Skin Disorders and Treatment

Acrochordons
Acanthosis Nigricans
Actinic keratosis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Alopecia Areata
Anal Warts
Angioma
Amoebiasis
Aphthous Ulcer
Athlete's Foot
Atopic Dermatitis
Baldness
Blackheads
Blue Nevi
Browen's Disease
Bullous Pemphigoid
Candidiasis
Cavernous Hemangioma
Cellulite
Chilblains
Chapped Lips
Cracked Heels
Cysts
Dandruff
Dark Circles
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis
Dermatofibroma
Dry Lips
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Eczema
Enlarged Pores
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Erythroderma
Eye Stye
Facial Rashes
Fibroadenoma
Flexural Psoriasis
Fordyce's Condition
Folliculitis
Freckles
Furunculosis
Genital Herpes
Granuloma Annulare
Grovers Disease
Hand Dermatitis
Heat Rash
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Zooster
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hirsutism
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Ichthyosis
Impetigo
Ingrown Toe Nail
Intertrigo
Keloid
Keratoacanthoma
Keratosis Pilaris
Leucoderma
Lichen Planus
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen Straitus
Liver Spots
Lupus Erythematosus
Lymes Disease
Lymphomatoid Papulosis
Mastocytosis
Melasma
Morton's Neuroma
Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Paget's Disease
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pityriasis Versicolor
Pityriasis Rosea
Pruritis Ani
Shingles
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea Cruris
Venous Angioma
Vulvodynia
Xerosis

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes (herpes genitalis, herpes progenitalis) is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters on the genital organs of men and women. The word "herpes" comes from the Greek adjective herpestes, meaning creeping, which refers to the serpent-like pattern that the blisters may form. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which means that it is spread from person-to-person only by sexual contact. This means it spreads from person to person during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.  It is cause by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Once a person gets genital herpes, it stays in the body for life. In some people, symptoms come and go. In the United States, 1 out of 4 women are infected with HSV-2. In 2004, 18,991 men and women attended STD clinics (also called genitourinary medicine clinics) in United Kingdom with first attack genital herpes. Once a person gets genital herpes, it stays in the body for life.

Genital Herpes Causes

Risk factors for genital herpes include: early age at first sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and a medical history of other sexually-transmitted diseases. Herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. For example, if you have genital herpes and have sexual intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes. However, in many people the infection causes no recognized signs or symptoms and can still be spread to a sexual partner. It can be spread from one part of the body to another, such as from the genitals to the fingers, to the eyes or other parts of the body.  Herpes can also be spread from a mother to her baby when she gives birth.

Genital Herpes Symptoms

Most patients with genital herpes experience a prodrome (symptoms of oncoming disease) of pain, burning, itching, or tingling at the site where blisters will form. This prodrome stage may last anywhere from a few hours, to one to two days. The herpes infection prodrome can occur for both the primary infection and recurrent infections. The prodrome for recurrent infections may be severe and cause a severe burning or stabbing pain in the genital area, legs, or buttocks. A cluster of blisters may appear, which can burst, leaving painful sores often lasting two to three weeks. Symptoms may include:

• In males, herpes sores or lesions usually appear on or around the penis.
• In females, herpes sores are around the vagina. Most probably these are inside the vagina and create lot of problem. These cannot be seen except during a doctor's examination.
• Once exposed to the virus, there is an incubation period that generally lasts 3 to 7 days before a lesion develops. During this time, there are no symptoms and the virus cannot be transmitted to others.
• While you have ulcers, it may be painful to urinate. You may also experience pain and tenderness in your genital area until the infection clears.

Genital Herpes Treatment

There is no cure for herpes virus infections. There are antiviral drugs available which have some effect in lessening the symptoms and decreasing the length of herpes outbreaks. There is evidence that some may also prevent future outbreaks. These antiviral drugs work by interfering with the replication of the viruses and are most effective when taken as early in the infection process as possible. For the best results, drug treatment should begin during the prodrome stage before blisters are visible. Depending on the length of the outbreak, drug treatment could continue for up to 10 days.

There are several things that a patient may do to lessen the pain of genital sores. Wearing loose fitting clothing and cotton underwear is helpful. Removing clothing or wearing loose pajamas while at home may reduce pain. Soaking in a tub of warm water and using a blow dryer on the "cool" setting to dry the infected area is helpful. Putting an ice pack on the affected area for 10 minutes, followed by five minutes off and then repeating this procedure may relieve pain. A zinc sulfate ointment may help to heal the sores. Application of a baking soda compress to sores may be soothing. Medication that is taken by mouth, or in severe cases intravenously, is more effective. It is important to remember that there is still no cure for genital herpes and that these treatments only reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Share This Page on:

Skin Care Blog for Updated articles and Information. Here are the latest blog entries:
Food and Vitamins for Healthy Skin Expert Skin Care Tips	Fordyces Condition Treatment Poison Ivy Treatment Puffy Eyes Remedy