Genital herpes or genital herpes is an infectious disease caused by herpes viruses. At the same time, genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.
What is genital herpes?
Schematic diagram of genital herpes in men and Fraud caused by herpes simplex virus 2. Click to enlarge. Genital herpes or genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes viruses. The same viruses are also responsible for the development of cold sores. Genital herpes is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. In some cases, the child may be infected with the virus at birth by the mother. Herpes diseases are treated with the virus-inhibiting active ingredient aciclovir. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population in Germany is affected by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Causes
Triggers of genital herpes are the two herpes simplex virus types HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause genital herpes as well as labial herpes (cold sore). Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs worldwide. It is estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of the world’s population carries the herpes virus. After initial infection, herpes viruses lie dormant unnoticed in the nerve cells of the spinal cord. If the immune system is intact, the herpes viruses do not trigger any symptoms. However, if the immune system is weakened, the viruses reactivate and herpes breaks out. The causes of a weakened immune system can be, for example, cancer, bacterial infections, stress, injuries or mechanical irritation of the nerve node affected with the virus. Initial infection occurs through direct contact during sexual intercourse or through smear infection, such as using the same towel with an infected person. The initial infection may go unnoticed and be almost asymptomatic. The herpes viruses enter the body through the mucous membrane of the genitals or the oral cavity and follow the nerve pathways. In the nerve cells, they hide in the cell nucleus and are thus invulnerable to the body’s immune system.
Symptoms,complaints and signs
In some cases, genital herpes is asymptomatic and therefore goes unnoticed. Others affected have clear symptoms, most of which occur in episodes and last for a few days. An episode is followed by weeks without symptoms. After infection with genital herpes, the first disease flare-up usually occurs after a period of two days to two weeks. A characteristic symptom of genital herpes is the appearance of fluid-filled, sometimes very painful, small blisters with a red halo. When these burst open, crusting and scabbing occur. The skin in the affected areas is severely reddened and swollen. This is usually also associated with significant itching and a burning sensation. Some affected individuals also have discharge (fluor vaginalis) and pain when urinating. The vesicles typically first appear on the labia, vagina or penis, but can then spread to the anus and thighs. Moreover, in people with a weakened immune system, the internal organs may be affected. Fever and swollen lymph nodes rarely occur. In the worst case, this can lead to death.
Diagnosis and course
Symptoms of herpes virus reactivation (secondary infection) include severe itching in the genital area, small painful blisters on the mucosa, some of which are filled with pus, and swollen lymph nodes in the adjacent groin area. Genital herpes can also cause discharge. Genital herpes is diagnosed by means of a laboratory swab of the vesicle contents. Secondary consequences of genital herpes may include inflammation of the vagina or glans. The intestinal mucosa can also be infected by smear infection. The herpes virus plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer. Doctors suspect that infection with genital herpes may be a risk factor for cervical cancer. The virus can affect the central nervous system or internal organs, as a result of which serious complications can occur. However, these cases are very rare.
Complications
If a herpes infection in the intimate area is treated in time with antiviral agents, the probability of complications is low. They can then occur only in people with a weakened immune system. In general, herpes simplex viruses can spread through the body to many other organs if the body’s defenses are inadequate. In principle, they can infect all organs that are permeated by nerve fibers, because the two forms of the herpes virus remain dormant in them for the rest of their lives. Complications, which imply an infestation of the retina of the eye, the liver, the esophagus or other organs, occur in almost all cases due to a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. This can occur weeks, months or even years after an initial infection and even after treatment. Genital herpes can also spread acutely to affected skin areas in the intimate region. Inflammation, psoriasis and other irritations are an easy entry point for the viruses, thus extending the disease to the skin. If left untreated, this can lead to sepsis. In addition, an active genital herpes infection during pregnancy can, in the worst case, pass to the child. The infection then affects internal organs, the skin and, in the worst case, the central nervous system. Infection from mother to child can also occur during birth.
When should you go to the doctor?
If severe itching and painful pus blisters are noticed in the genital area, it is possibly genital herpes. A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms do not go away on their own after two to three days at the latest. If further symptoms such as discharge or swelling of the lymph nodes occur, specialist advice should be sought immediately. A sudden, severe feeling of illness in conjunction with skin changes in the intimate area also indicates a serious illness that must be clarified and treated. If no treatment is given, the herpes virus can affect other parts of the body and organs. A visit to the doctor is indicated at the latest when symptoms are noticed in the liver, kidneys, esophagus, eyes or skin. Pregnant women with suspected genital herpes should talk to their gynecologist immediately. People suffering from a disease of the immune system should also have the symptoms clarified. The same applies to older people and people who can attribute these symptoms to sexual intercourse. Parents who notice corresponding signs in their child should consult the pediatrician. In case of doubt, the emergency medical service can be contacted first. In conversation with a specialist, the symptoms can be clarified and further steps can be taken.
