Herpes simplex: causes and treatment

There are viruses that get into the body, remain in it for life. These include herpes, which is divided into 1 st and 2 nd types. In this article we will consider what is the genital herpes , the causes of its appearance and the methods of treatment. Treatment implies a reduction and prevention of relapse, it is impossible to get rid of the "infection" forever.

Causal agent

The herpes virus is very common. He is not afraid of high temperatures (up to 50 degrees), and he remains several hours viable on various surfaces. The causative agent lives in a latent form in the nervous system and is manifested when favorable conditions come.

Primary infection with the second type of herpes virus is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes of the genitals, in newborns the infection spreads throughout the body. Relapses of the disease have a less burdensome anamnesis and heal more quickly.

Genital Herpes : Causes

Photos show how the clinical picture of the disease looks. The source of infection is a human-virus carrier with clinical manifestations. When a virus is transmitted to a clinic, the disease may not be present.

People become infected through sexual intercourse, as well as in utero or in childbirth. Intrauterine transmission of infection can take place:

• From the vagina - the ascending path;
• Through the placenta - transplacental;
• From the small pelvis to the fetus on the fallopian tubes - transovarial.

If the pathogen is latent in the body, then with any decrease in immunity, genital herpes appears. The reasons for this are that favorable conditions arise, and the virus is activated.

Symptoms

In the case of primary infection, the incubation period is from two to fourteen days. The infection is characterized by:

• General malaise;
• Weakness;
• Increased body temperature;
• Itching and burning in the genital area;
• Headache;
• Pain and swelling in the lesions.

After a few days, small bubbles appear in the painful areas, which are filled with a clear liquid. Then they burst, and in their place there are ulcers, which are tightened by a crust.

With relapse, the temperature remains normal or slightly increases, the affected areas itch, become covered with vesicles, then ulcers and crusts. Almost all the sick people notice a general malaise in those cases when the herpes of the genital organs is manifested. The causes of this condition lie in the struggle of the organism with an activated virus.

Diagnostics

To confirm the diagnosis, assess the clinical picture of the disease and take the tests. To detect the virus in newborns, serodiagnosis is used, during which the growth of the titre of immunoglobulins class G is determined. The same study is carried out by pregnant women, whose analyzes for the detection of antibodies of the pathogen are negative. In some laboratories, the pathogen is isolated from the contents of the vesicles by the method of sowing the material onto special media.

Treatment

Herpes genitalia, the causes of which may be different, do not disappear from the body ever. He can hide, "fall asleep." But as soon as the opportunity presents itself, it will manifest itself, therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the immunity. Local forms of the disease are treated with antiviral ointments, for example, "Acyclovir". Local treatment is complemented by taking pills or intravenous fluids.

In the article, we examined what genital herpes is, the causes, the treatment of the disease, and more. The best prevention of genital herpes is the responsibility in choosing a partner or using condoms. If the disease still catches up, you need to constantly work on immunity: take vitamins, avoid hypothermia, eat properly and variously.