|
|
|
HerpesGenital Herpes Overview 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. As many as 50 million Americans are infected with genital herpes, with 1 million new infections each year. As many as 80-90% of those infected fail to recognize herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all. The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many sexual partners. Genital Herpes Causes Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same. 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. It is not clear whether these people never had an initial herpes outbreak or whether they never noticed a mild infection. They are contagious and may have additional outbreaks, nonetheless. 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. Location In men, herpes sores (lesions) usually appear on or around the penis. In women, the lesions may be visible outside the vagina, but they commonly occur inside the vagina where they can cause discomfort or vaginal discharge but cannot be seen except during a doctor's examination. The ulcers or blisters may also be found anywhere around the genitals (the perineum) and in and around the anus. First outbreak The first herpes outbreak is usually the most painful, and the initial episode may last longer than later outbreaks. Some people develop other signs of herpes infection, particularly with the first episode. Muscle aches Headaches (may be severe) Vaginal discharge or painful urination Swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin (glands swell as the body tries to fight the infection) Later outbreaks If the disease returns, later outbreaks generally have much less severe symptoms. 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. Later outbreaks rarely need immediate medical attention. If you have had a herpes outbreak before, discuss options for preventing further outbreaks with your doctor. People with severe underlying medical problems (particularly HIV or AIDS) are at higher risk of severe illness if the disease is untreated. They should contact their doctors immediately upon noticing genital herpes sores. A pregnant woman with signs or symptoms of genital herpes must inform her doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical therapy may reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to newborn children by exposure in the birth canal. In otherwise healthy people, genital herpes outbreaks rarely require hospital visits. If you are experiencing an initial episode of herpes and cannot be seen by your regular doctor within the first few days of the illness, go to a hospital's emergency department to have medical treatment started. Some people can become quite ill from herpes infections. If you have a high fever, severe headache, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, go to the hospital for evaluation. People with severe medical illnesses (particularly HIV or AIDS) may become very ill from herpes infections. The herpes virus may quickly spread to the brain, lungs, and other organs. If this is your situation, seek prompt medical attention for herpes outbreaks. Go to a hospital if there is any sign of illness other than sores on the genitals. 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 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. Oral Herpes Overview Oral herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus causes painful sores on your lips, gums, tongue, roof of your mouth, and inside your cheeks. It also can cause symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. The herpes simplex virus affects only humans. Mouth sores most commonly occur in children aged 1-2 years, but they can affect people at any age and any time of the year. People contract herpes by touching infected saliva, mucous membranes, or skin. Because the virus is highly contagious, most people have been infected by at least 1 herpes subtype before adulthood. After the herpes virus infects you, it has a rather unique ability to proceed to 3 stages. Primary infection: The virus enters your skin or mucous membrane and reproduces. During this stage, oral sores and other symptoms, such as fever, may develop. The virus may not cause any sores and symptoms. You may not know that you have it. This is called asymptomatic infection. Asymptomatic infection occurs twice as often as the disease with symptoms. Latency: From the infected site, the virus moves to a mass of nervous tissue in your spine called the dorsal root ganglion. There the virus reproduces again and becomes inactive. Recurrence: When you encounter certain stresses, emotional or physical, the virus may reactivate and cause new sores and symptoms. Oral Herpes Causes Herpes simplex is a DNA virus that causes sores in and around your mouth. Two herpes subtypes may cause these sores. Herpes simplex virus, type 1 or herpes-1, which causes 80% of cases of oral herpes infections Herpes simplex virus, type 2 or herpes-2, which causes the rest. Oral Herpes Symptoms Incubation period: For oral herpes, the amount of time between contact with the virus and the appearance of symptoms, the incubation period, is 2-12 days. Most people average about 4 days. Duration of illness: Signs and symptoms will last 2-3 weeks. Fever, tiredness, muscle aches, and irritability may occur. Pain, burning, tingling, or itching occurs at the infection site before the sores appear. Then clusters of blisters erupt. These blisters break down rapidly and, when seen, appear as tiny, shallow, gray ulcers on a red base. A few days later, they become crusted or scabbed and appear drier and more yellow Oral sores: The most intense pain caused by these sores occurs at the onset and make eating and drinking difficult. The sores may occur on the lips, the gums, the front of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the throat, and the roof of the mouth. They may also extend down the chin and neck. The gums may become mildly swollen and red and may bleed. Neck lymph nodes often swell and become painful. In people in their teens and 20s, herpes may cause a painful throat with shallow ulcers and a grayish coating on the tonsils. When to Seek Medical Care When to call the doctor Because the sores are painful, you may have difficulty eating or drinking. To prevent dehydration, call your doctor as soon as you cannot eat or drink. Call your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms, which suggest dehydration, occur: A decrease in urination (fewer wet diapers in infants) Drowsiness Irritability Dry mouth Call your doctor if you or your children are not sure what the sores are. If your child is younger than 6 weeks, notify your doctor when sores appear. Severe infection or disease complications occur more commonly in infants. For instance, besides affecting the mouth, the herpes simplex virus may go to the brain and produce damage. People whose immune systems are weakened should also call their doctor when sores appear. Your immune system protects you from infection or fights infection. If your system is weakened, you are more likely to have severe infection or disease complication. When to go to the hospital Signs and symptoms of dehydration may warrant going to a hospital’s emergency department. Oral Herpes Treatment Self-Care at Home Use acetaminophen (Feverall, Panadol, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Excedrin, Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin) for fever and muscle aches. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. 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. 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. |
|
| Copyright © Think Aromatherapy 2008 | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |
