There are viruses that, once in the body, remain in it for life. These include herpes, which is divided into the 1st and 2nd types. In this article, we will consider what genital herpes is , the causes of its appearance and treatment methods . Treatment involves reducing and preventing relapses; it is impossible to get rid of the “infection” forever.
Pathogen
Herpes virus is very common. He is not afraid of high temperature (up to 50 degrees), and he remains viable for several hours on various surfaces. The causative agent lives in a latent form in the nervous system and manifests itself when favorable conditions occur.
Primary infection of the herpes virus type 2 is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes of the genitals, in newborns, the infection spreads throughout the body. Relapses of the disease have a less burdened history and heal more quickly.
Genital herpes : causes
The photos show what the clinical picture of the disease looks like. The source of infection is a human virus carrier with clinical manifestations. When transmitting the virus, the clinic may not have a disease.
People become infected through sexual contact, as well as in utero or during childbirth. Intrauterine transmission of infection can occur:
- from the vagina - the ascending path;
- through the placenta - transplantally;
- from the small pelvis to the fetus through the fallopian tubes - transovarially.
If the pathogen is in a latent state in the body, then with any decrease in immunity, genital herpes appears. The reasons for this are that favorable conditions arise and the virus activates.
Symptoms
At the initial infection, the incubation period is from two to fourteen days. The infection is characterized by:
- general malaise;
- weakness
- fever;
- itching and burning in the genital area;
- headache;
- soreness and swelling in the affected area.
After a few days, small vesicles appear in the painful areas, which are filled with a clear liquid. Then they burst, and in their place there are sores that are tightened with a crust.
With relapses, the temperature remains normal or rises slightly, the affected areas itch, become covered with blisters, then ulcers and crusts. Almost all patients note a general malaise in cases when genital herpes is manifested. The causes of this condition lie in the body’s struggle with an activated virus.
Diagnostics
To confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the clinical picture of the disease and take tests. To detect the virus in newborns, serodiagnostics is used, during which the growth of the titer of class G immunoglobulins is determined. The same study is conducted by pregnant women, whose tests for the detection of pathogen antibodies are negative. In some laboratories, the pathogen is isolated from the contents of the vesicles by seeding material on special media.
Treatment
Genital herpes, the causes of which may be different, never disappears from the body. He can lie low, "fall asleep." But as soon as the opportunity presents itself, it will certainly prove itself, therefore it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. Local forms of the disease are treated with antiviral ointments, for example, Acyclovir. Local treatment is supplemented by taking tablets or intravenous infusions of drugs.
In the article, we examined what genital herpes is, causes, treatment of the disease, and more. The best prevention of genital herpes is the responsibility of choosing a partner or using condoms. If the disease still catches up, you need to constantly work on immunity: take vitamins, avoid hypothermia, eat right and varied.