Among the most contagious viral infections plaguing different countries of the world is herpes. So, what causes herpes?
Two types of viruses called herpes simplex can cause the said infection and it can affect both men and women. Transmission of the disease is usually from men to women, especially during oral sex or sexual act.
The virus, Herpes Simplex, can also cause mononucleosis, oral herpes, shingles, chickenpox, cold sores or fever blisters. Did you know that even teens can have genital herpes? Records show that the youngest herpes infected individual is only 12 years old. Women are more prone to herpes as compared to men. People with mouth or cold sores can also transmit the virus very easily. If you experience recurrent herpes, you’re infected with the type 2 HSV.
Symptoms are usually felt for about two weeks but it can vary from one individual to another. Persons infected with herpes are likely to feel itching and pain. The incubation period of the virus lasts from 3-7 days and after that, lesions will develop. The lymph nodes will swell and the individual will have fever and headache. Painful sores can also develop bit there are also individuals who hardly feel any symptoms of herpes. Herpes outbreak lasts for two to three weeks.
Symptoms on women include sores on the cervix, anus, buttocks, and external genitals; some women also have groin lumps or lymphadenopathy. In men, the sores develop on the buttocks, anus, and thighs.
Today, infected individuals can easily manage the herpes symptoms. There are several drugs that you can turn to like famciclovir, valacyclovir, and acyclovir. These drugs can lesson or stop the symptoms. To relieve the pain, you can use paracetamol or aspirin, anaesthetic creams, and ice.
The anaesthetic creams should be used moderately to slow down the drying effects and you must avoid using douches, feminine deodorants, or antibacterial soaps. If you don’t want to get secondary infections, keep the area dry and clean at all times. It would also be best to refrain from having any sexual contact until the sores heal completely. You must wait until the scabs fall off and the lesion develops new skin.
While there are outbreaks, try to wear loose clothes. The urination pain can be decreased by drinking lots of water. You can also take a bath often to freshen up. If you touch the infected area, you must wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching or rubbing your mouth or eyes; this one way to evade further infections. The infected areas can be given Epson salts baths to dry it out. Pat the area to dry off or you can use hair dryer. Before reusing any towels, you must wash it first and change your underwear often.
It’s also time to check your lifestyle. You must avoid stressful situations and you must get enough rest. Proper diet is also one way to prevent outbreaks because it helps to boost a healthy immune system.
There are ways to lessen or stop the herpes symptoms but if you know the exact causes of the infection, you can prevent it. You must know what causes herpes because by being knowledgeable, you can fight this infection before it gets to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment