism, that is, it prefers to multiply in nerve cells and skin. The favorite sites of the virus are the skin near the lips, on the face, the mucous membranes lining the genitals, the brain, the conjunctiva and the cornea of the eye. HSV can lead to abnormal pregnancy and childbirth, causing fetal death, miscarriage, systemic viral disease in newborns. There is evidence that the herpes simplex virus is associated with malignant tumors of the prostate and cervix.
The disease is more common in women, but it also occurs in men. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 40 years. However, often genital herpes first appears in boys and girls during sexual intercourse. In children younger age infection on the genitals most often gets from the skin of the hands, from contaminated towels in children's groups, and so on.
HSV is unstable in the external environment, it dies under the action of sunlight and ultraviolet rays. It keeps for a long time at low temperatures. In dried form, HSV can exist for up to 10 years.
How is genital herpes transmitted?
The cause of the disease is herpes simplex viruses (Herpessimplex) of two types, mainly HSV-2. The virus of the first type was previously associated with a disease of the skin, oral cavity. HSV-2 causes genital herpes and meningoencephalitis. Now there are cases of illness caused by the first type of virus or a combination of them. Often the carrier does not have any symptoms of the disease and does not suspect that he is the source of the infection.
How can you get this disease? Most frequent paths transmission of genital herpes - sexual and contact. Most often, infection occurs through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus or with a sick person. You can get infected by kissing, as well as by using common household items (spoons, toys). The virus can also be transmitted by airborne droplets.
From the mother, the pathogen enters the child's body during childbirth. The risk of such transmission depends on the type of lesion in the patient. It is up to 75%. In addition, infection of the fetus is possible through the blood during the period of viremia (the release of viral particles into the blood) in case of an acute illness in the mother.
Children in most cases become infected with HSV-1 in the first years of life. By the age of 5, HSV-2 infection also increases. During the first six months of life, babies do not get sick, this is due to the presence of maternal antibodies in them. If the mother was not previously infected and did not pass on her protective antibodies to the child, then children at such an early age are very ill.
Classification
Medically, this disease is called "Anogenital Herpes Viral Infection Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus". There are two main forms of the disease:
Urinary tract infection:
- genital herpes in women;
- genital herpes in men;
Infection of the rectum and skin around the anus.
The mechanism of development (pathogenesis) of genital herpes
The virus enters the body through damaged mucous membranes and skin. In the "entrance gate" area, it multiplies, causing typical manifestations. Further, the pathogen usually does not spread, it rarely enters the lymph nodes and even less often enters the bloodstream, causing viremia. The further fate of the virus largely depends on the properties of the human body.
If the body has a good immune defense, a virus carrier is formed, which does not exclude recurrence of infection when adverse conditions. If the body cannot cope with the infection, the herpes virus enters the internal organs (brain, liver, and others) through the blood, affecting them. In response to infection, antibodies are produced, but they do not prevent the development of exacerbations and relapses.
When immunity is weakened, the virus that has been preserved in nerve cells before is activated and enters the bloodstream, causing an exacerbation of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease
For most people who are carriers, HPV does not cause any symptoms for a long time. The incubation period for genital herpes in previously uninfected people is 7 days. In men, the virus persists in the organs of the genitourinary system, in women - in the cervical canal, vagina, and urethra. After infection, life-long carriage of the genital herpes virus is formed. The disease has a tendency to persistent course with relapses.
Causes contributing to the development of external signs of infection:
- permanent or temporary decrease in immunity, including HIV infection;
- hypothermia or overheating;
- comorbidities such as diabetes, acute respiratory infection;
- medical interventions, including abortion and the introduction of an intrauterine contraceptive ().
Under the influence of these factors, a prodromal period occurs - "pre-illness". The initial signs of genital herpes: at the site of the future focus, patients note the appearance of itching, pain or burning. After some time, rashes appear in the focus.
What does genital herpes look like?
The elements of the rash are located separately or grouped, they look like small bubbles with a diameter of up to 4 mm. Such elements are located on a reddened (erythematous), edematous base - the skin of the perineum, perianal zone and the mucous membrane of the genitourinary organs. The appearance of vesicles (vesicles) may be accompanied by moderate fever, headache, malaise, and insomnia. Regional (inguinal) lymph nodes become larger and more painful. The initial episode is particularly pronounced in people previously uninfected with the virus, who lack antibodies to it.
A few days later, the vesicles open on their own, forming erosions (superficial damage to the mucous membrane) with uneven outlines. At this time, patients complain of severe itching and burning sensation in the erosion zone, weeping, severe pain, which is even more aggravated during sexual intercourse. During the first ten days of illness, new rashes appear. Viral particles are actively isolated from them.
Gradually, the erosions become covered with crusts and heal, leaving small foci of weak pigmentation or lighter areas of the skin. The time from the appearance of the rash element to its epithelialization (healing) is two to three weeks. The pathogen enters the cells of the nerve trunks, where it remains latent for a long time.
Symptoms of genital herpes in female patients are expressed in the labia, vulva, perineum, vagina, and cervix. In men, the head of the penis is affected, foreskin, urethra.
