General herpes than cure in women. Treatment of genital (genital) herpes, photos, reviews

Almost every one of us has heard of such a common problem as herpes. It is generally accepted that it looks like itchy blisters on the lips. But many do not know about genital herpes, which is no less troublesome.

We will talk about what are the main signs of the disease, what needs to be done and what the consequences may be.

This is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, less often type 1, and is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Its characteristic symptom is the presence of a rash and blisters in the genital area.

In everyday life, its other name is very often found, like blister lichen.

It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Approximately 10-30% of men and women worldwide are infected with HSV type 2, which is mainly responsible for the development of the disease.

About 90% of the population is carriers of HSV type 1, which is mainly responsible for rashes on the lips (labial), and very rarely passes into the groin area.

About 16 percent of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have genital herpes. However, up to 90 percent of those affected do not know they have the virus. This is because many people have very mild symptoms that they don't notice or are mistaken for another medical condition. Or, there are no symptoms at all. But sooner or later, they will still have an outbreak.

Women are more likely to get the herpes virus than men, but the risk of transmission from man to woman is 5 times higher than vice versa. Once it gets to you, it remains for life in the human body, periodically making itself felt.

Genital herpes is a very unpleasant phenomenon, accompanied by a rash and itching in the genital area. By the way, a rash on the genitals is not necessarily him. You can read a full overview of other reasons here.

It is caused by HSV, usually type II. It refers to infections transmitted through sexual contact. Type I, which usually causes a rash on the lips, can also lead to genital symptoms after oral intercourse.

How does the infection take place?

We are dealing with two insidious enemies here: HSV-1 (which usually causes herpes simplex) and HSV-2 (which usually causes genital herpes).

Viruses enter your body through mucous membranes. Your mucous membranes are thin layers of tissue that cover the openings in your body. Mucous membranes are found in the nose, mouth, and genitals.

Once the virus enters your body, it invades your cells and then stays there. It is dormant (asleep) in a bundle of nerves at the base of the spine. It multiplies very easily or adapts to different environments, making treatment difficult.

The methods of infection are different depending on the type of pathogen:

- type 1 virus is transmitted by droplets and contact. Infection occurs most often in childhood through close contact with sick parents, brothers and sisters, and friends.

- the type 2 pathogen is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Infection occurs during puberty or later when the virus enters through cracks and abrasions in the mucous membranes of the genital organs. In addition, oral infection is possible when the lips come into contact with the bubbles of the virus on the genitals. Or vice versa - by contact of these organs with the bubbles on the lips.

The liquid in the bubbles is highly infectious. This probability is especially high when the bubbles are opened and the liquid in them gets out.

But even if the blisters have healed, infection can occur through contact, for example, with saliva, semen, vaginal secretions or prostate secretions, since viruses may still remain there.

Until the moment when the first symptoms appeared, the virus could have been in the human body for a long time. This is due to the fact that primary infection with HSV type 1 or 2 often goes unnoticed.

When it enters the body through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or genitals, it enters the blood and lymph and along with them is carried to organs and tissues.

The nerves in the groin, upper thigh, and buttocks are very tied; therefore, a person can get a herpes outbreak in any of these areas. Primarily, areas of appearance include the vagina or vulva, penis, scrotum or testicles, buttocks, anus, or thighs.

Genital herpes, whether it is HSV-1 or HSV-2, does not cause symptoms in the mouth or face.

HSV-1 or HSV-2 can be found in body fluids of infected people, including:

• saliva
• sperm
• vaginal discharge.

During the first week of infection, the immune system tries to eliminate the enemy by forming antibodies against him, which inactivate the viral particles in the blood. But nevertheless, part of its DNA is hidden in the nuclei of sensitive nerve cells located in the posterior horns of the spinal cord.

This is the reason why the immune system does not recognize the DNA of the virus and thus cannot attack it. Therefore, its DNA is all life in the nerve roots of the spinal cord and cannot be completely cured.

As soon as the immune system weakens, DNA begins to reactivate itself. Numerous new viruses emerge in infected cells. All this leads in the future to the development of characteristic symptoms of the disease.

The main signs.

The disease can proceed without any clinical manifestations. Or they are so mild that the disease goes unnoticed.

But in most people, when the immune system is weakened, symptoms appear that can affect the genitals, anus, the entire perineum and adjacent tissues, in particular the buttocks and inner thighs. Sometimes the process goes down to the toes.

Typical symptoms of genital herpes:

• -small, painful blisters with a clear liquid containing many pathogens,
• - swelling and inflammation of the tissues where the vesicles are located,
• - itching and burning in places of the rash,
• - sometimes there is swelling and inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes.

In addition to the main symptoms, there may also be the following signs:

• -increased body temperature,
• -pain when urinating,
• -, vulva and vagina (vulvovaginitis),
• - general weakness and headache,
• - back pain and muscle pain.

Gradually, the bubbles burst and their contents flow out, and ulcers and skin erosion form in their place, which are covered with a crust. The blisters heal within about 2-3 weeks.

People who are currently in the active phase of the disease have an increased risk of contracting other infectious diseases that are transmitted through sex.

The first signs may appear as early as two days after infection, or even after 30 days or even later.

Symptoms for men are blisters on the penis, scrotum, or buttocks (near or around the anus).

Symptoms for women are blisters around or near the vagina, anus, and buttocks.

Common symptoms for both men and women include the following:

• rashes and blisters may appear in the mouth and lips, face, and elsewhere that have come into contact with infected areas
• the infected area often begins to itch or tingle before blistering.
• blisters can turn into ulcers.
• after a week, the ulcers are usually covered with a thin crust.
• your lymph nodes may become enlarged, especially in the groin area.
• you have headaches, body aches and fever.

The severity of the disease can range from mild to very severe.

In these photos, you can see the symptoms of genital herpes.

The first symptoms are often so mild that you can mistake them for insect bites, abrasions, common itching, pimples, ingrown hairs, razor irritation, etc. For example, a tiny crack around the anus may appear first, which can easily be mistaken for hemorrhoids.

After 2-7 days from the moment of infection, itching irritation develops on a small area of ​​the skin of the external genitals or near them. Over the next 12 hours, small reddish spots appear on this localized lesion, which quickly turn into small bubbles. The latter soon open up, with the formation of many painful sores, which can be covered with scabs.

With the further development of the disease, an increase in the inguinal lymph nodes occurs. Your lymph nodes may become inflamed and slightly swollen. The lymph glands always suffer from infection and inflammation in the body.

The general condition of the patient who experiences flu-like symptoms also suffers. The first attack of infection (primary herpes) can last up to three weeks.

How to determine?

Very often, the disease does not reveal itself for a very long time, since it proceeds without noticeable symptoms or is so mild that patients simply do not notice it.

If the disease still makes itself felt, the doctor can confirm its presence using the following sequence of actions:

1. Questioning the patient: the doctor will find out:

• when there were complaints,
• how long has a person been sick,
• whether there were similar manifestations before and how many times,
• whether there were sexual contacts during this period,
• have there been attempts at self-treatment,
• what other diseases are there,
• does the person take any medications,
• whether he has allergic reactions.

Depending on the frequency of relapses, the doctor determines the forms of the disease:

• mild - exacerbations 3 times a year or less,
• medium - exacerbations 4-6 times a year,
• severe - exacerbations occur every month.

2. Examination of the patient: the disease manifests itself with typical changes in the form of itchy watery blisters in intimate places, swelling and inflammatory changes. Be sure to examine the vagina and cervix in women, digital examination of the prostate in men.

Depending on the results of the examination, the following stages can also be distinguished in the development of genital herpes:

• Stage 1 - observed only on the genitals,
• Stage 2 - the vagina, cervix, urethra are affected,
• Stage 3 - spreads to the uterus, ovaries, prostate gland, bladder.

It should be noted that the further up the body the disease spreads, the more severe its consequences can be. The process that has engulfed the internal organs can cause infertility, cervical cancer and a pronounced immunodeficiency state.

3.Laboratory diagnostic methods:

• general blood test: in the mild stage of the disease, no changes are visible, sometimes there may be an increase in the number of leukocytes, stab neutrophils and ESR as a sign of an inflammatory process. In a severe case, along with an increase in ESR, the number of leukocytes may be reduced, which indicates an immunodeficiency state.
• general urine analysis: in a mild case, no changes are detected, with a lesion of the urethra, urine may be cloudy with the presence of leukocytes in it.
• biochemical blood test: no changes are usually also not visible, C-reactive protein may be elevated as a sign of inflammation.
• growing HSV on tissue culture from material obtained by scraping from the lesion site, vagina, cervix, urethral smear, followed by electron microscopy.
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - determines the antibodies of the virus (IgM and IgG) in the blood serum, even with an asymptomatic course of the disease. IgM increases in the first week of illness and indicates an active process. Then their level decreases and IgG, which are present in the blood throughout life, come to replace it.
• polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - determines if there is HSV DNA in the blood, it is considered the most accurate method.

How to treat?

As we said, genital herpes is incurable, and HSV remains in the human body for life. Antiviral drugs used in medicine inhibit its reproduction, but do not destroy it. But at the same time, they facilitate the course of the disease and reduce the frequency of relapses.

The most widely used in this case are drugs from the group of acyclic nucleosides:

• Acyclovir - used in several forms: tablets are prescribed in a dosage of 0.2 g (1 tablet) 5 times a day, except for the night, with a prophylactic purpose, 1 tablet 4 times a day. Creams are applied 5 times a day by applying to the affected surface. The standard course of treatment for tablets is on average 5 days, for ointment, 5-10 days.
• Valacyclovir - prescribed 1 g 2 times a day for 3-5 days, in more severe cases, the course of treatment increases to 5-10 days.
• Famciclovir - in case of primary infection, it is prescribed at a dosage of 250 mg 3 times a day for 5 days. In case of relapses - 125 mg 3 times a day for 5 days or 1000 mg in two doses for one day. They can also prescribe 500 mg once, and then 250 mg three times every 12 hours.
• The drug Tromantadine is also quite effective, which is produced in the form of an ointment and is applied to the affected area 3-5 times a day for 5 days.

In the initial attack of herpes infection, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or famciclovir can help reduce the duration of skin manifestations. These remedies, however, will not be able to limit the duration of relapse if treatment is started after the appearance of the rash and sores on the skin.

We must not forget about drugs from the group of interferons, which have an immunomodulatory effect, and due to this, they have antiviral activity. The most famous drug from this group is Viferon, which can be administered in the form of suppositories rectally at a dosage of 1000000 ME (1 suppository) 2 times a day for 10 days. It can also be in the form of an ointment, which is applied to the affected area 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days.

