How is genital herpes treated? Genital herpes: causes, symptoms, how and how to treat

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Genital herpes is a type of herpes infection. There are eight known varieties. The causative agent of the disease is a virus. It is found in the body of almost every person living on earth. People who do not find pathogens are only 10%.

For most people, this virus dorms all their lives in the nerve nodes located near the spinal cord. It does not manifest itself in any way until a failure occurs in the human immune system. Primary infection is usually caused by HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus). When the disease recurs, HSV-2 is activated.

Genital herpes is more common in women, although men sometimes suffer from the disease as well. Usually, sores affect the genitals, the areas adjacent to them, and the anus. Rarely, genital herpes appears directly on the perineum, cervix, and ovaries. The damage caused by the virus to the ovaries and uterus can be severe. Genital herpes often leads to infertility and sometimes death of a woman.

Unlike everyday herpes, genital herpes is transmitted only through sexual contact. Oral-genital, oral-anal, genital-oral communications with strangers are especially dangerous, although classical unprotected contact with a patient can also lead to infection. The use of condoms does not eliminate, but reduces the risk of infection by about half.

How does the infection take place

In addition to the sexual transmission of genital herpes, infection is possible when the child passes through the birth canal during childbirth or the fetus through the placenta of a sick mother. In some cases, human infection can occur in the absence of sexual intercourse. Infection in this case is the result of non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene, when with dirty hands a person transfers the virus from his lips to his genitals.

The virus, which once entered the body through microtrauma to the skin and mucous membrane of the genital organs, remains in the body for life. A person with good immunity, leading a correct lifestyle, may not know about the presence of the virus in himself and will not get acquainted with the clinical signs of the disease. However, with factors favorable for infection (severe fatigue, stress, hypothermia, colds, overheating in the sun, mental and physical injuries, prolonged alcohol intoxication, hormonal changes), the virus becomes active and the disease worsens.

The most serious complication is newborn herpes, when the infection of the baby passes from the mother during childbirth. The likelihood of transmitting the herpes virus to the newborn increases if the mother becomes infected in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Infection in newborns can cause serious damage to the baby's nervous system, blindness and even death. If it was found that during pregnancy in the expectant mother the herpes infection entered the active phase, then delivery by cesarean section is recommended in order to avoid the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

Reasons for the development of genital (genital) herpes

Symptoms of the disease do not always appear externally. But their absence does not make the disease safe: a person infected with the virus is always dangerous for sexual partners. Any contact with the skin of an infected person can cause illness in his partner. Particularly susceptible to the virus are:

Mucous membranes located in the mouth.
The genitals.
The area adjacent to the anus is the anus itself.

That is why infection is possible with oral, genital, and anal sex. A partner with herpetic sores on the lips easily transfers the infection to the partner's genitals during oral sex.

At-risk groups

The spread of the disease is directly related to the socialization of people.

Risk factors can be:

Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
A large number of sexual (familiar or unfamiliar) partners.
It has been statistically proven that exactly half of the women carrying the virus are unmarried.
Low social standard of living, lack of normal conditions, adequate nutrition.

Genital herpes can become even more dangerous, because the symptoms of the disease do not always appear during the initial infection. The disease can also proceed in a latent form, in which all symptoms are absent. Sometimes they are present, but they appear so weak that the sick person simply does not pay attention to them. But, regardless of the presence of symptoms, sexual contact with an infected person in most cases leads to infection.

The body of any person tries to resist the disease. However, the fight against the genital virus becomes useless if a person:

is in a state of chronic fatigue;
experiences prolonged stress - emotional, mental, physical;
injured during sexual intercourse;
suffers from reduced immunity;
increase the risk of genital infection by having intercourse during menstruation.

Diagnostics of the genital herpes

In some cases, to diagnose herpes with pronounced symptoms, a visual examination of the patient is sufficient. The appearance of a blistering rash in the genital area, accompanied by itching, burning and pain is a reliable indicator of herpes. However, obtaining confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out in laboratory conditions by sampling material directly from the site of the rash. To detect the presence of a virus, scraping is carried out from the cervix, from the urethra or rectum, taking into account the lesion. For the diagnosis of antibodies in the absence of characteristic symptoms, the test material is the patient's blood.

Herpes often occurs in conjunction with a number of other genital infections. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is made after testing for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis, AIDS and other infections.

Types of genital (genital) herpes

There are 4 types of genital infection, depending on how it manifests itself and who is affected:

If a person who has never been in contact with patients (or carriers of the virus), who does not have antibodies in the blood, becomes infected for the first time, the first type of clinical manifestations of genital herpes is isolated.
When there are antibodies to the virus in the blood, but for the first time there is an infection with genital (genital) herpes, the second type of clinical manifestations is distinguished.
Recurrent (reactivated infection) is the third type.
Experts call asymptomatic manifestations the fourth type of clinical manifestations.

Each episode has its own clinical picture and its own primary symptoms.

From this point of view, genital herpes is:

Typical.
Atypical.
Asymptomatic (virus carrier is equated to it).

Sometimes it is difficult to determine which clinical picture is present in this moment from a woman. Washington doctors, who have been studying the disease for many years, believe that with primary infection, there are necessarily three of the following symptoms:

Extragenital (external, not related to the genitals) - nausea, pain in muscles, joints, headache, sometimes fever.
Rashes, redness in the genital area that last for at least 10 days.
Painful genital eruptions.
The defeat of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nose, skin of the buttocks, palms, etc.

Symptoms of a primary herpes infection

Symptoms usually appear 3–8 days after unprotected sex with an infected partner. In women, the skin turns red, swells in the vulva, perineum, anus, vagina. Vesicles (watery blisters) develop on the hyperemic skin, which later turn into open sores. After a few days, they become covered with a purulent yellow bloom. The skin in this place becomes sensitive, women complain of unbearable burning sensation, exhausting itching, and sometimes pain in the area of the rash.

More severe manifestations may also occur: increased urination, heaviness in the abdomen (below), headache, nausea, or fever. Usually pronounced symptoms disappear after a month. The disease becomes latent.

Symptoms of recurrent genital (genital) herpes

If a woman has had primary genital herpes, there is a 70% chance that she will develop recurrent symptoms. Depending on how often the exacerbation occurs, the forms of severity of the disease are distinguished:

With mild symptoms, symptoms appear every few years.
With an average - up to 6 times a year.
In severe cases - every month.

Symptoms of a recurrent illness can manifest in:

Damage to vesicles or ulcers of the skin of the face, trunk.
Gingivitis, stomatitis.
Eye lesions.

Usually, these symptoms of genital herpes disappear as soon as the sores are localized on the genitals.

Depending on how genital herpes proceeds, doctors distinguish between:

Arrhythmic type of flow. In this case, periods of remission / exacerbation appear at different intervals: from 3 weeks to six months.
The monotonous type is characterized by approximately the same time intervals between exacerbations / remissions. Usually, signs of genital herpes appear every 3-4 months.
Fading differs in that the periods of remission in women are becoming longer, and the symptoms are becoming less noticeable.

Symptoms of atypical forms of genital herpes

With atypical genital herpes, not only the skin and mucous membranes are affected, but also (this is especially dangerous) the appendages, the woman's uterus. Usually, an atypical disease develops as a consequence of recurrent herpes, although in some cases a primary infection is sufficient to damage internal organs. With an atypical infection, signs of genital herpes can only appear:

in strong, fatal leucorrhoea (unusual vaginal discharge);
in almost invisible vesicles;
intolerable itching, intense burning sensation, which bother the woman.

At the first stage, genital herpes affects the external genitals, at the second - the urethra, cervix, vagina, at the third (most severe) - the bladder, appendages, uterus.

Advanced genital herpes can be accompanied by severe symptoms:

Acute urinary retention.
Nervous and mental abnormalities - irritability, drowsiness, or, on the contrary, excitability, depression or depression.
Headache.
A general weakness.

Relapses can be caused by:

Mental or physical fatigue.
Regular hypothermia.
Flu, respiratory or other infections.
Chronic diseases that weaken the immune system.

Treatment

When deciding how to treat herpes, the choice is made in favor of etiotropic and immunocorrective drugs.

Stage 1 - treatment of an acute condition

Acyclovir is the main drug for the treatment of acute and recurrent forms of genital herpes. It has a potent etiotropic effect, activating inside infected cells and inhibiting viral DNA polymerase. Acyclovir has very low toxicity to normal cells. The course of treatment includes enteral administration of acyclovir capsules. In patients with primary acute infection and in patients with manifestations of herpes infection in immunodeficiency states of various etiologies, the dose can be doubled.

Since it is necessary to treat herpes with the obligatory use of ointments and creams, it is recommended to use 5% Acyclovir cream, which is applied to the affected skin and mucous membranes. As a local therapy, Tebrofen is also used in the form of 2 or 3% ointment, Interferon ointment and others. The peculiarity of the appointment of local antiviral ointments is the frequency of application to the affected areas (at least 5-6 times a day).

At the same time, on the basis of indications, antibiotic therapy can be implemented, since it is more difficult to treat a patient with a secondarily infected banal flora. Indisputable appointment at this stage of inducers of interferon (neovir, rheoferon, dibazol), natural antioxidants (vitamins E and C). With a pronounced exudative component, prostaglandin inhibitors (indomethacin) are used.

Stage 2 - treatment of genital herpes in remission

Reducing the main clinical manifestations, the main goal is to prepare the patient for vaccine therapy. Shown good nutrition, compliance with the regime of rest and work, sanitation of chronic foci of infection. In view of the violation of various links of immunity, which persist in the remission phase, it is advisable to use adaptogens of plant origin (golden root, lemongrass) or immunomodulators (for example, neovir, wobenzym, dibazol).

Stage 3 - specific prevention of relapse

It is carried out using herpes vaccines (inactivated, live, recombinant).

With exacerbations, more often 6 times a year, long-term preventive treatment is carried out for several months. Thanks to this, it is possible to reduce the severity of repeated exacerbations and reduce the frequency of relapses by 75%.

Treatment involves compulsory adherence to strict rules of personal hygiene. The affected area should remain dry and clean. After touching an infected area, hands should be washed in order to avoid spreading the infection.