The pelvic nerves are often involved in the process. This leads to skin sensitivity disorders. lower extremities, pain in the lower back and sacrum. Sometimes it becomes frequent and painful urination.
In women, the first episode of herpes is longer and more noticeable than in men. The duration of an exacerbation without treatment is about 3 weeks.
Recurrent genital herpes
Approximately 10-20% of those who have been ill develop recurrent genital herpes. The first manifestation of infection is usually more violent. The recurrence of genital herpes is less intense and passes faster than the primary symptoms. This is due to the antibodies already present in the body at this point, which help fight the virus. Type 1 genital herpes recurs less frequently than type 2.
Exacerbation of the disease can be manifested by minor symptoms - itching, rare rashes. Sometimes the picture of the disease is represented by painful confluent erosions, ulcerations of the mucous membrane. Isolation of the virus lasts from 4 days or longer. There is an increase in the inguinal lymph nodes, lymphostasis and severe swelling of the genital organs due to stagnation of the lymph (elephantiasis) are not excluded.
Relapses occur equally often in men and women. Men have longer episodes, and women have a more vivid clinical picture.
If the frequency of relapses is more than six per year, they speak of a severe form of the disease. The moderate form is accompanied by three to four exacerbations during the year, and the mild form is accompanied by one or two.
In 20% of cases, atypical genital herpes develops. The manifestations of the disease are masked by another infection of the genitourinary system, for example, (thrush). So, thrush is characterized by discharge, which is practically absent in normal genital herpes.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of genital herpes is carried out using the following laboratory tests:
- virological methods (isolation of the pathogen using a chicken embryo or cell culture, the result can be obtained in two days);
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which detects the genetic material of the virus;
- detection of pathogen antigens (its particles) using enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescent analysis;
- detection of antibodies in the blood human body in response to the influence of HSV, using enzyme immunoassay;
- cytomorphological methods that assess cell damage during HSV infection (formation of giant cells with many nuclei and intranuclear inclusions).
An analysis for genital herpes is recommended to be taken repeatedly with an interval of several days, from 2 to 4 studies from different lesions. In women, sampling is recommended on the 18-20th day of the cycle. This increases the chance of recognizing a viral infection and confirming the diagnosis.
The most informative are tests such as PCR in the study of urine and scrapings from the genitourinary organs (vagina, urethra, cervix).
Treatment
The diet of patients with genital herpes does not have any special features. It should be complete, balanced, rich in proteins and vitamins. Food during an exacerbation is best baked or stewed, steamed. Fermented milk and vegetable products, as well as plentiful drinking, will benefit.
Treatment of genital herpes, its intensity and duration depend on the form of the disease and its severity. How to treat genital herpes in each patient is determined by a venereologist based on a complete examination and examination of the patient. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable. To determine how to cure a patient, the data of his immunogram, that is, an assessment of the state of immunity, are required.
For the treatment of the disease, the following groups of drugs are used:
- antiviral drugs of systemic action;
- antiviral agents for topical use;
- immunostimulating substances, analogues of interferons, which also have an antiviral effect;
- symptomatic drugs (antipyretics, painkillers).
Therapy with Acyclovir
The treatment regimen for acute genital herpes and its relapses primarily includes Acyclovir (Zovirax). With normal immunogram parameters, it is prescribed in a daily dose of 1 gram, divided into five doses, for ten days or until recovery. With significant immunodeficiency or damage to the rectum, the daily dose is increased to 2 grams in 4-5 doses. The earlier treatment is started, the higher its effectiveness. Best Option the beginning of therapy, in which the drug is most effective, is the prodromal period or the first day of the onset of rashes.
How to get rid of relapses of the disease? For this purpose, suppressive (suppressive) therapy with Acyclovir is prescribed at a dose of 0.8 g per day. Tablets are taken for months, and sometimes years. Daily medication helps to avoid relapses in almost all patients, and in a third of them there are no repeated episodes of the disease.
Acyclovir is produced under trade names that include the word itself, as well as Acyclostad, Vivorax, Virolex, Gerperax, Medovir, Provirsan. Of its side effects, digestive disorders (nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea) can be noted, headache, skin itching, fatigue. Very rare undesirable effects of the drug are hematopoietic disorders, renal failure, damage to the nervous system. It is contraindicated only in case of individual intolerance to the drug, and should also be administered with caution to patients with impaired renal function. Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children, but only after assessing the possible risk.
in the prodromal period and early dates disease, 5% Acyclovir cream is effective. It helps better if the rashes are located on the skin. Apply it several times a day for a week.
There are second-generation Acyclovir preparations that are more effective. These include valaciclovir (Vairova, Valavir, Valvir, Valtrex, Valzikon, Virdel). It is well absorbed in the digestive organs, its bioavailability is several times higher than that of Acyclovir. Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment is higher by 25%. Exacerbation of the disease develops less frequently by 40%. The drug is contraindicated in manifesting HIV infection, kidney or bone marrow transplantation, as well as in children under 18 years of age. Use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is possible when assessing the risks and benefits.