Treatment and therapy
Genital herpes is usually treated with antiviral medications such as aciclovir or famciclovir. The active ingredients are available as an ointment for external local treatment and as tablets for oral use. In a mild form of genital herpes, applying the aciclovir ointment is usually enough to make the disease subside. However, if the symptoms are more pronounced, additional treatment with aciclovir tablets is needed to stop the herpes virus from multiplying. In very severe cases, the drug can also be injected intravenously. The medication requires a prescription, and a visit to the doctor is essential in cases of genital herpes. It is also very important to treat the sexual partner at the same time to avoid re-infection. However, the virus-inhibiting drugs cannot completely eradicate the virus. It remains in the body for life and can be reactivated at any time if the immune system is weakened. In isolated cases, the herpes viruses may infect the entire body in children or the seriously ill whose immune systems are immature or weakened.
Outlook and prognosis
Genital herpes has a good prognosis. The pathogens are very contagious and can be easily transmitted to other people. At the same time, they can also be well controlled and killed in a drug treatment. Timely and professional medical care is important for a favorable prognosis. Already at the first signs of genital herpes, a special ointment should be applied to the affected areas, so that there is a rapid killing of the pathogen. If the herpes blisters burst open, the disease spreads further.There is a reformation of vesicles, which trigger a delay in the healing process. Genital herpes heals completely even without medical treatment. Within seven to ten days, there is normally a regression of the symptoms. After about two weeks, the affected person experiences freedom from symptoms. In most cases, this path is more arduous and associated with more discomfort. In addition, the time of infection for other people is prolonged. Despite the good prognosis, most people experience a recurrence of the disease in the course of their lives. Genital herpes also has a good chance of cure if there is a new outbreak. Often, based on accumulated experience, the patient is more likely to respond to the first signs and can then achieve a shortening of the recovery process.
Prevention
Prevention of genital herpes is based on two main points. Because transmission occurs primarily during sexual intercourse, care should be taken to provide adequate protection with condoms when sexual partners change frequently and to maintain adequate sexual and genital hygiene. If a genital herpes infection is known, prevention lies in strengthening the immune system to prevent reactivation of the viruses and a new outbreak. One can strengthen one’s own immune system with simple means:
With sufficient sleep, avoidance of stress, a healthy diet rich in variety and vitamins, a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. Health, zest for life and a sense of well-being are the guarantee for a well-functioning immune system.
Aftercare
Over the years, a number of treatments have been developed that provide effective relief from the symptoms of genital herpes. The following treatments can relieve the pain and discomfort of genital herpes sores. Salt baths used to wash the genital area can clean, soothe and dry the sores. Use a teaspoon of salt in 600 ml of water or a handful in a shallow bath. Pain relievers include simple analgesics (such as aspirin and acetaminophen), ice (which can have a soothing effect when applied directly to wounds), and creams with a numbing component. Creams, however, can slow drying and should be used sparingly and only for pain relief. Loose underwear, preferably cotton (no nylon), can help minimize herpes discomfort and allow healing. For those who experience extreme pain when urinating – sitting in a warm bath or filling a pump bottle with water and spraying water on yourself while urinating can make the process less painful. It is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes the urine and can therefore help minimize the pain of urination.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Since genital herpes is a viral infection, sufferers should always make sure that they have a stable immune system. By eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise, sufferers can support their immune system. Furthermore, this includes sufficient sleep, reducing stress and avoiding toxins and harmful substances. The consumption of nicotine, alcohol and drugs as well as the abuse of medication should be avoided. The body weight should be in the normal range. A diet rich in vitamins and low in fiber is highly recommended. Those affected often complain that the cause of genital herpes is triggered by individual psychological factors. Even though there is insufficient scientific evidence on this, the personally suspected triggers should be avoided. At the first signs of an outbreak of the disease, it is recommended to use medical products or appropriate home remedies as soon as possible. The virus spreads within a few hours, so initial care is very important for the further course of the disease. Worn clothing in the affected region should be disinfected. Fingers should also be thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals. Great care should be taken to avoid transmission to other persons or other areas of the body. The use of public baths or sexual intercourse should be avoided if possible until cured due to the risk of infection.
