How to Treat Herpes

Herpes Articles

Genital Herpes or Vaginal Pimples? Not Sure What It Is?

by Leave a Comment

vaginal pimplesCan you treat vaginal pimples at home? Yes. Can you treat genital herpes at home? Well, that is half of a yes. You can treat herpes at home provided that the medication comes from a doctor. Vaginal pimples are acne types. You will tend to them but not squeezing or popping them is the golden rule.

Treating vaginal herpes is similar to how you deal with facial pimples. However, if complications happen like an infection, the treatment may change. Severe acne infection needs antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

If a woman spotted or felt something in her genital but not sure what it is or how to treat it, then it should be verified by a doctor. A doctor can diagnose and give the proper medicine. It is not advisable to act on speculation when medication is involved as the best treatments are never effective on ailments they were not made for. It is like taking an aspirin to treat venereal disease.

Genital herpes is caused by HSV or herpes simplex virus and is transmitted to contact with mucous covered linings of the genital skin as well as the mouth. This virus enters the linings through microscopic tears. It goes to the nerve roots near the spinal cord and stays there forever. Once you are exposed, there is an incubation period that can last up to a week before lesions start to develop. Initially, there may be no symptoms and the virus cannot be transmitted. An outbreak usually begins within 14 days on initial infection. Symptoms may include itching, redness, tingling, followed by a blister. Small blisters are filled with fluid and they are usually found on the vulva or vagina entrance known as vesicles. When the vesicles rapture, ulcers can happen. Other possible symptoms are pain during urination and inflammation on the urethra.

True, no cure for herpes has been made so far but there are treatments that can control genital herpes symptoms effectively. Some of them are Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, and Acyclovir.

Pain Relief Remedies

Take a warm bath and pat the area to dry. Do not force yourself the skin is sore. You can use a hair dryer and set it to a comfortable blast.

To prevent chaffing, wear loose cotton garments.

Use cornstarch to keep skin dry.

To ease discomfort, you can use ice pack or cool compress.

You can take Ibuprofen or Aspirin for pain and fever.

Vaginal Pimples

Pimples are the result of an infected sebaceous gland. Pimple is a regular problem among teenagers, especially at puberty stage.

If you are sure that it is not genital herpes and it is vaginal pimples, then you do not have to see a doctor assuming that you are not depressed. Some people having bad acne problems get depressed that make them shy away from the problem. This is the point where a doctor needs to intervene.

Although you can treat vaginal pimples easily, it can be awkward getting to them. You may use the mirror to find vaginal bumps. However, there is no assurance that it will reflect them if they are hidden behind pubic hair. Therefore you have to use your fingers to search them.

To get rid of a pimple, you use soap and water. You can also use antiseptic cream to prevent infection. The most effective way for betting your health is to consult with a doctor.

Herpes Simplex Virus – Seven Myths and Facts

by Leave a Comment

herpes simplex virus myths and factsHaving herpes simplex virus or blisters in America is not a new thing. Around 85 million people have suffered from this disease at some point in their lives. Interestingly, most of them had this disease when there were less than 3 years of age. Herpes spreads fast because whenever a baby is kissed by his or her relatives, the virus automatically transmits on the skin.

You have seen how easy it is to get infected by herpes? This is why it is so popular. When something is popular, it is not surprising that people are debating over it. This debate usually gives birth to some myths, which should be clarified through educating people with facts as eliminating myths is important for protecting ourselves. In this short article, we will talk about 7 myths and facts regarding herpes.

Myth: Herpes simplex virus only attacks certain types of people.

Fact: There are no such certain types of people who are targeted by herpes virus. It is very common and it can happen to anyone.

Myth: It only infects people who do not keep themselves clean or not having personal hygiene.

Fact: Herpes virus has nothing to do with dirt or cleanliness. Herpes can attack anyone who is sexually active.

Myth: Herpes that occur on mouth are not the same as the sores in genital area.

Fact: Both these cold sores are actually the same. The cold sores on the mouth get transmitted to the genital area through oral or genital sex. This is the one of the main causes of genital herpes.