The consequences of genital herpes

This may be a secondary infection of the ulcers. When combing ulcers and itchy areas, a woman runs the risk of introducing infections into the wound that cause streptococci, staphylococci, etc.

A pregnant infected woman cannot bear a baby. If the miscarriage did not occur, the child may be born with one of the forms of genital herpes or with deformities.

Damage to the uterus and other internal reproductive organs in most cases leads to infertility.

What can provoke an acute condition

Overwork. If the body periodically experiences heavy loads, then at a certain moment it will not have enough strength in order to restrain the activity of the virus. And then the herpes gets worse.
Stress. They are also hard work for the body. It is known that many diseases arise precisely on the basis of nerves. And herpes (or rather its relapse) is no exception.
Injury. It is clear that any injury and damage is a great stress for the body. He is forced to direct all his forces to healing, and at this time the herpes virus is just activating.
Overheating or hypothermia. These factors can also provoke a relapse of the disease, since the body and the immune system can work normally only in the temperature regime that is optimal for a person.
Avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis are often the trigger for the activation of the herpes virus.
Severe diets and food restrictions. It is clear that for normal functioning, the body must receive a sufficient amount of nutrients... And if this does not happen, then the defenses are noticeably weakened.
Other infections. For example, it often happens that a person caught a cold and soon noticed symptoms of genital herpes. Although most often with a cold, herpes occurs near the mouth, but the labia may well become the site of its manifestation.

How to reduce discomfort

Unfortunately, the world has not yet invented drugs that can rid mankind of this virus. Drug therapy can relieve symptoms, lengthen remission times, shorten healing times, and reduce the likelihood of transmission of the virus to partners. The doctor selects the treatment individually for each patient. It is believed that the most effective is the complex treatment, which is prescribed simultaneously by a gynecologist and an immunologist.

With an exacerbation, women can supplement drug therapy with self-treatment, which must be agreed with a doctor:

For headaches or fever, take paracetamol.
Wear loose clothing to reduce tissue contact between affected areas.
Do not overheat the affected area.
Take salt baths two to three times a day, immersing the infected area in a saline solution (spoon for 0.5 liters of water).
Avoid exposure to the sun, but take an air bath to help dry the ulcers.
Sometimes, with an exacerbation, urination becomes painful. You can ease the process by immersing yourself in warm water - the pain will be less.

How to reduce your risk of getting herpes

About half of people contract herpes by airborne droplets for the first time. However, genital herpes is only sexually transmitted.

In order to reduce the risk of infection, you must:

Avoid frequent partner changes.
Be sure to use a condom.
Avoid casual relationships.
Systematically checked and tested.
Strengthen immunity.

Discussion 0

Similar materials

Genital herpes Is a common sexually transmitted infection that causes blisters, sores on and around the genitals.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes often affects young people between the ages of 20-24. Every year, 24 million new cases of genital herpes are registered in the world.

Many people are unaware that they have genital herpes, although the herpes blisters are usually painful. A man with genital herpes (as well as a woman) can still transmit herpes even if he has no obvious signs of the disease.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. There are two types of herpes virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most people with genital herpes are infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

As soon as the virus enters the skin, it begins to move along the nerve pathways. It can subside (become inactive) in the nerves and remain there indefinitely.

From time to time, the virus can make sorties (become active). When this happens, the virus travels along nerves to the surface of the skin, where it grows exponentially.

At this point, the virus can cause an outbreak of symptoms, or it can go undetected.

Anyway an active virus is easily transferred from one partner to another through sexual intercourse. Even using funds barrier contraception cannot protect a healthy partner, as the virus may be present on the skin that remains uncovered.

The number of recurrences or outbreaks of the disease varies from person to person.

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What are the signs of genital herpes?

You may never notice signs of genital herpes at all. At the same time, you may notice the symptoms of herpes a few days (up to 2 weeks) after the initial contact with the patient. Or, conversely, you may not have an initial flare-up of symptoms until several months or even years after infection.

When symptoms appear soon after infection, they are usually more severe than if they appeared later. These signs may initially appear as small blisters that eventually burst open and form moist, painful sores that become scab-like and heal over several weeks.

Genital herpes sores on the penis.

Blisters and ulcers may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms with fever and swollen, enlarged lymph nodes.

Any of the following symptoms of genital infection may occur for a man or a woman:

Cracks, weeping, or red areas around your genitals or anal area without pain, itching, or tingling.
Itching or tingling sensation around your genitals or anal area.
Small blisters that burst and cause painful sores. They can be on or around your genitals, penis or vagina, or on your buttocks, thighs, or rectal area (“butt”).
Less commonly, blisters can form inside the urethra. This is especially painful in women during urination, when urine passes through the ulcers.
Headache.
Back pain.
Flu symptoms including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and tiredness.

Herpetic vesicle.

Genital herpes is not the only disease that can cause these symptoms.

The only way to know if they are the result of a herpes simplex virus or another condition is to see a qualified doctor who will examine your body and send a swab to a laboratory for analysis to confirm or remove a diagnosis of genital herpes.