There are combination drugs based on acyclovir and interferon. They are distinguished by good efficiency and reduce the time of treatment, achieving the desired result already on the 5th day from the start of treatment. The most famous of them is Gerpferon, which is applied as an ointment to the affected area 4-5 times a day for 5-10 days.

It should be noted that all of these drugs are most effective within the first 48 hours after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. You can combine the simultaneous administration of antiviral drugs and interferon.

And remember, for the period of treatment, give up sex!

Of the additional methods, ultraviolet irradiation of blood (UVR) helps to significantly improve the healing process and achieve a stable remission.

In a severe course of the disease with severe pain during urination in women, in order to alleviate suffering, it is recommended to take a warm bath.

Antibiotics are powerless in treating genital herpes - they fight bacteria, not viruses.

A patient with genital herpes is a source of infection for life, therefore, during sexual intercourse, he should use condoms, especially if the partner has not yet met the infection.

As we said, the herpes virus will remain in your body forever. But mostly it will be in an inactive state. Our task is not to provoke him to outbreaks.

Why can the disease return again?

Virus reactivation can occur for various reasons, for example:

• skin diseases,
• burns,
• inflammatory process, dental treatment,
• psycho-emotional stress,
• hormonal disorders (pregnancy, menstrual cycle),
• high temperature
• SARS and a number of bacterial infections,
• oncological process,
• physical stress,
• immunodeficiency conditions such as HIV and AIDS.

The causative agent of the disease can doze in the human body for months and years without making itself felt. As long as he is at rest, infection of another person is impossible.

Genital herpes and pregnancy.

In rare cases, the disease can be transmitted by contact from mother to child during childbirth in the presence of vesicular rashes on the genitals.

Also, the child can become infected during the mother's pregnancy, if her first infection occurred during this period.

It is necessary to understand that the primary infection of the mother during pregnancy leads to the classic intrauterine infection of the child, which happens quite rarely. And if this happened, then the child's illness may not manifest itself in any way. If a woman has already suffered this disease before pregnancy, then the infection, in most cases, is not dangerous for the intrauterine development of the child. It is dangerous only at the time of childbirth if the woman in labor is in the active phase of the disease.

The herpes virus can be very dangerous for newborns, therefore, in most cases, when the disease worsens in the mother, they resort to caesarean section. If it so happened that the birth took place naturally, then the mother and child are treated with antiviral drugs.

During pregnancy, the virus can cause intrauterine growth retardation, miscarriage and premature birth. Very rarely, but still leads to abnormalities in the development of the child.

Common symptoms for a baby born with herpes (obtained through contact with the vagina) may include sores on the face, body, and genitals. Recurrent attacks or primary herpes in early pregnancy do not pose a high risk of complications for the baby. But in the late stages of pregnancy, it is very dangerous for the child, since there is a high risk of infection during childbirth.

Children born with genital herpes can develop very serious complications:

• blindness
• brain damage
• death.

Moreover, if an infection occurs, then the mortality rate among newborns is about 50%. Some of the surviving children may have ocular and neurological manifestations.

Herpes of the lips (labial), as a rule, does not pose a danger to the fetus and newborn baby.

What is absolutely necessary to do?

It is very important that you tell your doctor that you have a genital rash. Especially if you are pregnant. Doctors will then take all precautions to prevent transmission of the infection to your baby during labor. The activation of the pathogen and the appearance of ulcers at the end of pregnancy can seriously harm the baby. Therefore, delivery in such cases is carried out by cesarean section.

Antiviral medications can help speed up the healing process of ulcers and reduce pain. Medication can be taken at the first sign of infection (tingling, itching, and other symptoms) to relieve these symptoms.

Use mild products in the shower or bath. Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wear loose cotton clothing to avoid damaging the sores.

You must practice safe sex and use condoms every time you have sex.

What complications can you expect?

Despite the seeming harmlessness, genital herpes can cause a number of serious complications:

1.Local complications:

• dryness of the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix,
• dryness of the mucous membrane of the urethra,
• cracking and erosion followed by scarring,
• accession of a bacterial infection.

2.General complications:

• decreased immunity - you will get sick more often,
• damage to the nervous system, from neuralgia and up to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the pia mater (meningitis). Newborn babies are very susceptible to this when infected from the mother.
• damage to internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines).

What's the prognosis?

One third of patients forget about these problems soon after the first attack; the other third occasionally have mild exacerbations; for the rest, relapses occur at least once a year, although they are easier than the first attack, and usually resolve within a week.

There are no reliable treatments for genital herpes yet, but you can live with this disease. The virus remains dormant in your body until something triggers an outbreak. Outbreaks can happen when you are under stress, other illness, or fatigue.

What should be done to avoid recurrence of genital herpes?

"Triggers" (determining exactly what leads to an outbreak) are very individual. But over time, many people learn to recognize and sometimes avoid factors that seem to animate the virus in their own bodies.

Illness, poor diet, emotional or physical stress, friction in the genital area, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light (usually for oral herpes, such as a trip to the beach or ski weekend), surgical trauma, and steroid medications (such as asthma treatment) can trigger an intensification disease.

The frequency of outbreaks can often be adjusted through effective stress management and getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise.

For people with frequent outbreaks (relapses), suppressive (daily) therapy with any of the antiviral drugs can reduce the number of outbreaks by 80%.

If relapses occur more often than five times a year, suppressive therapy is advisable, which involves the appointment of antiviral drugs for a period of at least six months. In severe cases, suppressive therapy can last for years.

If you have HSV type 2 in your body, then by following a few simple rules, you can prevent relapse:

• strengthening the immune system,
• full sleep,
• healthy lifestyle,
• avoid stressful situations,
• washing hands after the street and when touching contaminated places,

Genital herpes is a viral disease caused by the herpes virus type 2. The disease is one of the most common on the planet. Almost every person on the planet is a carrier of the herpes simplex virus. Manifestations in men and women are almost the same. The disease causes a lot of inconvenience, the main symptom of the disease is blistering rashes. If the human body is weakened, there are other internal pathologies, it can lead to serious complications.

Therefore, you need, firstly, to protect your health, to prevent the onset of the disease. Promiscuous sexual intercourse is the main cause of the onset of the disease. Secondly, when herpes on the genitals occurs, treatment in women, treatment in couples is complex and mainly symptomatic.

In this article, you will learn:

Principles of therapy

Herpesvirus symptoms in the intimate zone of women have several and very characteristic - rash, itching and burning. Therefore, already with the appearance of redness and discomfort, you need to contact a gynecologist who will diagnose and treat.

The doctor will conduct an examination, conduct the necessary examinations and tests to establish the type of pathogen. With the initial penetration of the virus, the symptoms are usually mild, it is possible that no symptoms will arise.

One of the main symptoms is the appearance of redness, in the area of ​​which bubbles appear over time on the labia large and small lips in women, on the cervix, in the thighs, and anus.

The presence of symptoms with a normal immune system is approximately 7-10 days. Therapy for genital herpes is mainly aimed at eliminating the symptoms, since it is impossible to destroy the herpes virus in the body. It is always in the body in a latent form and recurs when the immune defense is weakened. For this reason, herpes is considered a sluggish disease.

The following methods of getting rid of the infection should be included in a comprehensive treatment regimen:

• Antiviral treatment;
• Immunostimulating therapy;
• Symptomatic therapy for fever, itching and pain;
• Vaccination to prevent relapse;
• Physiotherapy is sometimes used.

During treatment, one should refrain from sexual intercourse, since the use of neither general nor local means does not prevent the partner from becoming infected. In addition, it is possible to attach a secondary infection to the wounds that formed at the site of the bubbles.

In addition to the fact that you need to use drug therapy, you must follow some recommendations, which speeds up the healing process:

1. Linen should be made of natural, preferably cotton fabric. Not too tight so as not to irritate the skin;
2. Adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, it is better to choose soap products without any additional components;
3. Do not rub the skin with a towel, gently blot it or dry it with a hairdryer;
4. To relieve itching, you can blot the skin and mucous membranes with warm water;
5. Do not touch the rash, much less scratch it. This will lead to the spread of infection and the attachment of secondary microflora, which leads to complications.

If you adhere to the treatment prescribed by your doctor, take care of yourself, then you can easily get rid of the symptoms of the manifestation of the virus.

Drug treatment

You need to know how to treat genital herpes in women will be effective and fastest. The doctor must find out the cause and diagnose genital herpes, prescribe the necessary drugs, in the necessary dosages and explain to the patient how many times a day and how they can be taken. The whole course includes: antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Valacyclavir, Panavir), antihistamines (Loratadin, Suprastin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nimesulide, No-shpa, Paracetamol) and immunomodulatory drugs (Interferon, Aminosine).

The main antiviral agent is Acyclovir (200 mg - a single dose, daily - about 1 gram). It reduces the activity of the virus, in the first phase of the disease it can completely prevent the development of symptoms, and if the bubbles have already formed, it will contribute to their rapid healing. If the disease is severe, then antiviral chemotherapy is prescribed (Valtrex, Penciclovir)

Of the symptomatic drugs, antihistamines are used, which reduce itching, burning, pain in the foci of a rash on the skin. They can be applied topically by lubricating the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals.

They also use tablets that act on the entire body, reducing the release of biologically active substances, which cause similar signs and symptoms.

If the disease is accompanied by a high fever, above 38.5 degrees, antipyretic drugs (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) are used.

To strengthen the struggle of one's own body with the pathogen, additional substances are needed, which increase the level of immune defense (Interferon), as well as funds that will stimulate the production of their own immunoglobulins. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Analgin, Aspirin, No-shpa) will both help relieve fever and reduce pain. They will relieve pain in the body, in the muscles that a woman feels when she develops symptoms. As well as local manifestations in the focus of inflammation.

Folk remedies

Sometimes a woman after infection does not go to the doctor for various reasons: shame, fear, etc. Most often, in such cases, women resort to the use. Doctors do not recommend doing this, because you need to accurately establish the cause of the disease and the form of genital herpes.

But there are some methods that will not harm, but will help get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

This is only an additional therapy, you cannot neglect medications for herpes, which will help get rid of the infection in just a few days.