Myth: People will know that they are currently having herpes.

Fact: This is an insane myth as it does not allow people to realize that they are already having it. It is not important that you come to know when you are suffering from herpes. Around 80% of people do not even know that have herpes as there are mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Myth: Herpes passes through blood.

Fact: This is not true as herpes is not something that lives in the blood. Whether it is oral or genital herpes, it will pass through direct skin contact.

Myth 6: A cervical smear test or STI check is done for diagnosing herpes only.

Fact: Routine sexual health checks and cervical smear tests are not for diagnosing herpes. Tests for diagnosing herpes are done only when a person has some symptoms of herpes.

Myth: People who had or are having herpes cannot have kids.

Fact: Herpes simplex virus does not affect that fertility of a man or woman. On the other hand, sometimes the disease may pass to the infant but it is rare and can be prevented by informing the doctor that you or your partner carrier herpes before the delivery.

All About Herpes Zoster

by Leave a Comment

herpes zoster
Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is an infection resulting from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that affects peripheral or cranial nerves and usually occurs years after primary infection with the varicella (chickenpox) virus or receipt of the live, attenuated varicella vaccine

The disease manifests as painful cutaneous eruptions over a single dermatome or two or more contiguous dermatomes; they are invariably unilateral and do not cross the midline. These eruptions are most commonly distributed on the thorax but can appear anywhere on the body. In some cases, cranial nerves supplying the eyes, ears, and face are involved, resulting in complicated presentations with potentially severe sequelae

The herpes zoster vaccine reduces the risk of developing the infection and reduces the severity and duration of the disease, as well as its most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia

Antiviral therapy hastens resolution of the disease and can prevent associated complications; pain medications lessen disability

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles or zoster, is a reactivated VZV infection of the sensory nerve ganglion and the peripheral nerve and its branches. Inflammation of the nerve axons results in a painful, burning sensation on the affected dermatome(s) being supplied by the peripheral nerve. Vesicular eruptions on skin of the involved dermatome are also present.

Causes

The causative agent of herpes zoster, VZV, is a linear, double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) genome enclosed in a protein envelope. After a bout of illness with the primary infection (chickenpox), the virus lies dormant in the sensory nerve ganglion until reactivated. The process of reactivation is not entirely understood, but some of the associated risk factors are listed below.

Risk factors

Advanced age (the older the patient, the higher the risk)

In elderly patients or when cellular immunity becomes compromised, the level of T-cell function decreases until it falls below a threshold that is associated with inadequate containment of VZV reactivation and the subsequent development of herpes zoster

Immunocompromise due to disease or use of immunosuppressive medications

Cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, organ or bone marrow transplantation, and chronic intake of immunosuppressive medications predispose patients to have poor cell-mediated immunity and, thus, develop herpes zoster

Immunocompromised patients are 20 times more likely to develop herpes zoster than immunocompetent patients. They are also more likely to have more diffuse involvement, severe skin lesions, increased severity and duration of pain, and atypical manifestations

Emotional and psychological stress

Emotional stress, such as bereavement, may be associated with the development of herpes zoster within 6 months after the stressful life event

Long-term stress may alter the immune system, and specific VZV cellular immunity is lower among adults with major depression

Mechanical trauma

Believed to stimulate the nervous system, thus triggering reactivation of dormant VZV in the dorsal root ganglion

White race

Female gender

Facts about Genital Herpes in Women

by Leave a Comment

womenGenital herpes is an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) caused by the herpes simplex virus or HSV.

HSV causes genital herpes by entering the skin or mucous membranes through microscopic breaks in the skin and mucous membranes.

Genital herpes can be transmitted by any kind of sexual intercourse within the genitalia.

When symptoms are present, they may include painful blisters and/or ulcers in the genital area, itching, burning or tingling sensations in the skin and some individuals may develop fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes; symptoms come and go over the person’s lifetime.

The diagnosis is usually carried out by recognizing the changes in the skin in the genitalia but viral cultures and genetic amplification of herpes simplex virus genome material and other types of tests can be done.