Can genital herpes symptoms be treated?

There is no cure for herpes, but symptoms can be reduced and relieved with medication. Also, treatment can reduce the risk of passing the virus on to someone else.

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help prevent or reduce pain and discomfort from the rash. Medications taken daily to suppress the virus can reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Can signs of genital herpes recur?

The rash may recur in a person who has had the rash. But many people get off with just a one-time rash.

Over time, the body develops a stronger immunity to the virus, and exacerbations become less and less frequent, and in some people they stop altogether.

What triggers the return of symptoms?

Usually, the symptoms recur during stress or illness, because it is they that reduce the body's defenses, immunity.

Also, aggravation is facilitated by:

fatigue,
disease,
menstruation,
stress,
operation.

Video. Genital herpes. What are the symptoms? What tests should I take? How to treat?

Is it possible to treat genital herpes at home?

Yes, there is something that can be done to reduce pain and discomfort at home. For instance:

Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Wash painful areas with warm soda water twice a day - 1/2 teaspoon of soda with a glass of warm water.
Wear loose clothing to circulate air around the ulcers.
Cool the painful area with an ice pack, after wrapping it with a towel.
Rest more, do not overexert yourself.
Apply petroleum jelly or anesthetic or gel to blisters or sores. This can reduce pain when urinating.
Drink plenty of fluids to dilute the urine concentration.

In order not to infect others, follow these steps:

Do not kiss when you or your boyfriend / girlfriend have herpes.
Avoid oral sex when either partner has oral or genital eruptions.
Avoid any type of sex if you have sores.
Wash your hands with soap and water after touching the affected body parts.
Do not lick your contact lenses with saliva.

Herpes on the lips ("cold").

How serious a health problem is genital herpes?

For most people, genital herpes is not a serious health threat. Besides the discomfort, genital herpes is more likely a source of psychological stress. O It can create the following psychological problems:

Anxiety.
Decreased self-esteem.
Fear of infecting loved ones.

In some cases, however, complications from genital herpes can be serious, even life-threatening.

Although this rarely happens, pregnant women can pass the herpes infection to their baby. This can lead to the development of a serious illness in the child. If you have signs of a recurrence (recurrence) of genital herpes infection early in labor, or if you first developed genital herpes in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend C-section for delivery.

Is genital herpes dangerous for pregnant women?

About 26% of adolescents and young women are infected with genital herpes. Genital herpes is one of the most common. This means that 1 in 4 pregnant women is a woman with genital herpes. A pregnant woman with genital herpes can infect her baby during childbirth... But if the woman had genital herpes before pregnancy or, if she is infected for the first time on the early dates pregnancy, the likelihood of her child being infected will be very low - less than 1%.

Women with genital herpes should be carefully checked before giving birth. If e there are signs of relapse (recurrence) genital herpes infection during childbirth or if the woman develops genital herpes for the first time late in pregnancy (6 weeks before delivery), when the risk of infection of the child is high (about 40%) ( the mother's immune system did not have time to develop antibodies against the virus), then a cesarean section is performed. Women with an old herpes infection have antibodies against the virus that help protect the baby.

If you are pregnant and think you have recently got sick, tell your doctor or midwife right away.

How to avoid getting herpes during pregnancy

In order not to catch genital herpes - refrain from any kind of sexual intercourse for the health of your child... Women who do not have genital herpes should be careful about intercourse during third trimester... If you are unsure if your partner has herpes, then avoid during the third trimester. If your boyfriend / husband has a herpes rash on the lips, in the mouth (oral herpes), then refrain from kissing, oral sex.

All pregnant women should be tested for herpes, especially if the husband has herpes.

Ask your doctor to test you for herpes in order to give birth to a healthy baby!

Treating genital herpes during pregnancy

Women who are taking herpes antiviral drugs — daily herpes suppressive therapy or one-time therapy for flare-ups — should talk to their doctor about whether to take these medications during pregnancy. You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits to decide which is right for you.

Do not self-medicate !!! Herpes is serious!

The consequences of herpes in the matter for the newborn. The skin was not formed all over the body; only a membrane was formed in a larger area.

A herpes infection in a newborn can be very harmful. Don't let anyone with herpes kiss your baby. If you have cold sores on your lips do not kiss the baby and wash your hands with soap and water before touching the baby.

Video. Herpes during pregnancy.

People with genital herpes have more. One reason is that cracks and lesions in the skin resulting from the flare-up of symptoms create holes through which HIV can enter the body.

Can genital herpes be a sign of HIV, AIDS?

A person who has recurring flare-ups (manifestations) of genital herpes needs to get through. Because flare-ups can be a sign of a weakened immune system. People who have genital herpes sores are more likely to acquire HIV during intercourse. To be precise, having herpes makes a person two to four times more susceptible to HIV infection, IN contact with HIV (HIV-infected person, his body fluids). This is because open sores make it easier for the HIV virus to enter the body. Also, when you have an infection, your immune system goes up a notch, creating disease-fighting cells called macrophages. The HIV virus can bind to these macrophages in mucous membranes, such as the vagina or anus, and thus enter the bloodstream. If you have an infection () in the genital area, macrophages are especially concentrated there, giving HIV more opportunities to enter your body.