Factors provoking the development of the disease

Almost all people on the planet are carriers of the virus, so why is the disease manifested in only a few?
This is due to several factors that provoke the onset of symptoms of the disease:

• Weakened immune system This can be caused by an unbalanced diet, stress, overwork. Also, the use of alcohol, the use of certain medicines, in women, this can be caused by hormonal changes. In addition, chronic diseases and immunodeficiencies predispose to the manifestation of the disease;
• Often, the disease can be exacerbated by the uncontrolled use of oral contraceptives. In addition, the intrauterine device of the spiral or abortion can be provoking factors of frequent relapses;
• Due to promiscuous sexual intercourse, the virus can spread very quickly, its various types combine, which strengthens its resistance to treatment;
• Close household contacts. Even in one family, someone can be a carrier of the infection, and someone is a healthy person. The use of towels and dishes alone increases the risk of GH infection.

The photo shows the mucous membrane and skin affected by genital herpes. In order not to feel such symptoms on yourself, you need to follow the recommendations and monitor your lifestyle.

What are the dangerous consequences and complications

Illness cannot be ignored if the symptoms do not cause severe discomfort.
Any exacerbation of herpes indicates some changes in the body, so it is important to pay attention to this and prevent the subsequent relapse of the disease. The most serious complications arise when the disease spreads to the most closely located organs - the vagina, cervix and appendages, the mucous membrane of the urethra, the anus, and the bladder.

Due to the lack of treatment, cystitis, vaginitis, colpitis, fissures of the anus and rectal mucosa, endocervicitis and other diseases may occur.

It is necessary to be treated with the appointment of Acyclovir drugs in order to prevent intrauterine spread of the infection is possible, but it is better to use immunostimulating therapy while carrying a child. It is also possible that the baby is infected when passing through the birth canal.

(GG) is included in a large group of diseases of various etiopathogenesis, the causative agents of which are sexually transmitted - STDs. The disease of HH is caused by the herpes simplex virus of the second type (HSV-II), less often the herpes simplex virus of the first type (HSV-I). The disease is characterized by vesicular eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area, lower back, thighs and buttocks. Possibly asymptomatic and atypical course of the disease, as well as systemic organ damage.

HSV-II and HSV-I are herpes simplex. They are called simple for a characteristic feature - a vesicular rash on the mucous membranes and skin. For a long time, this symptom was considered the only manifestation of herpes, and the disease was recognized as common and harmless. Clinical observations in recent years have largely changed the attitude of doctors to this disease.

Genital herpes is a common infection. In the statistics of confirmed STDs, the diagnosis of HSV-II occupies a leading position, second only to trichomoniasis. The genital form of herpes is also caused by HSV-I. Results from 20% of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests confirm the involvement of HSV-I in the formation of anogenital rash. The influence of HSV-I on the formation of genital pathogenesis has been steadily growing in recent years.

The prevalence of the disease caused by herpes simplex viruses is due to the following factors:

The persistence of opinion about the safety of herpes simplex among ordinary people;

A long latent stage of the disease in the nodes (ganglia) of the nerve trunks - a person is infected, but does not suspect about it;

Practically lifelong carrier - it is impossible to remove herpes from the body with vaccines, serums or chemicals;

The possibility of infection by contact-household means - unfortunately, this factor significantly reduces the age of the first encounter with herpes in children.

In the Russian Federation, since 1993, herpes has been included in the list of diseases subject to mandatory medical statistics. Since the beginning of regular observations, a steady increase in the number of cases of herpes has been recorded. To date, the clinical form of genital herpes is diagnosed in about 80 cases per 100 thousand population. This figure corresponds to the global statistics on the detection of sexually transmitted herpes. With the help of statistical observations, some epidemic patterns of GG have been established.

The incidence of genital herpes is correlated with:

The socio-economic status of the sick - the maximum number of cases of re-illnesses is recorded in the marginal circles, the minimum - in the group with a high social status;

Sex (men are more resistant to GH infection). The increased sensitivity of women to genital forms of herpes is probably due to the extensive mucous membranes of the external genital organs, and not to a special device of the immune system;

Age (there is a sharp increase in the incidence of GH infection, coinciding with the age of sexual activity). Detectability reaches a maximum by the age of 30-40, then there is a gradual decrease in the number of diseases to a minimum by the age of 60-70 (exceptions are possible that are not related to human sexual activity).

HSV and another representative of herpes, cytomegalovirus (both STDs), are significant factors in the etiopathogenesis of gynecological inflammatory diseases of the cervix and appendages. The participation of HSV in the development and inflammation of the membranes of the brain has been proven.

The connection of these diseases with the herpes virus was established only after widespread introduction into diagnostics:

PCR method used to detect the virus and its fragments in body tissues;

ELISA or ELISA for typing the antigenic structure of viruses using monoclonal antibodies;

The emergence of commercial kits for the determination of AG-HSV-II (antigens to HSV-II) and AT-HSV-II (titers of antibodies to HSV-II).

The sensitivity and specificity of these methods reaches 95-100%. The time for obtaining results is from one to two days. Despite the convenience of laboratory methods, their high sensitivity and specificity, they do not always give adequate results suitable for making a definitive diagnosis.

Modern laboratory and immunological methods have limitations due to:

Cross-reactions in the differentiation of specific antibodies HSV-I and HSV-II;

Low availability of equipment and a shortage of specialists who own methods and ELISA in small clinics;

The high cost of quality commercial diagnostic kits.

Meanwhile, the absolute value of the PCR and ELISA method is shown in neonatal herpes HSV-II or HSV-I, when specific antibodies are represented by almost homogeneous IgM and IgG, and the patterns of serological reactions fit into the standard algorithms of the immune response.

The value of laboratory methods increases with studies carried out in dynamics with an interval of five to seven days. It is necessary to take into account some characteristics of the body, for example, the timing of monthly cycles in women, the background of the medication of the previous treatment and concomitant diseases.

The opinion about the unconditional and comprehensive value of the results of laboratory tests in making a diagnosis is a common myth. The diagnosis is made not by a laboratory assistant, but by a doctor based on the symptoms of the disease, patterns and epidemiology of pathogenesis, identified after a complex of physical, instrumental and laboratory studies.

Non-sterile immunity is formed against HSV. The body's immunoconversion develops within 14-28 days in the latent and clinical course of the infection.

The body's immune response to the primary penetration of the genital herpes virus includes three main links of defense reactions:

The primary contact of antigens (AG) - HSV-II with the cells of the immune system is accompanied by the activation of phagocytosis and stimulation of the production of interferon against the background of the natural resistance of the organism;

The inclusion of the cellular link of immunity is accompanied by an increase in the level of T-killers and T-helpers. An increase in the level of B-lymphocytes activates the complement system;

The inclusion of the complement system activates the production of specific antibodies (AT) to HSV-II.

Reducing the period of exacerbation of the disease to the minimum possible (7-14 days).

An increase in the period of the latent course of the disease (the ideal result is lifetime latency).

Since the elimination of the herpes virus is not possible, the goal of therapy is not complete recovery, but to establish a state of relative health based on the principles of prevention:

Recurrence of HH disease by normalizing the immune status of the human body;

Infection of sexual partners and further spread of infection;

Intrauterine infection of the fetus and newborn during its passage during childbirth along the genital tract, natal and postnatal complications.

Treatment methods

There are five therapeutic methods used to treat genital herpes:

Etiotropic therapy. Antiviral drugs that suppress the replication of the herpes virus.

Pathogenetic therapy. Immunomodulators, including agents that increase and decrease the immune status and its individual links in the form of native substances (natural, unpurified biological products), individual fractions and synthetic stimulants of immunogenesis.

Symptomatic therapy. Drugs that relieve pain, itching and fever.

Specific prophylaxis is vaccination.

Physiotherapy (sometimes).

In the medical arsenal of drugs that can directly affect the virus, there is a limited set of drugs. Direct-acting antiviral therapy is based on drugs from the group of synthetic analogs of acyclic purine nucleosides. The basic drug in this group of drugs is acyclovir.

The pharmacological action of acyclovir on viruses is:

The similarity of the chemical structure of acyclovir (purine nucleoside) with deoxyguanosine, a key agent in the synthesis of the genetic material of the DNA of the herpes simplex virus and some other viruses of this family;

Competition of chemical components. The opposition "acyclovir vs deoxyguanosine" inhibits and suppresses the replication (division and increase in the number of virions) of HSV in the body;

Inhibition of the growth and division of viruses is the main pharmacological action of acyclovir.

The high selectivity of acyclovir for the only key molecule in the DNA of the herpes virus made this drug low-toxic in general in relation to the human body. Since the seventies of the last century, strains of viruses resistant to acyclovir began to appear. This prompted the pharmacological science and industry to develop and put into practice new drugs - modified analogues of acyclovir.

The first analogue is valacyclovir. It is the metabolic precursor of the acyclic purine nucleoside (acyclovir). Introduced into the body, valacyclovir, when moving through the gastrointestinal tract, is metabolized to acyclovir, which, unchanged in a therapeutic dose, affects the DNA of the herpes simplex virus. Somewhat different mechanisms for enhancing the activity of the active substance are used in the drug Pharmciclovir and in other similar drugs for herpes in order to increase their bioavailability.

Several treatment regimens for patients with typical genital herpes:

Treatment regimen for genital herpes at first contact. By choice: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Pharmciclovir and other medications in a clinical dosage, which is determined based on individual sensitivity (drug tolerance, patient weight, doctor's recommendations) inside up to five times a day for ten days or until symptoms disappear. The effect increases if treatment is started in the early stages of the disease;

Preventive regimen for the treatment of genital herpes. Treatment is prescribed in the stage of remission if there is a suspicion of an early activation of the virus. This option of therapy is used for frequent (more than 6 times a year) relapses in order to prevent their development. Shown are drugs that stimulate the general immune status of the body. By choice: Cycloferon, Ribotan, Gradeks, Vegetan, Immunofan and other drugs, the dosage and frequency of use is determined by the doctor. Also shown are vitamins of group B (B 1, B 6), which improve the indicators of the general resistance of the organism. Limited during this period, interferon stimulants are used due to their almost complete uselessness at this stage. It makes no sense to use antiviral drugs (acyclovir and others) - the virus is in an inactive phase inaccessible to drugs. It is advisable to start treatment with acyclovir, zovirax and other drugs of this group only after an active herpes virus is detected in the blood;

Treatment regimen for recurrent genital herpes. It is used during the period when precursors of re-disease appear. The choice of therapies, their combination and formulations (ointments, solutions, tablets) depend on how often recurrences of herpes occur, as well as on the recommendations of the attending physician. The universal scheme includes a combination of treatment for herpes with acyclovir (and analogues) with the use of immunostimulants, vitamins and other restorative agents. At the very beginning of the appearance of precursors of the disease (itching in the area of ​​the future lesion), interferon preparations are shown. They are most effective in the early stages of pathogenesis. In the midst of the disease, the use of interferon or its stimulants does not make sense.

The above schemes include means of etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy (to eliminate the symptoms of herpes - pain, fever). The herpes vaccine is prescribed by the attending physician based on therapeutic feasibility. Treatment of atypical forms of genital herpes is carried out taking into account the symptoms of pathogenesis and the results of laboratory tests.

The therapy is carried out according to traditional schemes. The indication for starting treatment for genital herpes in men is the presence of herpes virus DNA in the blood and antibodies to HSV-II in the form of immunoglobulin M (at the onset of the disease) and immunoglobulin G (at the height of the disease), confirmed by laboratory methods, against the background of signs of genital herpes (itching, pain , burning and rash on the external genitals). The prognosis of relapse of the disease depends on the state of the immune system of the man, his age, the presence of bad habits, the well-being of the socio-economic living conditions.

The absence or ineffectiveness of treatment for genital herpes in men increases the risk of complications in the form of concomitant diseases:

The genital area, in particular the prostate;

The nervous system;

In addition, genital herpes is a proven provocateur of the development of malignant neoplasms, and not only in the genital area.

Treatment of genital herpes in women

Women are more likely than men to contract genital herpes HSV-II. This means that contact of a man or woman with a carrier of herpes is not fatal for any of them in 100% of cases, but women are at greater risk. Meanwhile, a frivolous attitude towards herpes can be costly for a woman while carrying a fetus. Therapy for female herpes infection is carried out according to the same schemes as for men.

Genital herpes during pregnancy

The consequences of genital herpes during pregnancy are dramatic. Primary infection of the expectant mother with the HSV-II virus, depending on the gestational age, results in the following complications:

First-second trimester - delayed and fetal malformations, pregnancy fading;

Second or third trimester - oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, hydrocephalus and other defects of the fetal nervous system.

Treatment of a pregnant woman for herpes is carried out taking into account:

Detection of immunoglobulins M or G in the blood and the presence of virions in the cells of the body;

The state of health of the pregnant woman and the stage of development of the fetus;

The presence / absence of a threat of miscarriage;

The limited range of drugs acceptable for use during pregnancy.

For the treatment of women during pregnancy, it is possible to use etiotropic antiviral therapy. The dosage is selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body of a particular woman. Below is a list of the drugs most commonly used to treat genital herpes in expectant mothers. The conditions for use during pregnancy are taken from the instructions for the medication.

So, the list of acceptable medications for herpes for pregnant women:

Panavir, taking into account individual tolerance externally without restrictions. Attention! Solution for intravenous administration and rectal suppositories during pregnancy should be used with caution and only in cases where the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk of side effects (determined in consultation with your doctor). During the period of use of the drug, breastfeeding must be suspended;

Acyclovir (any method of use) only in exceptional cases, in addition, the drug should also not be taken during lactation;

Acigerpine (analogue of acyclovir) in the form of a cream or ointment. The effect of the drug on the gestation process is not fully understood. Pregnant women can use it with caution, and only when the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus;

Zovirax (analogue of acyclovir) in the form of tablets, powder for the preparation of solutions and eye ointment. Use with caution during pregnancy and always assess the risk-benefit ratio. During the forced treatment of pregnant women from herpes with Zovirax in a therapeutic dose, this drug is detected in a residual amount in breast milk. It should be borne in mind that a baby can receive it in an amount of up to 0.3 mg / kg per day;

Vivorax (an analogue of acyclovir) is used for local and systemic use. During pregnancy, treatment of herpes with this drug is allowed with great care.

Taking into account individual tolerance, fortifying agents are carefully used:

Talk to your doctor before using ginseng products during pregnancy and lactation.

Without limitation, oil, solutions, etc. can be used externally.

The absence or ineffective therapy of HH in pregnant women causes complications and provokes diseases of the genitourinary and nervous systems, as well as the organs of vision. Herpes is a possible provocateur of gynecological dysplasias and oncology in women.

Prevention - the basis of maintaining health - consists of two main links

Specific prevention of herpes

Specific prophylaxis is the use of vaccinations. However, with herpes, vaccines fail to obtain a persistent protective effect. This is due to the special device of the virus, which counteracts the influence of the immunogenic properties of the vaccine antigen and the adjuvant (enhancer of the protective properties of the vaccine).

Nonspecific prevention of herpes

Non-specific prophylaxis includes:

Healthy lifestyle, monogamous intimate relationships;

Using barrier contraception methods for all types of sex;

Preventive therapy to improve immunity after casual relationships, even if a condom was used.

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after V.I. NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

Herpes on the genitals is a chronic infectious process that develops more often in young people. The infection may not manifest itself for a long time, but when exposed to certain factors, specific unpleasant symptoms of the disease appear, which bring discomfort. Diagnosis of genital herpes, treatment of the virus is carried out by a dermatovenerologist, with the development of complications - by a gynecologist in women or a urologist (andrologist) in men.

How common is the disease

Infection with genital herpes, in which the causative agent of the disease is in an inactive state in the cells of the structures of the genitourinary (urogenital) tract, is very high and on average reaches 90%. The disease develops only under certain conditions, the effect of which leads to a decrease in the activity of general and local immunity. Also, a fairly frequent factor leading to the development of a clinically expressed disease is exogenous infection, characterized by the intake of a significant amount of the infectious agent from the outside.

Since this occurs mainly through sexual contact with direct contact of the mucous membranes of the organs of the urogenital tract (unprotected sex with an infected sexual partner), herpes on the genitals more often develops in young people of working age who live an active sex life. These factors must be taken into account by a dermatovenerologist for the effective prevention of not only genital herpes, but also other infectious diseases, the causative agent of which is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

No reliable information has been collected on the herpes simplex virus infection rate. This is due to the fact that for a long time the infection does not manifest itself in any way and the person does not consult a doctor.

Causative agent

With sufficient activity of the body's defenses, the virus can be in an inactive state in cells for a long time. After division, the genetic material of the pathogen is transferred to the daughter cell, which is called persistence. In humans, the herpes virus persists in the body throughout life. In the external environment, the pathogen is unstable. He quickly dies under the influence of drying, temperature changes, direct sunlight, as well as solutions of disinfectants. These features of the causative agent of herpes infection determine the ways of human infection, as well as the mechanism of development of the disease.

80% of all cases of genital herpes are the result of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infection.

Infection routes

The main route of transmission for genital herpes is direct contact of the mucous membranes of the structures of the urogenital tract of a man or woman. The virus can be transmitted by engaging in unprotected classic, anal or oral sex. For the implementation of the sexual transmission of the pathogen, several conditions are necessary, which include:

• Isolation of the virus from an infected person, which occurs when the infectious process is activated with the replication of the pathogen.
• The presence of direct contact of the mucous membranes of the structures of the urogenital tract of a healthy and sick person.
• Direct contact of the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract of a healthy person with biological fluids (semen, mucus from the vagina, saliva) of the patient.
• Having sex without barrier methods of protection (condoms). The use of spermicides, oral contraceptives, or interrupted intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancies does not at all reduce the possibility of infection with the herpes pathogen.

Herpes infection can be transmitted by contact of mucous membranes or skin of any localization in the body. In this case, the clinical manifestations of the infectious process are localized in the area of ​​penetration of the virus. The favorite localization of herpes is the lips (mainly the rash is localized in the corners of the mouth) and the genitals.

When the disease develops

• Congenital decrease in the activity of immunity due to changes in certain genes (congenital immunodeficiency).
• Acquired immunodeficiency, the severe form of which is the result of infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
• Metabolic disorders, mainly carbohydrates, with an increase in blood sugar in type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Poor human nutrition with insufficient intake of vitamins and protein compounds in the body.
• Overwork caused by excessive physical or mental work.
• Systematic exposure to stress.
• Local or general hypothermia of the body.
• Not getting enough sleep.
• Changes in hormonal levels, which often cause the development of the disease in women.

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Unfavorable factors or pathological processes lead to a decrease in the activity of the defenses of the human body, as a result of which the genital herpes virus is activated. These factors must be taken into account before treating genital herpes, as well as for the subsequent prevention of the activation of the infectious process.

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis

The symptoms of genital herpes are quite characteristic, they include the development of changes in the genital organs of a man or woman:

• The appearance of unpleasant subjective discomfort in the form of itching and burning.
• Hyperemia (redness) of the mucous membrane, less often of the skin, in the area of ​​the active course of the infectious process.
• The formation of specific vesicles filled with a clear liquid, which are called herpetic vesicles (a characteristic herpetic rash). The process is accompanied by a rather strong and unpleasant burning sensation.
• After a few days, the formed vesicles burst, small painful sores form in their place, which are covered with fibrin bloom. With the localization of herpetic eruptions in the area of ​​the mucous membrane of the urethra (urethra), the process of urination becomes painful.

After a decrease in the activity of the infectious process, the crusts fall off; in their place, cicatricial changes are usually not formed. In case of primary infection, the incubation period is several days (the time required for the accumulation of the pathogen and the development of an inflammatory reaction). The clinical picture after primary human infection with the herpes simplex virus is usually pronounced. Each subsequent exacerbation (relapse) of the infectious process is characterized by manifestations of a lesser degree of severity.

Often, after a violation of the integrity of herpetic nodules, a secondary bacterial infection joins, which is accompanied by an increase in subjective feelings of discomfort. Burning and itching is accompanied by pain, the severity of which depends on the type of bacteria (microorganisms that complicate the course of the main infectious process). The clinical signs of genital herpes are accompanied by purulent plaques with a yellow-green coloration. The appearance of purulent deposits is the basis for starting treatment of the course of genital herpes complicated by a bacterial infection.

The clinical picture of an active infectious process caused by the herpes simplex virus suggests the development of the disease. The diagnosis is usually established based on the results of a survey (collection of anamnesis) and examination of the patient, after which a dermatovenerologist, gynecologist or urologist establishes how and how to treat genital herpes. In the chronic course of the disease with erased clinical symptoms, as well as to establish the fact of human infection (latent or latent infection with persistence of the virus in the cells), an additional laboratory diagnostic study may be prescribed. It includes 2 main techniques:

• PCR (polymerase reaction) is a modern method of laboratory diagnostics, which is widely used in clinical medicine. With the help of research, the genetic material of the herpes simplex virus is detected and identified. The reaction is highly specific and sensitive. The test material is usually a liquid taken from a herpetic vesicle or scraping from the mucous membrane in the area of ​​development of an inflammatory reaction with burning and redness.
• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a laboratory technique by which various classes of antibodies are determined in the blood, which are formed against the causative agent of the infectious process. Depending on their activity (titer), a conclusion is made about the duration of human infection, as well as the activity of the course of the pathological process.

