Information About Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is an extremely common infection, it accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all sexually transmitted diseases. The virus causing genital herpes (Herpes simplex type 2) is very similar to the virus causing cold sores (Herpes simplex type 1).
It is spread from a sexual partner during the active phase; the virus enters through any crack in the mucosa. The legions first develop about a week later. In men, they occur on the penis or the scrotum. In women, they appear on the labia and the skin around the anus. The skin or membrane reddens, and many tiny vesicles erupt. These soon break down to form small, painful ulcers, which later crust and heal spontaneously in about ten days. Headache, fever, and muscle pains accompany the outbreak, and neighboring lymph nodes are tender and swollen. Later attacks usually become a lot less severe.
The virus, however, remains latent in the local nerves. The ease recurs subsequently during times of low resistance, menstruation, pregnancy, local injury, or emotional stress.
In women two serious complications may occur – one to her infant, the other to herself. If the infection is active at the time of childbirth, 10 to 50 percent of infants may become infected from lesions in the cervix or vagina. Of these, some may become blind, develop encephalitis, or become mentally retarded; up to 50 percent may die. It is safest for a mother with active herpes to be delivered by cesarean section. Because a woman with genital herpes has a fivefold higher risk of developing cancer of the cervix, she should have pap test at least yearly to detect any early cancerous changes.
Things you can do for genital herpes.
Bathe the external genital area with mild soap and water, dry gently, and apply a soothing ointment suggested by your physician. Refrain from intercourse from the early sign of infection until two weeks after the last symptom has disappeared.