To help prevent HIV transmission, anxious people (with and without herpes) have several options:

Use barrier contraception during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.
Refrain from intercourse during herpes outbreaks (which can help prevent HIV and herpes transmission).
Get tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and encourage partners to also get tested and treated if needed.
Limit the number of partners and communication with partners about any past or current infections.

Composite effect of genital herpes and HIV

HIV and the herpes virus mutually reinforce each other's destructive effects. Research shows that when the herpes virus is active, it contributes to an increased multiplication of HIV (). The more HIV replicates, the more the body's infection-fighting cells (CD4) are destroyed, which ultimately leads to. People infected with HIV and the herpes virus may have longer, more frequent, and more severe outbreaks of herpes symptoms because a weakened immune system cannot control the herpes virus as effectively as a healthy immune system.

Genital herpes and problems with HIV treatment

It is often more difficult to treat genital herpes if you also have HIV. Higher doses of antiviral drugs are often required to treat herpes in people with HIV. In addition, many people with HIV have strains of the herpes virus that are resistant to treatment with standard antiviral drugs. If you are taking antiviral drugs for genital herpes and the treatment does not work, your doctor may test the virus you have for antiviral drug resistance. If the virus is resistant, there are other possible alternative treatments that are given intravenously.

If you have HIV, see your doctor if you still need to get tested for genital herpes. If you already know you have herpes and HIV, discuss treatment options with your specialist.

Although there is no cure for HIV or herpes, both infections can be treated.

Treating herpes and / or HIV can help reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to another person, and can also help a person with any type of infection stay healthy.

If you have reason to believe that you may have a genital herpes infection as a result of sexual intercourse - genital or oral - seek medical attention from your doctor!

Most people infected with the virus do not know how to deal with; how to treat a viral infection, the doctor will tell you. The cells of the virus are embedded in the DNA of human cells, which makes herpes an ineradicable disease. But the prevention of a recurrent form of the disease is quite real and even necessary. Many men and women wonder what type 2 herpes is dangerous for. Therefore, it is worth considering a number of reasons explaining why disease prevention is so important:

A viral infection affects the peripheral nervous system (nerve plexuses of the pelvis). Pelvic nerve neuralgia manifests itself in the form of severe pain in the lower abdomen, even during the inactive phase of herpes infection. Aching pains can even be considered as symptoms of osteochondrosis. They can also become more intense when doctors mistakenly diagnose acute abdominal syndrome followed by surgery;
The virus infects the internal genital organs. And, especially when it comes to the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, ignoring the mandatory therapeutic program in this case may entail the risk of giving birth to a child with many developmental disabilities.

Having an idea of what herpes is dangerous, it is important to know how to properly treat a viral infection in the genital area. After all, herpes type 2 can lead to the development of prolonged depression, depriving a person of the opportunity to live a full life.

It is also possible to reduce pain and itching during an exacerbation of a viral infection due to the action and ointments. It is important to understand which tablets can be classified as the most effective drugs that have a relatively low cost and the least number of contraindications.

It is worth listing the well-known herpes remedies in modern medicine:

Acyclovir is an original drug that has no analogues (a high degree of purification of raw materials and the effectiveness of therapeutic effects). The tablets have an antiviral effect due to the property of the active substance, which is part of the drug, to be embedded in the DNA of the herpesvirus (slows down its development). Acyclovir can be considered as the most effective remedy for herpes if you start taking pills already at the stage of the onset of the primary signs of the disease (itching, burning, followed by the appearance of a blistering rash within 2-3 days). If you follow these recommendations, then there is a high probability that the vesicles will not appear at all. Acyclovir is prescribed even for pregnant women. Antibodies accumulate in a woman's body, the main function of which is to protect the fetus from infection. In addition, due to the use of the drug, it is possible to prevent premature birth... Additionally, the drug is available in the form of an ointment and powder for injection. Pleases the affordable price of the drug;
Penciclovir is an equally good remedy. Effective in the fight against recurrent genital herpes. It is produced in the form of a cream intended for external treatment of areas of the skin affected by the virus. The drug can speed up the healing process. Pharmciclovir is an analogue of Penciclovir;

Penciclovir is an effective treatment for herpes.

Docosanol is a novelty on the medical market. Available in the form of a cream. Active against herpes simplex virus (HSV);
Valacyclovir is an antiviral pill, the action of which helps to reduce the risk of transmission of infection by contact, which is very important in the genital form of the disease. This drug is used to treat herpes of all types known to medicine;
Tromantadine, given in the form of an ointment, helps prevent the spread of the virus to unprotected skin.
Panavir gel helps the body fight type 2 herpes. The product is plant-based (extract of potato shoots). Doctors believe that the drug is no less effective, but safer than Acyclovir;
Viferon suppositories are used to treat genital herpes in women;
The polymodulator is the latest development of Russian scientists. It is a concentrated liquid that is charged with the energy of a physical vacuum. This remedy is capable of inhibiting the development of almost any disease. The polymodulator helps to restore the body's immune forces.