There is no cure for genital herpes.

Anti-viral medications are applied to lessen the frequency and severity of the outbreaks.

Some home remedies may help reduce symptom severity, but provide no cure.

Oral medications are used during pregnancy. You should consult your OB/GYN prior to taking any oral medication when you are pregnant.

The prognosis of genital herpes is fair; there is no cure, and the recurrent outbreaks may vary in frequency and severity.

The prevention of genital herpes is difficult. Wearing condoms during sexual contact may prevent spreading the diseases but not in parts of the skin that is not covered by condom or during oral of genital contact. Clothes that touch genital herpes may spread HSV to other individuals that wear the clothes.

Can I Still Get Genital Herpes If I Wear A Condom?

by Leave a Comment

contraceptives

If you are a sexually active individual who carries HSV-2 or genital herpes, then there are some things that you should learn about its transmission. This article will provide some information to protect your sex partner and prevent the virus from spreading to other people.

HSV is transmitted through skin contact. Herpes is not a blood borne virus, it remains inactive in the nervous system, and when activated it will develop to the skin area. This is known as herpes episode. Herpes outbreaks appear in the form of sores or blisters. They can develop in the vagina, scrotum, hips, thighs, butt, and lower back. Herpes sores can be big enough to see, but sometimes they are also small and hard to see.

Now that you know what genital herpes episode is, you need to know that the answer to the question is YES. You can still acquire genital herpes even if you put on your condom. You can still get herpes even if the infected person has no visible indications.

If you are in a relationship with a person who has genital herpes, then both of you should talk about it seriously. You need to go to the doctor to seek medical assistance. While condoms can reduce the risk of acquiring herpes, it is not a surefire way to prevent it. In order to protect yourself, your sex partner should commit to taking her daily treatment. There are studies that revealed using condoms combined with suppressive medication will lessen your risk up to 2 to 5 percent.

The best way to do is to consult a doctor. Your partner should not be embarrassed about her condition and she should deal with it on her own to prevent further infections. The doctor will diagnose her condition and provide several treatments to eliminate herpes.

Genital Herpes and Warts? What’s the Difference?

by Leave a Comment

warts herpes

It is important to know the similarities and differences between genital herpes and warts. If you know their similarities and differences, then you will be able to identify which condition you have and treat it properly.

Warts and genital herpes are both caused by virus. HPV or human papilloma virus causes warts while HSV or herpes simplex virus causes herpes. Herpes is classified into two types and genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 virus.

Genital Warts

HPV can be found in different types and one type of such virus causes genital warts. There are some warts in the genital area that are hardly noticeable. If you are sexually active, then you are very prone to the HPV virus. Both men and women can acquire this virus. The human body has natural defense mechanism to clear genital warts. However, if the infection repeats very often, then proper medications should be applied.

Women with recurring genital warts are prone to cervical cancer. By consulting a doctor, you can have an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will provide a variety of choices to eliminate the warts.

Genital Herpes

Sexually active individuals with no protection are prone to acquire genital herpes. As mentioned above, this condition is caused by HSV-2. It is very important to know the symptoms of genital herpes.

Genital herpes is tricky as the virus remains inactive in body even when you have it, and then there will be outbreaks. If you notice blisters in your genital area and you are feeling ill at the same time, then you might have HSV-2. Other symptoms are itching and burning sensation. Stress can cause genital herpes and if you had the virus previously, then outbreaks can occur faster. There are many treatments available for genital herpes but many infected people are embarrassed to seek medical help.

Both viruses target the genital area. Most of the times, they can affect the urethra, cervix, and anal area depending on the severity of the infection. Genital warts and herpes should not be ignored, especially in women. Do not think about the embarrassment or humiliation. Deal with genital warts and herpes as it may lead to further infection. Seek for medical help so that the doctor can prepare the treatment for you. The doctor will recommend some treatment to eliminate the condition.

Aside from oral medicines and topical creams, there are other treatments for both conditions. More intrusive methods are laser removal and surgical process.

