What does genital herpes look like? We will understand in this article. Herpes is a widespread virus that poses a significant social and medical problem. Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, occurs in 9 out of 10 people. Every fifth person experiences external manifestations of the disease. Herpes simplex virus is characterized by neurodermotropism, when the propagation of pathogenic cells occurs in the epidermis and nerve endings.
About herpes
Most often, the virus is localized on the face, skin of the lips, mucous membranes of the internal genital organs, brain, cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. HSV can provoke a pathological course of pregnancy, as well as miscarriages, fetal death and systemic viral diseases in newborn babies. Some doctors tend to suggest that HSV may be a factor affecting the development of malignant tumors in the uterine neck and prostate.
Description and methods of transmission
The cause of herpes on the pubis is the defeat of the body by a virus, which is represented by two types. External manifestations are characteristic of the herpes simplex virus of the second type. Previously, the first type of virus was attributed to dermatological and dental diseases. The second is often the cause of the development of meningoencephalitis and damage to the genital virus. Today, doctors often record cases of the presence of both types in the same body. The virus carrier may not be aware of its existence, since quite often pathogenic microorganisms are in an inactive phase.
The most common ways of transmitting herpes on the pubis from one person to another are through sexual intercourse and direct contact with the carrier. The first option is considered more common, however, the use of common household items with a virus carrier can also lead to infection. In addition, the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets. The causes of herpes on the pubis should be determined by the doctor.
From an infected mother, the virus is transmitted to the baby during delivery. The probability of transmission of the disease to the child directly depends on the activity of the pathogen in the woman’s body and reaches 75%. Infection of the fetus with the virus is also possible with viremia, when cells enter the bloodstream. This occurs against the background of acute herpes on the pubis of women.
Children are often infected with HSV of the first type in the first year of life. By the age of five, as a rule, the number of people infected with the first type increases. Children under six months old do not get sick, due to the presence of maternal antibodies. If the woman’s body has not developed antibodies, then the disease in infants proceeds in a very serious form.
What does the pathology look like?
Herpes on the pubis looks like a small vesicle rash, the elements of which can be either grouped or single. Bubbles reach a diameter of 4 mm. Elements of the rash are located on the reddened and swollen base and are localized in the perineum, the skin around the anus, as well as on the mucous membrane of the organs of the genitourinary system. Not many people know what genital herpes looks like.
The appearance of vesicles is caused by symptoms such as fever, headache, general malaise, and sleep disturbance. The lymph nodes in the groin swell and become painful. The initial signs of the disease are especially pronounced in patients who have not previously had herpes, since their body lacks antibodies to the virus.
Symptoms
In most cases, the virus does not manifest itself for a long period of time. If a person has not been previously infected, the incubation period of the virus will be at least one week. In women, the virus appears in the uterine neck, vagina, and also the urethra. After infection, the carriage of the virus will be lifelong. The course of the disease is recurrent in nature and, as a rule, becomes chronic.
Provocative factors
The main causes of external manifestations of herpes on the pubis can be the following factors:
- Decreased immune properties of the body of a temporary or permanent nature. Various autoimmune pathologies, including HIV.
- Overheating of the body or its hypothermia.
- Acute respiratory infections, diabetes mellitus and other related pathologies.
- Medical interventions, including the introduction of spirals into the uterine cavity, as well as abortion.
Under the influence of these factors, the prodromal development of pathology occurs, which is called pre-illness. At the initial stage, itching, burning and pain develops at the site of the rash. After some time, the viral lesion becomes covered with vesicles. What is the treatment for herpes pubis?
General recommendations
The nutrition of patients on the background of genital herpes does not have strict restrictions. It should be balanced and complete, supplemented with vitamins and a large amount of protein. During the period of exacerbation, it is necessary to avoid fried foods, giving preference to baking and stewing, as well as steaming. Vegetable dishes and dairy products will also be very useful during this period. In addition, patients are advised to drink as much fluid as possible.
Therapy duration
The intensity and duration of the treatment of herpes on the pubis in men and women directly depends on the severity of the manifestations and form of the virus. The venereologist assesses the condition of the patient and determines the therapeutic regimen based on the collected medical history and examination. Do not start self-medication, as this can have unpredictable consequences. An important step in the appointment of treatment for herpes is immunography, which allows you to assess the state of the body's defense system.
During the course of therapy, the patient is recommended to use barrier contraceptives or completely abandon sexual activity before recovery. The survey is conducted with both partners, which eliminates the likelihood of relapse.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment involves taking the following groups of drugs:
- Local antiviral drugs.
- Antiviral drugs for systemic exposure.
- Immunomodulators, interferons.
- Drugs to eliminate symptoms, namely painkillers and antipyretics.
The most popular substance that has a pronounced effect on the herpes virus is Acyclovir, which is widely used in medical practice.
What helps Acyclovir? We will answer this question further.
Features of the use of "Acyclovir"
The most prescribed drugs for the treatment of genital herpes are acyclovir-based products. If the immunogram values are within normal values, the drug is prescribed in a dosage of 1 gram per day. This dose is divided into five doses, and the duration of treatment is at least 10 days or until the external manifestations of the virus are eliminated.
If the patient has severe immunodeficiency or damage to the rectum, the dosage doubles and amounts to 2 grams per day. It is advisable to start treatment as early as possible, as this will reduce the duration of the course. The prodromal period or the first day of the rash is the best time to start treatment.
From what "Acyclovir" helps, it is indicated in the instructions. To eliminate the recurring form of pathology, "Acyclovir" is used in a suppressive regimen, suggesting 0.8 grams per day. In this case, taking the drug will be one month, and sometimes multi-year courses are required. Prophylactic administration of the drug makes it possible to prevent relapse.
The most popular drugs
The most popular drugs based on acyclovir are Zovirax, Acyclovir, Herperax, Provirsan and others. Contraindications for taking these drugs are intolerance to their components, as well as renal failure. They can be taken during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in childhood. At the initial stage of the development of the virus, it is also allowed to use 5% cream based on acyclovir. It can be used several times a day for one week.
Herpes on the pubis during pregnancy
It is generally accepted that pregnancy cannot trigger the activation of the herpes virus. Some scholars disagree with this view.
If a woman is a carrier of HSV, then in most cases pregnancy and childbirth occur without consequences. Herpes treatment is prescribed only in case of external manifestations of a systemic disease, for example, hepatitis, meningitis and others. Similar complications are characteristic of women who first became infected with the virus while carrying a child. Treatment, as a rule, involves taking the “Acyclovir” described above.
If timely treatment is not done, viral cells can penetrate the placental barrier and infect the fetus. Against the background of such a lesion, malformations occur in the first trimester, then the mucous membranes, skin, eyes, brain and liver of the unborn child become infected. In this case, a frozen pregnancy can be ascertained.
HSV increases the risk of preterm delivery. A child born to a mother with an active virus may have cholioretinitis, microcephaly, and microophthalmia.
If the virus is in an inactive phase, then natural birth is allowed, without a cesarean section. Rashes in the genital area are a reason for refusing a natural birth. If a woman does not have antibodies to herpes, she is recommended to use "Acyclovir" at the planning stage of pregnancy to avoid transmission of the virus to the baby.
Activation of the virus in the prenatal period can lead to placental abruption, as well as weak labor. Such a patient requires increased medical attention. Doctors recommend checking for antibodies to the herpes virus in preparation for conception.