At the first symptoms of genital herpes, it is necessary to treat the area affected by the rash with valocardin or validol. The procedure must be repeated 3-4 times a day in order to achieve the maximum possible effect (the ulcers heal and dry up, forming a crust within 2-3 days);
If a blistering rash occurs in the genital area, you can treat the affected areas with earwax. A few procedures are enough to achieve the disappearance of the external signs of the disease;
Kalanchoe juice has proven itself in the fight against herpes infection. With this tool, it is necessary to treat the resulting ulcers;

Ulcers can be treated with Kalanchoe juice.

: Pass the clove through a press, then place the resulting mass in cheesecloth. It is necessary to rub the vesicles 2-3 times a day. But remember that a strong burning sensation is a contraindication to the use of this folk remedy;
A mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar (the ingredients are used in equal proportions) can provide you with a drying effect. The resulting solution must be lubricated with ulcers 2-3 times a day. The remedy must be applied until the external symptoms disappear completely;
Lemon balm essential oil can be considered as a good remedy for fighting cold sores in the early stages of its development. The oil is applied to the inflamed skin area every 2 hours. But the use of this remedy is not a guarantee that the herpes will not progress: bubble rashes can still appear.

Applying medical antiviral drugs and following, remember the existing contraindications and the appropriateness. Take special care when prescribing treatment.

General information

Genital herpes in women is a form of herpes infection, in which local manifestations are localized mainly in the area of the urogenital tract. Refers to sexually transmitted diseases, which gives reason to consider it both from the standpoint of gynecology and venereology. It is characterized by the lifelong presence of the virus in the body, recurrent course, progressive development. In the structure of STIs, genital herpes is in third place in prevalence, second only to gonorrhea and other specific urethritis. Every year in Russia there are about 20 million new cases of genital herpes.

Women are infected with genital herpes 2 times more often than men, even with the same number of sexual contacts during their life. The highest peaks in incidence are observed in the age periods 20-24 and 35-40 years. Reproductive system 25% of women of the reproductive period are infected with herpesvirus infection, however, the true situation is unknown due to the high frequency of unrecognized or latent forms. At the same time, even asymptomatic genital herpes in women poses a threat to reproductive health, often causing miscarriage, intrauterine infection of the fetus, perinatal mortality, and severe congenital malformations.

Causes of genital herpes in women

According to research, more than 70% of cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV type 2 and about 30% are caused by HSV type 1. The carrier and distributor of genital herpes is an infected person, both with manifest and latent course. Infection is carried out mainly through sexual contact: during genital, oral-genital, anal-genital contacts. Less commonly, contact (through a common bathroom and hygiene items) and medical routes of infection (through gloves of medical staff, reusable instruments) are noted. Cases of self-infection are also possible when the virus is transferred from the oral cavity to the genitals and transplacental infection of the fetus from a sick mother. The entrance gate for HSV is the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

The most significant risk factors for infection of women with genital herpes are the onset of sexual activity in adolescence, unprotected sex, a large number of sexual partners. During intercourse with a patient with a manifest form of genital herpes, infection occurs in 75-80% of cases. Genital herpes in women is often associated with other STIs, primarily gonorrhea. In addition, the presence of ulcers and micro-damage to the mucous membranes facilitates the transmission of HIV infection.

After replication at the site of primary invasion, the herpes virus by a transneural or hematogenous route reaches the paravertebral ganglia of the lumbosacral spine, where it persists throughout life. Under the influence of triggering factors (stress, colds, sun exposure, fatigue, menstruation, and others), the latent virus is reactivated. Along the axons of the peripheral nerves, HSV migrates into the epithelial cells of the genital organs, which is accompanied by the resumption of the clinic of genital herpes in women.

Classification of genital herpes in women

Taking into account the clinical situation and the nature of the course, they are distinguished:

primary genital herpes- at the time of diagnosis, the patient had never developed extragenital manifestations of herpes; antibodies to HSV type in the blood are absent;
first episode of genital herpes- at the time of diagnosis, the patient had extragenital manifestations of herpes; Ab to HSV is present in the blood, however, genital herpes occurs for the first time;
recurrent genital herpes- symptoms of genital herpes in a woman recur;
asymptomatic viral shedding- the patient has no genital manifestations of herpes, but this does not exclude the possibility of infection of the sexual partner.

The severity of the course of genital herpes in women is determined taking into account the frequency of exacerbations: with a mild degree of exacerbation, they occur 1-3 times a year, with an average - 4-6 times a year, with a severe degree - every month.

Depending on the location and prevalence of genital herpes, there are 3 stages:

the skin of the perineum and the mucous membrane of the external genitals is affected (herpetic vulvitis)
the vagina, the vaginal portion of the cervix, the cervical canal, the urethra (herpetic vulvovaginitis, urethritis, colpitis, endocervicitis) is affected
the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder are affected (herpetic endometritis, salpingitis, cystitis). In addition to the genitourinary system, the anus and ampulla of the rectum can be involved in the infectious process.

Symptoms of genital herpes in women

Primary genital herpes

During primary genital herpes in women, five periods are distinguished: 1) incubation, 2) prodrome, 3) rashes, 4) reverse development, 5) healing.

Incubation period, preceding the clinical manifestation of infection, can last from 2 to 14 days. At this time, due to the minimal replication of the virus, there are no symptoms.

During prodromal period general and local manifestations gradually increase. Malaise occurs, subfebrile condition appears, chills and myalgia are possible. Of the local symptoms, the most typical are itching and paresthesia in the external genital area, leucorrhoea, dysuria.

Rash period characterized by the appearance of pathognomonic herpetic vesicles on the mucous membranes. Herpetic vesicles with a diameter of 2-3 mm with transparent contents are located in small groups on erythematous areas. New elements are added periodically. With the onset of a rash, the general symptoms become less pronounced, however, local manifestations (itching, burning, swelling, pain) persist. Against this background, the patient's sleep is disturbed, nervousness appears. The duration of this phase of genital herpes in women is up to 7-10 days.

V stabilization period and the reverse development of the rash, the bubbles become cloudy, open, forming weeping erosion. Sometimes ulcers form at the site of the vesicles. irregular shape depth up to 1 mm. Single erosion can merge into a continuous erosive surface. Erosions and ulcers are painful, do not bleed, but may be covered with a purulent bloom.

Healing period- characterized by subsiding of local and general symptoms. Erosive and ulcerative elements dry out, covered with a thin crust, under which epithelialization processes take place. After the crust falls off, the scar does not form, but hyperemia or pigmentation remains for some time. Taking into account the last two periods, each of which lasts 2-3 weeks, the total duration of the primary episode of genital herpes in women is 5-7 weeks.

Recurrent genital herpes

Recurrent genital herpes in women can occur in a typical (manifest) and atypical clinical form. In this case, the typical form means the presence of vesicular-erosive herpetic eruptions in the external genital area. The duration of repeated episodes is shorter than that of the primary form - 7-10 days.

Atypical forms can be edematous, itchy, abortive and subclinical variants.

The predominant symptoms edematous variant diffuse edema and hyperemia of the vulva serve.
At itchy variant mainly disturbed by deep, poorly healing cracks and pronounced itching of the mucous membrane.
Abortive variant genital herpes develops in women who have previously received vaccinations or antiviral therapy. With this form, some stages of infection are absent, itchy papules regress within 2-3 days.
Subclinical option herpes occurs with micro-symptoms (itching, superficial cracks) or without clinical manifestations.

Various atypical forms may be accompanied by persistent leucorrhoea from the genital tract, vulvodynia, pathology of the cervix (pseudo-erosion, leukoplakia of the cervix), condylomas of the vulva and vagina, pelvic ganglioneuritis. Genital herpes infection can be complicated by sacral radiculopathy, ischuria, meningitis, hepatitis, and disseminated infection with multiple organ involvement. Women with genital herpes are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Diagnostics

Laboratory and instrumental examination includes an assessment of the patient's history and complaints, examination by a gynecologist, analysis of biological secrets. To confirm the herpetic etiology of infection, virological diagnostics is carried out: detection of virus DNA by PCR, isolation of the virus in cell culture, detection of HSV antibodies in blood serum (ELISA) and antigens in the test material (PIF). The object of research can be blood, the contents of vesicles, scrapings from the urogenital tract, prints from erosions, etc.

During a gynecological examination in the acute period, rashes and ulcerations are found in the area of the external genitals. Genital herpes in women is differentiated with dermatitis, scabies, lichen planus, pemphigus, molluscum contagiosum, streptococcal impetigo, STIs (syphilis, venereal granuloma).

Treatment of genital herpes in women

To date, there is no drug that can eliminate HSV. Therefore, drug therapy is aimed at reducing the number of relapses, reducing the duration and severity of clinical manifestations of genital herpes in women. Examination and treatment of the sexual partner is mandatory.

Etiopathogenetic therapy involves the use of antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir). The dose and mode of administration of the drug is selected taking into account the form and severity of genital herpes. Additionally, local treatment of the affected areas with antiviral gels, creams, ointments, aerosols is prescribed. Cracks and erosion can be treated with antiseptics and aniline dyes.

To stimulate the formation of antibodies and the production of endogenous interferons, immunomodulators are used (preparations of the thymus gland, meglumin, interferon alpha-2b, etc.). Patients with recurrent genital herpes are vaccinated with the herpes vaccine. The introduction of antiherpetic immunoglobulin (passive immunization) is indicated only for persons with immunodeficiency: pregnant women, patients with generalized infection, etc. Sessions allow to increase the duration of remission and reduce the titer of antibodies to HSV. Prevention of genital herpes in women is common to prevention of all STIs.

Genital herpes is a very unpleasant disease caused by ingestion of type 2.

The disease cannot be treated, therapy is aimed only at relieving symptoms and prolonging remission. The pathology is characterized by frequent outbreaks of relapses.

More about the disease

Herpes simplex virus type 2 from an infected person during intercourse. The partner may not have pronounced symptoms of the disease, but he will be a carrier of the virus. There is a vertical way of infecting the baby from the mother during labor. Household is not excluded, but it is extremely rare in clinical medicine, since the pathogen does not live long outside the human body.