Alternative drugs
How to treat genital herpes if it is caused by viruses resistant to Acyclovir? In this case, alternative means are prescribed - Famciclovir or Foscarnet. Famciclovir is available under such names as Minaker, Famacivir, Famvir. The drug is well tolerated, with only occasional headaches or nausea. Contraindication is only individual intolerance. Since this drug is new, its effect on the fetus has been little studied. Therefore, its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible only according to individual indications.
Local preparations
Some antiviral medications for treating rashes are an ointment. Among them are the following:
- Foscarnet, applied to the skin and mucous membranes;
- Alpizarin, the drug is also available in the form of tablets;
- Tromantadin, most effective at the first sign of herpes;
- Khelepin; exists in the form for oral administration;
- Oksolin;
- Tebrofen;
- Riodoxol;
- Bonafton.
Frequency of application, duration of treatment local preparations determined by the doctor. They are usually given several times a day for a week.
Therapy of genital herpes with interferon preparations
IN last years there is a growing interest in interferons or interferon inducers that help the body cope with the infection itself, often with a direct antiviral effect. These include the following tools:
- Allokin-alpha;
- Amiksin;
- Wobe-Mugos E;
- Galavit;
- Giaferon;
- Groprinosin;
- Isoprinosine;
- Imunofan;
- Polyoxidonium;
- Cycloferon and many others.
They can be administered both internally and locally. Some of these drugs are suppositories. So, Viferon rectal suppositories are often prescribed as part of the complex therapy of genital herpes.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be taken to relieve symptoms.
Antibiotics for genital herpes are not prescribed, since they only act on bacteria, not viruses. The effectiveness of such areas of therapy as homeopathy, folk ways, has not been proven.
Prevention
A specific prevention of genital herpes, that is, a vaccine, has been developed. A Russian-made polio vaccine should be administered several times a year in courses of 5 injections. It is an inactivated culture vaccine. The effectiveness of such prevention is being studied.
Nonspecific prevention consists in observing sexual hygiene, refusing casual sexual intercourse.
A person infected with genital herpes should not overcool, avoid emotional stress, intense stress and other causes that cause exacerbation.
infection and pregnancy
It is believed that pregnancy is not a factor causing exacerbation of genital herpes. However, some scholars have a different opinion.
Pregnancy and childbirth with HSV without clinical manifestations are usually normal. Treatment of a pregnant woman is carried out if she develops systemic manifestations, for example, meningitis, hepatitis. This usually happens when a woman first encounters the virus during pregnancy. Acyclovir is prescribed for treatment.
If such treatment is not carried out, then as a result of viral particles entering the baby’s blood through the placenta (damaged or even healthy), an intrauterine infection will develop. In the first trimester of pregnancy, malformations are formed. In the second and third trimesters, the mucous membranes, the child's skin, eyes, liver, and brain are affected. Fetal death may occur. The risk of preterm birth increases. After the birth of such a baby, severe complications are possible: microcephaly (underdevelopment of the brain), microophthalmia and chorioretinitis (eye damage leading to blindness).
Delivery is carried out naturally. C-section is prescribed only in cases where the mother has a rash on the genitals, and also if the first episode of infection she had during pregnancy. In these cases, prenatal prevention of the transmission of the herpes virus to the child is recommended with Acyclovir, prescribed from 36 weeks. An even more convenient and cost-effective drug for prenatal preparation of a sick woman is Valzikon (Valacyclovir). The use of antiviral agents before childbirth helps to reduce the frequency of exacerbations of genital herpes, reduce the likelihood of asymptomatic release of viral particles that infect the child.
During childbirth of a sick woman, premature outflow of water, weakness of labor activity is dangerous. Therefore, she needs special attention of medical personnel.
How dangerous is genital herpes for a newborn?
If a baby comes into contact with HSV while passing through the birth canal, he will develop neonatal herpes 6 days after birth. Its consequences are generalized sepsis, that is, infection of all internal organs child. A newborn can even die from infectious-toxic shock.
In connection with the potential threat to the child, each pregnant woman is examined for the carriage of HSV and, if necessary, undergoes treatment as prescribed by a doctor. After the birth of the baby, he is also examined and, if necessary, treated. If the child does not show any signs of infection, he must be observed for 2 months, since the manifestations of the disease are not always visible immediately.
To avoid the unpleasant consequences of the disease during pregnancy, an infected woman must undergo special training before her, the so-called pregravid. In particular, antiviral and immunostimulating agents are prescribed. plant origin(Alpizarin) orally and as an ointment in case of exacerbations in the patient. At the same time, her immunity is corrected using interferon inducers. Within three months before the planned pregnancy, metabolic therapy is also prescribed, which improves the metabolism in cells (riboflavin, lipoic acid, calcium pantothenate, vitamin E, folic acid). At the same time, passive immunization can be used, that is, the introduction of ready-made antiviral antibodies, immunoglobulins, into the woman's body, which reduces the risk of exacerbation.
Pregnancy planning should be carried out only in the absence of relapses within six months. Diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes before pregnancy can reduce the incidence of complications from the mother and child, reduce the likelihood of recurrence during gestation, and minimize the risk of intrauterine infection or neonatal herpes. All this helps to reduce infant morbidity and mortality.