These studies can be assigned to pregnant women during a routine diagnostic prophylactic study, which is necessary to prevent possible complications provoked by the herpes simplex virus.

How to cure genital herpes

Modern treatment of genital herpes is necessarily complex. It includes several areas of therapeutic measures, which include etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. Each direction differs in approaches to treatment, as well as a clinical and pharmacological group of drugs.

Etiotropic therapy

Treatment aimed at destroying or suppressing the activity of the causative agent of the infectious process is called etiotropic. To suppress the herpes simplex virus, antiviral drugs with antiherpetic activity are used, these include:

• Acyclovir (Gerpevir) is a synthetic chemical compound that is a structural analogue of the nucleotide base of guanosine, which is part of ribonucleic acid. The mechanism of action of the drug consists in the competitive replacement of guanosine, which causes a disruption in the course of the viral RNA replication process. Acyclovir is one of the most common drugs for the etiotropic therapy of herpes. It is available in tablet dosage form for systemic use, as well as a cream or ointment that is applied externally. With a severe course of herpes, tablets and a cream are used, with a mild course - only a dosage form of the drug for external use.
• Valacyclovir (Vaptrex) is a modified analogue of acyclovir, which is also available in tablet dosage form, cream or ointment.
• Famciclovir (Famvir) is a modern analogue of acyclovir, which is more active against the herpes simplex virus.

In order to understand how to treat genital herpes, you must first of all deal with the symptoms and eliminate the transmission of the disease so that the following situation does not happen: you will responsibly carry out treatment, and your partner, as a carrier, will remain in the dark or simply simply refuse any use of medicines, referring to the fact that there are no external manifestations. Cut off all possible transmission routes of the virus before starting the treatment procedure.

Press the button to go to the treatment instructions!

In a rare case, the disease is transmitted through hygiene products and personal belongings, most often it is unprotected sex, kisses with a carrier. We have compiled for you detailed instructions on how to treat the disease with both folk remedies and medication, however, before starting the procedure, you should conduct an accurate diagnosis of the disease from a doctor, this will help you to clarify the degree and type of the disease, but when you know who to deal with , you can use all modern means, since there are a lot of them.

Causes of genital herpes

The disease is more often transmitted through sexual intercourse, both normal and during anal sex. In rare cases, infection occurs through personal hygiene items.

Genital herpes can be contracted from a partner with a herpetic eruption in the mouth, because oral contact with the genitals causes the infection to spread from the lips to the genitals.

Risk factors that increase the chance of contracting this disease:

1. Impaired immune function due to illness, stressful situations or taking medications.
2. Minor damage to the mucous membrane and skin.
3. The simultaneous presence of several sexual partners.
4. Having sex without a condom.

Genital herpes symptoms

The symptomatology of genital herpes is somewhat difficult, since this infectious disease can exist in a latent state and only in exceptional situations make itself felt.

Herpes rash in women occurs most often in the following places:

• around the anus;
• inside and outside the vagina;
• in the cervical region;
• in the buttocks area.

Rashes in men appear:

• on the scrotum;
• in the anus or thighs;
• on the head of the penis.

And yet, there are several symptoms that indicate the presence of infection in the body:

• Marked itching and redness, accompanied by severe burning sensation in the groin area.
• The formation of a small number of bubbles filled with a clear liquid.
• After a few days, the bubbles burst, then become covered with a kind of crust.
• Unpleasant sensations while urinating.
• The presence of purulent discharge in the fair sex.
• Marked painful enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin area.
• Sometimes there is a weak state, impotence.

In case of primary infection with herpes, the incubation period is up to 8 days. Then, the following symptoms appear:

• itching, redness, and burning in the genital area;
• small bubbles form on the skin or mucous membrane filled with a cloudy liquid;
• burst vesicles are transformed into small erosions or ulcers covered with a crust;
• itching and tingling sensation while urinating;
• with damage to the cervix, the mucous membrane becomes hyperemic, erosive, with purulent discharge;
• lymph nodes in the groin become enlarged.

Sometimes there is general weakness, malaise. It may take up to 30 days for the symptoms of the disease to completely disappear. Effective treatment for genital herpes shortens this period.

With a secondary infection, the disease manifests itself with similar symptoms. Once in the human body, the virus turns it into a carrier of the disease. In this case, periods of remission are followed by exacerbations.

The herpes virus lives in the spinal nerve nodes, and not on the mucous membranes and skin, therefore, before the appearance of the rash, precursor symptoms appear in the form of pulling pain along the nerve nodes, itching and burning in the area where the rash appears.

Have you noticed unpleasant symptoms, but do not know which doctor treats genital herpes? If there are signs of this disease, women should consult a gynecologist, and men should consult a urologist or andrologist.

The virus received from a partner does not always lead to rashes, the state of the immune system plays a decisive role in this.

Types of herpes virus

1. 1. Simple virus herpes type 1- manifests itself as rashes on the lips, face,
2. 2. Simple virus herpes type 2
3. herpes type 3- causes chickenpox in childhood, and shingles in old age
4. herpes type 4- causes the disease infectious mononucleosis, hairy leukoplakia of the tongue
5. herpes 5, 6, 7, 8 types are even rarer and less well understood

The most common herpes that affects the lips and skin, the second most popular is genital herpes. Herpes can lead to the development of diseases of the nervous system, damage to internal organs, eyes, mucous membranes. Herpes virus ranks second among infectious causes of death (influenza virus ranks first).

Herpes simplex virus types 1 - 2 - characteristics

1. 1. Herpes simplex virus type 1- manifests itself as rashes on the lips, face
2. 2. Herpes simplex virus type 2- causes genital herpes, which affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Herpes simplex virus is very resistant to cold, but not resistant to heat. At a temperature of 50 degrees, this one dies within 30 minutes. At a temperature of 37 degrees, it dies within 20 hours.

Outside the human body, at normal temperature and humidity, the herpes virus dies within 24 hours. On metal surfaces (doorknobs, taps, money), it survives for 2 hours, on wet surfaces (towels, linen) - 6-24 hours. All this you need to know to prevent infection.

This virus loses its activity and ability to reproduce under the influence of X-rays and ultraviolet rays, alcohol, organic solvents, phenol, formalin, bile, disinfectants.

Diagnosis

• Genital herpes may be active, or it may not make itself felt at all until a certain point.
• As a rule, the herpes virus, flowing in a latent form, is almost impossible to detect if you do not pass a number of special tests.
• It is impossible to cure an infectious disease on your own, therefore, if there is a suspicion of the presence of genital herpes, it is recommended to immediately contact a specialist, otherwise the disease may become chronic.
• Only a qualified doctor can determine the type of herpes and then prescribe an effective treatment.

In men and women

Genital or genital herpes Is a disease of the genitals in men and women caused by herpes simplex viruses type 2, but 20% of cases are caused by infection with the type 1 virus. For genital herpes characterized by single or grouped skin rashes, it usually affects the vulva, the perineum and anus, and (less often) the vagina and cervix (vaginal and cervical herpes in women). In severe cases, genital herpes can spread to the body of the uterus and its appendages.

Vesicles filled with serous fluid then turn into ulcers and erosion. At the sites of the lesion, pain, itching, burning are felt. It is necessary to take measures for the fastest treatment, since the genital herpes virus can even provoke the development of cancer.
If the symptoms disappear, this does not mean that healing has occurred - the virus remains inside, and after a while the exacerbation may recur. For some, after a few weeks, for others, after a few years.

The provoking factors of exacerbation of genital herpes:

• - stress
• - colds, flu
• - diabetes
• - overheating or hypothermia
• - consumption of alcohol, caffeine

Treatment of herpes should be comprehensive, aimed at increasing the body's defenses. In addition, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes. During exacerbations, the dose of vitamins C, A, B should be increased.

Food

Treatment of genital herpes must be combined with a diet: exclude sugar, alcohol, citrus fruits, milk from the diet.

Coffee, nuts, chocolate, beef, tomatoes contain the substance argenine, which promotes the multiplication of the herpes virus; it is also better to refuse these products. You need to include in the menu seaweed, apples, dairy products, cheese, yogurt

Treatment with medications

At the beginning of treatment, you need to use ointments and tablets that help the immune system to cope with the virus:

• "Acyclovir";
• "Lizavir";
• "Zovirax";
• "Fenistil";
• Penciclovir;
• "Amiksin";
• "Interferon".

It is recommended to use these drugs for at least 10 days and no more than a month. Due to these ointments and tablets, the initial manifestation and further Spread infections.

Drug treatment

The therapy is carried out with tableted drugs, as well as ointments for external use.

Effective drugs for the treatment of genital herpes:

• Acyclovir (Atsivir, Zovirax, Acyclovir-BSM, Virolex, Lizavir, Cyclovax);
• Famciclovir (Valtrex);
• Penciclovir.

There are two ways of using antiviral drugs - in the form of an episodic appointment (in a short course of up to 10 days) and preventive (within a month or two).

More often in medical practice, "Acyclovir" (in tablets or capsules) and its analogues are used. Adult patients are prescribed a therapeutic dose of the drug, according to the instructions. Taking medication early in the disease can help prevent rashes.

If you start treatment after the blisters appear, the symptoms will be less pronounced and healing will be faster. With frequent relapses of the disease, it is worth taking antiviral drugs for prevention.

How to treat genital herpes with topical products? To do this, as part of the complex therapy of the disease, ointments are used:

• "Acyclovir";
• Zovirax;
• "Virolex";
• "Fukortsin" (if the skin is affected);
• Oxolinic ointment.

Together with antiviral agents, immunomodulators are prescribed:

• Amiksin;
• "Polyoxidonium";
• "Likopid";
• Interferon.

The listed drugs act on the immune system of patients with genital herpes, stimulating its specific and non-specific factors. This allows you to block further spread of the virus and reduce the frequency of relapses.

Disease treatment regimen

There are certain treatment regimens for genital herpes. The choice of a specific one depends on the type of disease, its duration and the patient's condition.
Taking medications for primary infection

Treating recurrent genital herpes

Treatment of genital herpes in women

Antiviral therapy is not recommended during pregnancy. The exception is severe forms of genital herpes complicated by other diseases that threaten the patient's life.

For effective treatment in this situation, human immunoglobulin is used. It is administered intravenously, 25 ml 3 times (every other day) in the first, second and third trimester (two weeks before the expected delivery date). In complex therapy, Viferon can be prescribed.