Symptoms appear upon completion after the initial infection and each time they relapse. The disease manifests itself in the form of multiple rashes that look like white, filled with liquid contents. The rash occurs on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, goes through several stages of development - its filling, spontaneous bursting, appearance, crusting. It is accompanied by itching and burning, pain on contact. Signs of a general nature may be present - lethargy, headaches. The duration of the manifestation of the rash from the initial stage to the descent of the crusts is from 7 to 10 days. Infectious diseases, hypothermia, suppression of the immune system, alcohol consumption can provoke a relapse.

Diagnosis of the disease: PCR analysis, examination of a vaginal smear,.

Treatment methods for genital herpes

To get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease faster and suppress the activity of pathogenic viruses, driving herpes into a state of long-term remission, it is necessary, which includes the following aspects:

taking medications with antiviral spectrum of action (in tablets, injections);
usage ;
the use of drugs of a local spectrum of action (, gels, creams).

Therapy includes the mandatory intake of immunomodulators that restore protective functions organism and prevent relapse.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Effective remedies for genital herpes, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora:

Acyclovir. Release form - tablets and powder for injection. It is recommended to give injections with Acyclovir in case of frequent relapses with a severe symptomatic picture. The duration of the course of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. If necessary, repeat, a break of 2-4 weeks is needed. Dosage: 200 mg tablets up to 5 times a day. Injections: 250 mg of the drug, diluted in 10 ml of water, three times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days.
Valacyclovir. Release form - tablets and injection. The dosage of tablets is 500 mg twice a day. Injections are given 1-2 times a day, a single amount of the drug is 40 mg. The duration of therapy is 2-5 days.
(other name ). Release form - tablets, the dose at one time is 250 mg, three times a day. The duration of therapy is 3-7 days.

How anti-inflammatory drugs work for herpes simplex virus type 2: the active components of the drug are introduced into the DNA of the virus, stopping its growth and reproduction. and give a short-term effect, relapses are possible if preventive measures are not followed. The advantages of these drugs are in the absence of side symptoms.

- a potent antiviral agent with a long-term effect, but with a toxic effect on the body.

Medicines of the local spectrum of action

Ointments, gels and creams, which include components of the antiviral spectrum of action, are aimed at suppressing the signs of the disease and preventing further progression of herpes. The blisters of the rash are filled with liquid contents that contain the virus. Violation of the integrity of the rash will lead to herpes lesions of a larger area of the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Local-spectrum drugs that are effective in the treatment of genital herpes:

Viru-Merz Serol.
Rhyodoxol ointment.
Zovirax.

The method of application and the number of applications is identical for all preparations. Before use, it is necessary to hygiene the genitals, dry with a towel. Wash your hands, squeeze out a small amount of cream, ointment on a cotton swab and lubricate the damaged area of the mucous membrane and skin. The agent is applied only to the focus of inflammation, there is no need to smear the skin around. The number of applications is 4-6 times a day.

The choice of the drug must be agreed with.

ethnoscience

Decoctions and tinctures based on medicinal herbs have an antiviral spectrum of action, are used to quickly heal the mucous membrane and reduce rashes. Best recipes:

A decoction of the herbal collection for the treatment of genitals: mix in equal parts dried and crushed birch leaves, plantain, calendula. 2 tablespoons of the collection pour 0.5 liters of boiled water, leave for 2 hours, drain. Use twice a day to cleanse.
50 grams of celandine, mix 50 grams of honey, apply the resulting mixture with a cotton swab on the rash. Use every day before bed. Store in a cool place.
Herbal decoction for internal use. Dried and chopped, in equal proportions lemon balm, chamomile, motherwort, raspberry (leaves), thyme, mix. 2 tablespoons of the collection pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 1 hour, drain. Take half a glass twice a day. The course of admission is 2 weeks.

Cure the disease with only one means traditional medicine impossible. Complex therapy with antiviral medications is required.

Immunomodulators

Medications to restore the immune system and prevent recurrence of genital herpes are taken during remission. What remedies are recommended by doctors:

Imunofan: intramuscular injection, dosage 1 ml, injected every other day. The course is 5 injections.
Panavir: administered intravenously. Dosage 3 ml. The course of treatment is 1 time in three days, only 5 injections.
: 1-3 tablets daily for 21 days.
Ridostin: injected intramuscularly 1 time in 3 days. The course consists of 3 injections.

If necessary, repeat the course of admission, a break of 1 month is taken.

Emergency aids

If unprotected intercourse has taken place, it is recommended to use agents that have an antiseptic effect and prevent the penetration of the virus into the blood if the partner may have genital herpes:

... Used to treat the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Wash the groin area with soap and water and dry. Moisten a tampon in the medicine, insert it into the vagina, or treat the mucous membranes. Perform the procedure 2-4 times during the day after unprotected sex.
Betadine... Release form: ointment, solution, vaginal suppositories. With a solution (moisten a cotton sponge), treat the genitals, or apply an ointment to the mucous membranes. Apply 1-3 times a day. The course is 1-2 days after intercourse.

It is possible to pass laboratory tests for the presence of the herpes virus type 2 no earlier than 2 weeks - a month after the alleged infection.