There are the main similarities and differences between genital herpes and warts. Now that you know the facts, you do not have to wonder what condition you have. Consult with a doctor if you notice any symptoms and for more accurate diagnosis.

Here is a video from YouTube explaining the difference between warts and herpes:

Testing for Herpes – Why is it so Important?

by Leave a Comment

testing for herpes
Performing a simple blood test

Herpes is a virus that most people are not aware of let alone think about it (unless you have suffered from it before). Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that when once contracted, it will stay with you forever and it will keep on coming. Blisters and red sores around the genital area can cause discomfort, distress, and other feverish symptoms. Not to mention the emotional distress when there is an outbreak.

You may be thinking that you are safe even if you did not suffer herpes before? This is quite the opposite fact and one of the most wrong perceptions about herpes. The problem is, many people carry herpes without knowing it or without suffering from it. This makes us think that there is nothing to worry about.

If you unknowingly transmit the virus to a sexual partner who has weak immune system, and suffers multiple outbreaks, then that would be unfair. This is why we should test ourselves for herpes periodically.

The virus is passed through direct skin contact with the infected area. An outbreak can be in a form of cold sore on the labial area (HSV1) or itching and sore in the genitalia (HSV2). Once herpes has been passed to a new person, symptoms may not show or remain dormant, or they could start immediately.

This depends on the susceptibility of the person from the virus and the strength of his or her immune system. When an individual has a weak immune system, then an outbreak can occur. Outbreaks can occur when a person is tired, fatigued, stressed or suffering from other infections like common colds or flu. The frequency of occurrence depends on the person and the strength of immune system.

This is one reason why many people suffer outbreaks every few weeks and some go years without symptoms. For this reason, it is essential to test ourselves from time to time. If you have herpes unknowingly, having knowledge of the symptoms can prepare your from outbreaks and how to handle it. It will also educate sufferers to take measures on how to prevent the virus from passing to another individual. How do you find out if you have herpes or not? Most people will not test for herpes until there are signs and symptoms like red blisters and sores.

Ways to test for herpes:

  • Your physician will schedule a culture test, this will figure out the cause of the symptoms.
  • A blood test can also be done to confirm if you have herpes or not. Note that before a blood test, your doctor may require you to fast for 12 hours. Click here for more information.

In general, testing for herpes helps you understand your condition and prevent future outbreaks and transmission to other individual.

The Importance of Lysine in Fighting Herpes

by Leave a Comment

lysine tablets
Lysine in Tablets

When struggling from herpes, you may have heard about Lysine. But what is lysine by the way? Actually, lysine is very important and it is something that every herpes carrier needs to know. Lysine is an amino acid generated inside the human body, and it is good for the health and wellness. It can also be acquired from local pharmacies, on the internet, and by consuming the right foods, it is generated naturally in our body.

So why does lysine matter? It is a fact that lysine is important not only in preventing herpes outbreaks but also when the outbreak is upon you, it will go away quickly.

This may all sound great, but how does it work? Herpes Simplex Virus is a strand of DNA wrapped by protein shell. This shell has protein known to as L-arginine. Lysine and arginine are attracted with each other and they bind together forming a new protein. In this manner, it destroys the protective shell of the herpes virus, leaving it exposed to the natural defenses of the body. This is the main reason why lysine stops and outbreak quickly and prevents future outbreaks from happening.

Studies have shown that in order for lysine to become effective, herpes carriers are recommended to consume 1200 ml of lysine 3 times a day. On the other hand, if you are not comfortable with tablet medication, you can find other natural foods that you can consume that encourage the body to generate lysine naturally. So what should you eat to maintain a healthy level of lysine on your body? The top 3 foods that are proven to produce lysine naturally on the body are fish, chicken, and turkey.

On the other hand, if you are a vegan, there are still plenty of options available. Some examples are frozen dried parsley, raw seaweed, and raw watercress. You can also try dairy products such as low fat cottage cream, fat free cream, and egg whites.

You can find a lot of meals that you can prepare using the ingredients mentioned above. A simple Google search will give you plenty of ideas for delicious meals or snacks. Inviting your herpes buddies for a meal is a good way to exchange ideas for recipes and menus.