Scheme of using drugs from a pharmacy

Taking medical supplies for infection with genital herpes

Taking medications for progressive genital herpes

It is worth noting that treatment and prevention of genital herpes is contraindicated for pregnant women. If the infection intensifies, you should contact your doctor for detailed advice. As a rule, every trimester of pregnancy, a woman is injected intravenously with immunoglobulin, which inhibits the manifestations of genital herpes; doctors often recommend taking Viferon.

Stage 1 (relapse)

• Alpizarin (0.1 g) - up to 5 times during the day, with a general course of 5-7 days;
• Zovirax (200 mg) - in the first 5 days up to 5 times (daily), then 4 times (daily) for 14-21 days. Instead of Zovirax, you can use Virolex or Acyclovir;
• Ascorbic acid (1 g) - 2 p. during the day, for 2 weeks.

As a specific therapy, it is recommended to introduce antiherpetic immunoglobulin (3 ml) 1 r. during the day i / m (a course of at least 5 injections). It can be combined with the introduction of 1 ml of Activin (s / c) at least 2 times a week (10 injections in total).

• Gossypola;
• Megasin;
• Bonafton;
• Alpizarina (for vaginal treatment).

In case of primary infection or exacerbations of the infectious process, external treatment should be performed for at least 5 days.

Before treating herpesvirus, it is necessary to undergo a complete diagnostic examination of the body, because the symptoms of the disease are quite often similar to other infectious diseases. In addition, there are a number of contraindications for taking certain medications and this must be taken into account.

Stage 2 (subsiding exacerbation)

At this stage, injection is recommended - vitamins of group B (B2, B1) - 1 ml each with a break of 1 day, a course of 15 injections. In addition, it is recommended to carry out autohemotherapy, according to the scheme: starting from 2 ml. up to 10 ml. (ascending) and in reverse order.

Orally:

• Tazepam - 1 tab. 2 p. per day (21 days);
• Eleutherococcus (20 drops) in the morning;
• Tavegil - 1 tab. 2 p. per day (21 days);
• 10% solution of Calcium Chloride - 1 tbsp. l. 3 p. per day (20 days) or Calcium gluconate (tab.) - 0.5 g 3 r. per day (2 weeks);
• Dibazol - 1⁄2 tab. 2 p. per day (21 days).

Locally: Gossypol, Megasin.

When suppressive (suppressive herpesvirus) treatment is carried out, antiviral drugs are recommended to be taken at a minimum dosage, but with a longer period. Alpizarin is most often used as a prophylactic agent.

Stage 3 (remission)

Genital herpes in the remission phase involves vaccine therapy (with a relapse duration of more than 2 months), which is performed after a symptomatic course, as well as general strengthening measures.

Herpes vaccine is injected subcutaneously (0.3 ml) 1 r. for 3 days. The general course of vaccination is 5 injections. Next, you need to withstand a break (14 days) with the introduction of a similar dosage (5 injection doses), but 1 p. (daily) for another 7 days. If herpetic manifestations occur during this period of time, the gap between the administration of the vaccine should be increased by at least 2 times. It is recommended to repeat the vaccination after six months.

In the stage of remission, herpes on the genitals provides for the intake of immunomodulators.

The most commonly used:

• Imunofan - the drug is injected intramuscularly (0.1 ml each) with a break of 1 day, a general course of 5 injections;
• Meglumine acridone acetate - (0.25 mg) IM 1 injection daily for 10 days;
• Panavir - (3 ml) in / in 1 p. at 3 days (5 injections);
• Immunomax - (100-200 U) i.m. 1 p. in accordance with the assigned scheme;
• Sodium ribonucleate - (2 ml) / m 1 p. during the day (5 introductions);
• Galavit - (1 tab.) 2-3 p. per day, in accordance with the scheme;
• Ridostin - (8 mg) i.m. 1 p. at 3 days (3 injections);
• Lavomax (Tiloron) - this drug has a double effect (antiviral and immunomodulatory). In order to neutralize genital herpes, a special treatment regimen (2.5 mg) of the drug is recommended on the first day, then a break for 2 days, and on the remaining days (0.125 mg).

How to treat herpes most effectively can only be suggested by a qualified doctor.

Means for prophylaxis

If unprotected sex has occurred, emergency preventive measures should be taken in the form of antiseptics to help localize the possible appearance of herpes sores on the genitals.

The group of such drugs includes the following funds.

Miramistin

This antiseptic comes in the form of a 0.1% solution packed in a plastic bottle. Before using it, the genital area, and then the groin area, is pre-washed with soap, dried and treated with a cotton swab dipped in Miramistin solution.

• Women are advised to inject the solution (using a special nebulizer attached to the medicine), inject about 10 ml of the solution deep into the vagina and 1.5 ml into the urethra, holding the solution for 2-3 minutes.
• It is not recommended to urinate for 1 hour after the treatment.
• It is recommended to perform such processing at least 2 times during the day.

Betadine

The medicine is available in the form of an ointment, vaginal suppositories and an antiseptic solution. It is necessary to use Betadine after unprotected sexual intercourse (within 2 hours). To prevent infection, a woman needs to insert a candle into the vagina with additional treatment of the mucous membrane with an antiseptic solution.

Panavir

This medication comes in the form of a spray and is used in an emergency. You can put it on a condom, and also treat the intimate area with it.

For effective prevention of herpes, as well as any infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact, it is very important to avoid unprotected promiscuous sexual intercourse.

During an exacerbation of herpesvirus, one should refuse to have sex, because even the most reliable contraceptives are not able to provide protection from the virus entering the body.

We use immunomodulators

It is completely impossible to get rid of the disease. With a weakening of immunity after an illness, the virus will make itself felt. The task of doctors is to transfer the virus to an inactive form. Thus, the disease will sleep inside the person. In people with weak immunity, relapses can occur every month. Relapses are rare in people with good immunity. Therefore, every carrier of genital herpes should take care of their health.

Immunostimulants are often used in the treatment of viruses because they destroy the cell membrane. The human body produces an immunomodulator - interferon. On its basis, many drugs are made for the treatment of viral infections.

Interferon-based drugs:

• Viferon... For genital genital herpes, it is used in the form of an ointment. It is used to lubricate the affected areas. The main component of the ointment is human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. In addition, the preparation contains vitamin E, which improves wound healing, petroleum jelly and lanolin.
• ... It is human fibroblast interferon. It is used as an injection. The drug is expensive, but recovery occurs in 70% of cases. Relapses are extremely rare after adequate treatment. The duration of treatment can be up to 6 months.

It is worth using interferon-based drugs with caution. There is an opinion that they introduce additional interferon into the body, thereby reducing the production of this substance by diseased cells. It is necessary not to inject interferon, but to stimulate its production.

With frequent relapses, it is worth taking vitamin complexes, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. A spa treatment on the seaside is recommended. Sea water does an excellent job with a variety of breakouts.<

We use antiviral drugs

At the acute stage of the disease, the patient must take pills. Antiviral drugs damage the cells of the virus and block its multiplication, preventing them from growing.

For treatment, the following drugs are used:

1. Acyclovir... Used for the prevention and treatment of recurrent and primary herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, which are caused by Herpes viruses types 1 and 2. Efficiency is due to the inhibition of the DNA of the cells of the virus.
2. Pharmacyclovir... The drug is based on penciclovir. It is used for frequent relapses of genital herpes. With its help, you can get rid of neuralgia triggered by a virus.
3. Denavir... Penciclovir cream.
4. Groprinosine... The drug is based on inosine pranobex. It destroys the DNA of the virus and improves the body's resistance. Sold in pill form. You need to take the drug for 1-3 months.
5. ... It is an acyclovir ester. After ingestion, it breaks down into valine and acyclovir. It is sold in tablets. You need to take during an exacerbation. Does not improve immunity, but only destroys the cells of the virus.

Most often, Acyclovir and its analogs are used. It is quite effective, as it destroys the membrane of the virus, preventing its reproduction. Treatment should be started even before the appearance of the rash or on the first day of the appearance of bubbles. Doing so will reduce the risk of a rash overgrowing.
Together with antiviral drugs, interferon is prescribed (Viferon, Genferon, Anaferon).

Treatment of ailment in women

Doctors state the fact that genital genital herpes is more often observed in the beautiful half of humanity than in men. Therapy for men and women is not much different. Antiseptics are used to treat genital herpes with internal eruptions. For this purpose, Dekasan is prescribed for douching. This is a solution that has an antiviral effect.

The consequences of infection with genital herpes in women:

• Cervical cancer, dysplasia... The saddest thing is that the herpes virus can cause cancer. Rashes on the cervix often degenerate into dysplasia. If left untreated, it can lead to cervical cancer.
• Dry vaginal mucous membranes... Cracks often occur. This is due to a change in hormonal levels, as a result of which a negligible amount of lubricant is produced.
• Decreased libido... Due to damage to nerve cells, lower back pain and constant aching pain in the lower abdomen are possible. Because of this, libido decreases.
• Endometritis, colpitis... These are inflammation of the walls of the uterus and vagina. May lead to adhesions inside the uterus. This reduces the likelihood of conception and can adversely affect the bearing of the baby.

How to treat in men

In a strong half of humanity, genital herpes is less common. It mainly affects the head of the penis, the anus. In rare cases, rashes appear in the urethra and rectum. Initially, temperature and edema appear at the site of future ulcers. Vesicles burst 3 days after the onset. At this time, the pain and temperature decrease. Treatment is carried out according to the standard scheme: antiviral drugs and strengthening the immune system.

The consequences of genital herpes in men:

1. Chronic and acute prostatitis... The cells of the virus infect the prostate gland. Usually, an exacerbation of prostatitis is observed simultaneously with the rash and fades away with the use of antiviral drugs. But in some cases, antibiotics are required.
2. Herpetic proctitis... This is a rectal disorder characterized by the appearance of ulcers or hemorrhages in the mucous membranes. During the acute phase, bleeding may occur during the act of defecation. The absorption of nutrients in the intestine decreases.
3. Urethritis... This is an inflammation of the urethra. It is characterized by painful urination.

Rules for the treatment of genital herpes in pregnant women

During pregnancy, all women are tested for TORCH infections, including herpes. If a high concentration of antibodies to the herpes virus is detected, antiviral drugs and immunomodulators are prescribed.

The most dangerous is the infection of a child with the herpes virus through the birth canal. In this case, there is a high risk of the transition of the disease into the acute phase.

