Herpes

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. It cannot be cured, only controlled.

Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms themselves of active infection. Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes. Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes. Note: People with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that people with herpes can transmit infection even while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be seen. Many people remember having an episode of genital herpes. But as many as 90% of those infected fail to recognize the symptoms or have no symptoms at all.  Genital Herpes Symptoms Signs of herpes tend to develop within 3-7 days of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Herpes infections look like small blisters or ulcers (round areas of broken skin) on the genitals. Each blister or ulcer is typically only 1-3 millimeters in size, and the blisters or ulcers tend to be grouped into "crops." Usually the blisters form first then soon open to form ulcers. Herpes infections may be painless or slightly tender. In some people, however, the blisters or ulcers can be very tender and painful.

Many people with recurrent disease develop pain in the area of the infection even before any blisters or ulcers can be seen. This pain is due to irritation and inflammation of the nerves leading to the infected area of skin. These are signs that an outbreak is about to start. You are particularly contagious during this period, even though the skin still appears normal.

When to Seek Medical Care: With an initial outbreak, if you have signs or symptoms of a genital herpes infection, you should seek the care of a doctor as soon as possible, particularly if you have never been diagnosed with herpes before. Although genital herpes infections generally are not emergencies, treatment is more effective when it is started within the first few days of the outbreak.

Self-Care at Home: Avoid excessive heat or sunlight, which makes the irritation more uncomfortable. Do not use perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorant, or douches. Wear more comfortable, loose cotton clothing. For pain, you may take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil). Cool cloths on the affected area may soothe the pain.

Essential oil Treatments:

Some essential oils can be effective for treating genital herpes especially if they are applied immediately at the first signs of an eruption.

Mix a few drops of either Bergamot essential oil, Lavender essential oil or Tea Tree essential oil in isopropyl alcohol base in a ratio of 6 drops of essential oil to 5mls of alcohol. Add to 1 litre of boiled and cooled water before using this as a local wash.

If blisters break out essential oils can be effective for treating the blisters especially if they are applied immediately at the first signs of an eruption. Mix a few drops of either Bergamot essential oil, Lavender essential oil or Tea Tree essential oil in isopropyl alcohol base in a ratio of 6 drops of essential oil to 5mls of alcohol.

Alternatively use Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil neat onto the area. Frequent dabbing with the alcohol solution alternated with Lavender essential oil can often help to heal the blisters.

Mix a few drops of either Bergamot essential oil, Lavender essential oil or Tea Tree essential oil in isopropyl alcohol base in a ratio of 6 drops of essential oil to 5mls of alcohol. For best results use two or more from the essential oils listed. Alternatively use Lavender or Tea Tree essential oil neat onto the area. Frequent dabbing with the alcohol solution alternated with Lavender essential oil can often help to heal the blisters. Both forms of herpes can erupt more if the sufferer is under stress and so massage or baths with anti depressant and de-stressing essential oils can help.