Think about lysine as a secret weapon to combat herpes simplex virus. Either by consuming natural foods that are high in lysine production or by taking tablets, you can equip yourself with the weapon that herpes hates the most, and prevent those outbreaks from occurring.

Find Out If You Have Genital Herpes or Not

by Leave a Comment

find out if you have herpes or notDid you know that one out of four adults who have STD do not know that they have it? The reason they do not know is that their partner who transmitted the disease did not also know or did not tell them. Another reason is the symptoms are very mild or negligible. The first herpes outbreak may only show one blister that looks like an insect bite or a skin problem. It is possible to become aware of the first outbreak years after the disease if acquired.

Because of the after mentioned facts, in every 30 seconds, another individual gets infected with herpes. If these numbers of infections continue to grow at a high rate, it is predicted that in the future, half of the US population will become infected with genital herpes.

This is the main reason why we should answer a very common question. What are the symptoms of herpes? You may already know that this is a common STD but for those who still do not know, then you can research on Google about it.

Most of the times, the first outbreak happens within two weeks after herpes simplex virus has been transmitted. Indications are sores in the genital area or several blisters. Before the sore is visible, the skin becomes very sensitive to touch and there will be an extreme itchiness where the sore will likely to appear. After several days, the actual blisters will show, pushing out from the skin. It is a skin filled with fluid inside.

A herpes sore is very different from other types of infections. As opposed to yeast infection, the itch is not experienced in the vagina and labia area while vaginal impetigo does not hurt. Ingrown hairs that can look like an outbreak but feel more like a skin blemish and are often burst easily.

Aside from these blisters, other symptoms of genital herpes may include a second sores and flu symptoms such as swollen glands and fever. If you do not have such symptoms but you had sex with another person who is a carrier, then the best thing to do is to consult with your doctor and let him or her conduct a blood test to be sure. The doctor can also figure out if you have herpes using different methods aside from blood testing.

Genital Herpes – Preventing Future Outbreaks

by Leave a Comment

prevention is better than cureHerpes sufferers are always worried about futures outbreaks. Those little sores have a high chance of showing their heads again and provide misery and discomfort once again. When outbreaks become more frequent, a snowball effect of despair can turn into an avalanche.

In this post, we will talk about some ways that a sufferer can do to minimize outbreaks and speed up a recovery during an outbreak. We will not go into details about the symptoms of outbreaks, how herpes is transmitted, etc. because any genital herpes sufferer already knows this. What a sufferer needs to know are the measures to take for future prevention.

Many sufferers may not be aware of this, but stress is one of the main causes of outbreaks. This is a classic chicken and egg scenario. We get stressed about herpes and worries when it will show off again. When it appears and disappears, the worry of another outbreak strikes again.

Managing stress can prevent future outbreaks. Some people resort to alcohol for relaxation. On the other hand, alcohol has negative effect to the immune system. This will only trigger another outbreak. Smoking has also a similar outcome. It releases many toxins into the blood streams, which compromises the immune system. If you are feeling stressed, then try to minimize or stop alcohol and cigarette.

Also when feeling stressed, turn that negative energy to something constructive. You should do something that will put a smile on your face. A relaxing music, good soak in the tub, nice long walk, dim lighting, etc. Whatever it is, deal with your stress in a positive way to prevent outbreaks.

It is proven that daily intake of lysine can also help prevent future outbreaks. This element destroys the protective shell of herpes, which prevents the virus from attacking the immune system. Lysine is also effective in reducing the time frame of outbreaks. If taking lysine is not comfortable with you, there are other great foods that can help you produce it naturally.

Not a workout person? Then working out at the gym is very beneficial for preventing herpes outbreak. You can divert your negative feelings into workout that in return generates endorphins in the brain ad positive substances that naturally make you feel happy and boost your moral. The benefit of regular working can strengthen the immune system and wards of herpes!

However, this does not mean that you become some sort of a super athlete. That would be silly. But the benefits of working out are numerous aside from herpes off and fighting stress.