If a high concentration of antibodies is detected, a pregnant woman is prescribed the following drugs:

• Zovirax... The active ingredient is acyclovir. It inhibits the DNA of the cells of the virus and prevents their reproduction.
• Oxolinic ointment... An antiviral ointment that deactivates acids that keep the virus alive.
• Viferon... The drug is based on human interferon. Sold in the form of candles, ointments and gel.

The choice of the drug depends on the gestational age. The most dangerous is the acute form in the first trimester of pregnancy. In this case, a spontaneous abortion is possible. Often, fetal malformations are diagnosed after a mother's illness. In the third trimester, the disease is less dangerous for the child, since almost all organs are formed. In this case, the pregnant woman is treated with local drugs and the immune system is strengthened.

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Conditional treatment regimen

Below you can familiarize yourself with the treatment regimen and understand what the doctors are guided by when prescribing certain drugs, but this scheme can be adjusted by the doctor during a personal examination of the patient.

Treatment object	Treatment regimen
Primary infection of genital herpes. The drugs are applied within 5-10 days.	Acyclovir (200 milligrams). Inside, five times a day.
Recurrent form of genital herpes. The medicines are applied for five days.	Acyclovir (200 milligrams). By mouth, five times a day Or Acyclovir (400 milligrams). Inside, three times a day. Or Valacyclovir (500 milligrams). Twice a day. Or Famciclovir (250 milligrams). Three times per day.
Suppressive therapy. Prophylactic medication for constant suppression of the virus. The admission period is assigned individually.	Acyclovir (400 milligrams). By mouth, twice a day Or Valacyclovir (500 milligrams). Once a day. Or Famciclovir (250 milligrams). Twice a day.

Indications for hospital treatment:

• if the body does not tolerate antiviral agents;
• complications from the central nervous system;
• disseminated herpes infection.

What are the goals of treatment:

• reduce the risks of transmitting infection to the fetus;
• reduce the possibility of transmitting herpesvirus to a partner;
• reduce the number of relapses;
• prevent possible complications;
• get rid of symptomatic discomfort.

People looking for information on how to cure genital herpes often see long lists of drugs and understand that in any case they will have to go to a specialist to prescribe a course of treatment. And it is true, the fact is that it is impossible to write how many tablets of Cycloferon or the same Acyclovir to use, without knowing the individual characteristics of the patient. Even reading the instructions for use, you should not just buy pills and drink them without examination from a specialist. Especially when it comes to children or adults in certain situations, for example, during pregnancy or with immunodeficiency.

herpess.ru

Treatment of genital herpes by folk methods

There are several popular ways to deal with genital herpes:

• Tea tree oil solution. Dissolve 10 drops of oil in 500 ml of warm water. Within 10 days, wash the genitals, preferably at night.
• Collection of herbs. Mix the herbal mixture with 400 ml of warm water, put on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the broth cool to room temperature. Do a genital wash once a day for 14 days.
• Infusion of a series. This recipe is used in the early stages of infection to relieve itching and burning. Mix 10 grams of string and 200 ml of hot water, let the ingredients settle for an hour. Next, you need to strain the prepared infusion and apply to the affected skin area for 15 minutes.
• Camomile tea. It will help relieve painful sensations and stop the inflammatory process. Dissolve 5-10 grams of dry collection in 250 ml of boiled water, mix thoroughly and let it brew for an hour. The affected skin should be treated no more than 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
• Sea salt. Fill the bath with 10 liters of hot water, add 60 g of sea salt and mix thoroughly. Wait for the water to cool slightly, then sit in it for about 45 minutes. The procedure should be carried out daily for about 2 weeks.
• Echinacea root tincture. The prepared product will help strengthen the immune system. Mix 30 grams of crushed root and 120 ml of alcohol, mix the ingredients thoroughly. Leave the product to steep for about 6-7 days. Then carefully strain the finished infusion and consume 20 drops, 4 times a day. within 2 months.

Funds from the village

In addition to medicinal methods, it is possible to treat genital herpes with folk remedies:

1. Tea tree oil. For use, add 10 drops of oil to 400 ml of boiling water. Use the product to wash the genitals. The procedure should be performed before bedtime.
2. Herbal collection. Mix equal amounts of birch leaves, meadow clover flowers, calendula, dandelion root and motherwort grass. 10 g of the collection pour 350 ml of water. Boil the broth over low heat for 5 minutes. After cooling, it is filtered and used for washing or douching. The procedure is performed once a day before going to bed for two weeks.
3. The sequence. To relieve itching at the initial stage of herpes, you need 10 grams of dry grass, pour 250 ml of boiling water and let it stand for an hour. Strain the infusion, soak a piece of gauze in it and apply to the affected area for 10 minutes. Also, the agent can be taken orally (100 ml twice a day).
4. Chamomile. Has anti-inflammatory effect, helps relieve pain. 5 grams of dried flowers are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 40 minutes. Strain and use for irrigation of mucous membranes or douching. You can use this infusion 2 times a day.
5. How is genital herpes treated with sea salt: 50 grams of sea salt is dissolved in 10 liters of boiling water, and after the agent has cooled, it is used for taking sitz baths. The procedure is carried out daily (for a quarter of an hour for 14 days). It is not necessary to wash off the saline solution; it is enough to gently blot the external genitals.
6. Echinacea root. Used to strengthen the immune system. To prepare the product, it is necessary to pour 20 grams of crushed raw materials with 100 ml of 70% alcohol. The tincture is kept in a cool dark place for a week. Then, filter the product and take 25 drops 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months. It can be repeated if necessary.

Herbal treatment

Take 4 tbsp. l. herbs lemon balm, thyme and motherwort, chamomile flowers, raspberry leaves, juniper fruits, 2 tbsp. l. wormwood, adonis and hypericum. Pour 2 tbsp. l. mixture with two glasses of boiling water. Insist an hour, take 1/4 cup 4 times a day. The course is 2 weeks.
With this disease, baths with the addition of essential oils of lemon, geranium eucalyptus and tea tree help well. The duration of the bath is 15 minutes.

Arnica in folk treatment

15 g of dried arnica flowers pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, use for compresses on the affected areas

Alternative treatment of genital herpes with birch buds

Pour 15 g of birch buds with 1 glass of milk, cook for 5 minutes, cool, wrap in gauze, use as an external anti-inflammatory agent in the form of compresses.

Kalina in the folk treatment of genital herpes in men and women

Pour 20 g of crushed dry fruits of viburnum with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 4 hours. Take 1/2 cup 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days.

Alternative treatment with lungwort

1 tbsp. l. Pour lungwort 1 cup boiling water, insist in a thermos for 45 minutes. Take 1 glass 2 times a day. The course of treatment for genital herpes - 10-12 days

narrecepti.ru

Ways of transmission of the disease

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease.

Infection occurs not only from a person who suffers from rashes on the genitals (relapse), but also in the absence of characteristic manifestations of the disease, which is observed with asymptomatic virus carriers and atypical forms.

Infection is also possible through oral-genital contacts. Household transmission of infection is extremely rare. The highest incidence rate is observed in the 20-29 age group. The herpes virus is able to inhabit the body throughout life. In the interrecurrent period, it is located in the nervous system and does not manifest itself, therefore, patients, often unaware of the presence of the disease, can become a source of infection for sexual partners.

• In addition to the sexual transmission of genital herpes, infection is possible when the child passes through the birth canal during childbirth or the fetus through the placenta of a sick mother.
• In some cases, human infection can occur in the absence of sexual intercourse: infection in this case is the result of non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, when with dirty hands a person transfers the herpes simplex virus from the lips to their genitals.
• The herpes simplex virus, which once entered the body through microtrauma to the skin and mucous membrane of the genital organs, remains in the body for life.
• A person with strong immunity, leading a correct lifestyle, may never know about the presence of a virus in the body and not get acquainted with the clinical signs of the disease.
• However, with factors favorable for infection (severe overwork, stress, hypothermia, colds, overheating in the sun, mental and physical trauma, prolonged alcohol intoxication, hormonal changes), the virus becomes active and genital herpes worsens.

In newborns

The most serious complication of genital herpes is neonatal herpes, when the infection of the baby passes from the mother during childbirth. The likelihood of transmission of the herpes virus in newborns increases if the mother becomes infected in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Infection in newborns leads to serious damage to the child's nervous system, blindness and even death.

If it was found that during pregnancy in the expectant mother, herpes infection entered the active phase, then delivery by cesarean section is recommended in order to avoid the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

In adults, genital herpes does not cause disruption of the internal organs and does not provoke infertility. This disease is the least dangerous among all those that are sexually transmitted. The question of how to treat genital herpes is relevant, because it brings a lot of suffering to the patient during an exacerbation, worsens his emotional and psychological state, and reduces a person's working capacity. In addition, the infection facilitates the transmission of HIV infection and provokes the transition from HIV to AIDS.
jlady.ru

Infection with pathology

You can get genital herpes in several ways:

1. Sexually... It is worth noting that a condom cannot 100% protect against genital herpes. When the vesicles are damaged, the cells of the virus can get on the pubic hair, the inner part of the thighs. Therefore, the percentage of protection with a condom is only 50%. Homosexuals are more likely to suffer from genital herpes, usually the disease affects the anus, colon and urethra.
2. Through the use of the patient's dishes... This method of infection is rare, since rashes on the genitals are provoked in 70% of cases by the type 2 virus.
3. In public toilets... This method of infection is rare, since the virus does not live on the human body for long.
4. Transfer of the virus from the lips to the genitals when touching the ulcers... This is the so-called autoinfection, when a patient transfers disease cells from one part of the body to another.
5. Having oral sex with someone who has rashes on their lips... Infection of the genitals is possible when caressing them with lips affected by herpes. But there are cases of reverse infection, when the virus from the genitals enters the mucous membrane of the mouth.

Of course, the cells of the disease do not live very long in the air, but this is quite enough to invade the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth. Scientists have found that the herpes simplex virus does not die with repeated freezing and thawing. At a temperature of 36 ° C, it lives for 20 hours.

What should not be done in case of illness?

If symptoms of the disease appear, you do not need to panic, since with proper treatment, long-term remission is possible. It is also worth refraining from sexual activity until the manifestations of herpes disappear completely.

• It is not recommended to drink alcohol, which serves as a provoking factor for this disease.
• Before visiting a doctor, you should not rub the affected areas and touch them with your hands.
• This contributes to the spread of the virus and the appearance of new rashes.
• It is strictly forbidden to treat bubbles with alcohol, since it is not intended to treat such problems and can cause chemical burns to the mucous membranes or skin.

Many patients are interested in the question, is it possible to cure genital herpes without going to the hospital? The answer is negative. Self-medication will only aggravate the condition and cause frequent relapses.

Possible complications

You need to know how to quickly cure genital herpes, since complications may occur if you see a doctor late.

Without timely therapy, genital herpes becomes the cause:

1. Dysuria or neuropathy causing acute urinary retention.
2. Massive infection of internal organs. This occurs in rare cases, mainly with immunodeficiency (the hands, buttocks, mucous membrane of the eyes are affected, and stomatitis, cheilitis or pharyngitis occur with oral sex).
3. In women, having genital herpes increases the likelihood of cervical cancer.
4. Psychological problems and depression tendencies.
5. In case of primary genital herpes in pregnant women, fetal infection occurs in 50% of cases. Most often this happens during the passage of the child through the genital tract affected by herpes, and is excluded during a cesarean section. Infection of the fetus leads to damage to the eyes, skin and nervous system, and sometimes to disability.

Prevention

Methods of specific prevention include the use of vaccines. But due to the fact that the virus is arranged in a special way, it is not always possible to obtain a lasting effect.

Non-specific measures for the prevention of genital herpes are:

• moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle;
• quitting alcohol and smoking;
• strengthening the immune system;
• the use of barrier contraception for all types of sex.
• proper personal hygiene (do not use someone else's underwear, towels, etc.).

If you are already infected with the herpes virus, in order to prevent frequent exacerbations, avoid overheating and hypothermia, take vitamin complexes for prevention. Be attentive to your body and always stay healthy!

Useful video: living with genital herpes virus (doctor's advice)

sovetclub.ru

Ways of transmission of the herpes virus

The viability of the virus in the external environment at room temperature and normal humidity is maintained for a day, at a temperature of 50-52 ° C it is inactivated after 30 minutes, and at low temperatures (-70 ° C) the virus is able to remain viable for 5 days. On metal surfaces (coins, doorknobs, water taps), the virus survives for 2 hours, on wet sterile medical cotton and gauze - during their entire drying time (up to 6 hours). Herpes simplex virus is most easily transmitted through direct contact with damaged tissues or body fluids of an infected person. Also, transmission of the virus is possible during periods of asymptomatic virus carriage. The herpes virus is unable to penetrate through the intact stratum corneum of the skin, due to the absence of specific receptors on it.

Oral herpes is easily diagnosed only if there are external manifestations - wounds or ulcers. In this case, it will not be difficult to diagnose the disease on your own by comparing herpes on the lip with a photo on the Internet. However, in the early stages, there are no symptoms of the disease, and herpes can only be diagnosed by laboratory methods. Prodromal symptoms, which appear even before the appearance of visible herpetic lesions, will make it possible to differentially diagnose the symptoms of herpes virus infection from, for example, allergic stomatitis. If the disease does not manifest inside the mouth, primary orofacial herpes may be mistaken for impetigo or bacterial contamination. In addition, mouth ulcers (aphthae) can also look like oral herpes, but no blisters appear. After contact with the source of infection, the viral particles enter the skin epithelium cells, then the virus migrates into the nerve cells by fusing the outer shell of the virus with the cell membrane, and the viral DNA is released inside the cell. Then it is transported along the dendrites of nerve endings into the body of a sensitive neuron, located in the sensory ganglion, where they are embedded in its genetic apparatus forever. After the penetration of the virus, the process of its active reproduction in the cell begins - persistence. With viral lesions of the lips, the persistence of the virus in the neurocytes of the sensitive ganglia of the trigeminal nerve is characteristic. In most people, the reproduction and shedding of the virus immediately after infection is asymptomatic. This can happen more than a week before or after the first symptoms appear in 50% of cases. The causative agent multiplies intensively in it. Focal death of the epithelium occurs: the cells increase in size, then die, forming foci of dead cells. The duration of the period of viral shedding with the localization of the virus on the lips in herpes simplex-1 type is 6-33 days, and in herpes simplex-2 type - 1 day. Once infected, the body begins to synthesize antibodies against the specific herpes-type virus, preventing the infection from spreading. In the case of infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1, this production of antibodies will protect the body from other infectious processes caused by this virus, such as genital herpes, herpetic keratitis and felon.

The antibodies that are produced after the initial herpes infection prevent infection with the same type of virus: people with type 1 orofacial herpes do not have panaritium or genital herpes caused by herpes type 1.

Herpes on the lips: the course of the disease

Herpes on the lips appears within a short time. It is localized mainly on the upper lip or in the corners of the mouth. Bubbles with liquid burst and form painful wounds, which dry up and become crusty in 3-4 days. The healing of these wounds is complicated by the fact that when talking or while eating, the crust can burst and the wound begins to bleed.

Treatment of herpes on the lips

There is currently no cure for herpes. Available drugs only suppress the multiplication of the virus, but do not remove fragments of viral DNA from neurocytes. Therefore, there is always the possibility of repeated rashes, especially with immunodeficiencies (for example, with HIV infection or tumors). The use of antiviral drugs can suppress the activity of the virus and relieve symptoms. The treatment of herpes on the lips can take a long time - the wound can heal much faster if left alone, but in the case of the lips, this is almost impossible. Antiviral ointments such as acyclovir can help speed up the healing process. It has been proven that acyclovir and valacyclovir are effective in the treatment of facial herpes (lips), including in cancer patients. When applied topically for the treatment of facial herpes, acyclovir, penciclovir, docosanol (docosanol) are effective. These drugs are approved for sale without a doctor's prescription. They must be used regularly, while observing the rules of hygiene: using only personal dishes, towels, and so on. Alternative methods act indirectly, having only a tonic, anti-inflammatory effect. Echinacea preparations stimulate the immune system. Lysine, being an essential amino acid, is a plastic material for tissue regeneration. Zinc ointments, when applied to the skin, have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and drying effect, preventing the penetration of the virus and accelerating the healing of ulcers. This should also include aloe vera extract and propolis as natural anti-inflammatory agents. If the symptoms of the disease persist for a long time, you need to consult a doctor who will recommend how to treat herpes on the lips more effectively and avoid complications.

Herpes and weakened immunity

With primary infection, IgM antibodies are formed, with relapses - IgG and IgA. Due to the persistence of the virus in infected individuals, immunity is non-sterile. In some periods, under the influence of various factors, the disease can worsen and manifest itself in the form of well-known symptoms. In addition, the herpes virus itself is capable of inducing immunodeficiency. The level of immunity significantly affects the number and severity of relapses. After the stage of active infection, the virus remains inactive in the sensitive ganglia and ganglia of the autonomic nervous system. No viral particles are produced in this phase. The frequency and severity of outbreaks varies widely from person to person. Some develop ulcers that do not heal for weeks, while others show only slight itching and burning for several days. There is some evidence that heredity affects the rate of relapse. In the region of chromosome 21, there is a zone that includes 6 genes, which is associated with the frequency of flares. The severity and frequency of outbreaks decreases over time. After a few years, some people will not have any symptoms at all, although the virus will be secreted and able to be transmitted to others. In immunocompromised individuals, outbreaks will be more severe, longer, and more frequent. Outbreaks can occur in the same location or in the immediate vicinity of the nerve endings of the infected ganglia.

https://medportal.ru/enc/venerology/reading/10/

Symptoms

Primary and recurrent herpes are distinguished. Symptoms of primary herpes appear on average 2-14 days after infection. With recurrent herpes, the disease is exacerbated periodically. The number of relapses determines the severity of the course of the disease, with three degrees of differentiation:

• Easy, when exacerbations occur up to 3-4 times a year.
• Moderately severe, when exacerbations occur from 4 to 6 times a year.
• Severe, in which there are exacerbations every month.

Before the onset of a rash in the genital area, the harbingers of relapse are noted: burning, itching, pain and swelling. Periodic numbness, heaviness and aches in the upper thigh may occur, sometimes radiating to the lower back or buttocks; pulling pain in the perineum. These symptoms can be accompanied by a rise in temperature and general malaise. Then bubbles form on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, filled with a clear liquid, which soon burst. Small painful sores form in their place.

Very often, genital herpes is asymptomatic. In this case, infection of sexual partners is possible in the absence of symptoms.

Due to the variety of clinical manifestations of genital herpes and its frequent combination with other urogenital infections with similar symptoms, identification of the causative agent of the disease is of great importance.

Diagnostics

For typical symptoms, diagnosis is clinical. A close examination of the patient allows for a diagnosis.

In non-obvious cases, they resort to laboratory tests. For laboratory tests, smears and blood tests are taken. Studies for the diagnosis of the disease are divided into two groups - the detection of HSV, the detection of antibodies to HSV.

Treatment

Treatment of genital herpes is carried out in a complex and long-term. Even after therapy, HSV remains in the body, but as a result of antiviral treatment, the activity of the virus decreases, the duration and number of exacerbations are reduced, and the periods of remission are lengthened.

Prevention

A long-term relationship with one long-term partner who has been screened for genital herpes can reduce the risk of infection.

Using condoms when having sex with a new partner helps prevent herpes infection. Preventive measures should be taken following accidental, unprotected sex.

https://chaika.com/what-do-we-treat/diseases/genitalnyi-gerpes

Genital herpes symptoms

Genital herpes is a viral infectious disease that is commonly sexually transmitted. The causative agent of genital herpes is the herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex). The incubation period can be up to a week after sexual contact with a virus carrier. A characteristic feature is the appearance of herpetic vesicles in the place where there was contact with the sexual partner - in the area of ​​the external and internal genital organs, labia. The bubbles break open and painful sores form in their place, which are covered with crusts. Then the crusts come off. A new rash may appear within ten days. In more than half of cases, herpes occurs without clinical symptoms, but virus carriers can also infect their sexual partners. Asymptomatic virus carriers pose the greatest danger to newborns, since herpes can cause severe neurological changes and blindness in them.

Diagnosis of genital herpes

To confirm the diagnosis of genital herpes, immunofluorescence analysis (ELISA) reactions and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostics are used. But even in the presence of a characteristic clinical picture of the disease, laboratory methods can give negative results.

Genital herpes treatment

The main factor in treatment is the stimulation of the body's own immune system and the appointment of antiviral drugs. In severe exacerbations, acyclovir is prescribed, cycloferon is locally prescribed. However, it should be borne in mind that even modern antiherpetic drugs only reduce the severity and frequency of exacerbations of the disease, but do not destroy the virus in the body.

Prevention of genital herpes

The main method of prevention is hygiene and orderliness of sexual intercourse, the exclusion of unprotected oral-genital contacts with contact contraception.

https://medaboutme.ru/zdorove/spravochnik/bolezni/genitalnyy_gerpes_/