Genital Herpes – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

If you’re sexually active, never think that condoms can make you safe enough. HIV is not the only ‘bug’ out there.

Although not as fatal as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can wreak havoc on individuals’ lives and is quite contagious.

Genital herpes, which is caused by HSV, is easily transmitted from one person to another by means of skin contact (through the lesions), kissing, and sexual intercourse (be it vaginal, anal or oral). The virus is carried by the body’s fluids, such as vaginal discharges, semen, saliva and the pus and fluid from the lesions.

The two types of HSV (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause genital herpes, but herpes itself is categorized based on the area of infection (genitals, lips, fingers, eyelids, etc.).

Herpes is one of the most common venereal diseases. In the United States alone, it is estimated that almost 45 million people have the herpes simplex virus. Good use of genital warts treatment info can be great for some people.  The key is to understand genital warts treatment info.

Gential herpes initially manifests itself as clusters of inflamed papules and vesicles on the outer surface of the genitals resembling cold sores. In most cases, infected people will also have lesions, ulcers, and painful wounds.

The sores, which eventually develop into blisters, are usually associated with the tingling sensation and itchiness. Some may also experience lethargy and even fever, symptoms similar to that of the flu. Individuals that have shown interest in causes, symptoms and treatment of genital herpes have also shown interest in genital warts treatment suggestions.  A clear approach to genital warts treatment suggestions is beneficial.

If you exhibit these symptoms, it’s best that you consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and treatment regimen. The sadder thing is: like HPV, which causes genital warts, HSV also has no cure or vaccine.

All the treatment options are aimed at getting rid of the symptoms and providing relief. But in most times, you can expect recurring infections, via triggering factors such as intimate contact with other infected individuals, stress and excessive intake of alcohol.

You should get some advice from a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) specialist so that you will be able to know your condition and learn the most effective antiviral medications and topical solutions that you can apply on the infected area.

Several prescription antiviral medications are available for controlling herpes simplex outbreaks. These include aciclovir (Zovirax), valaciclovir (Valtrex), famciclovir (Famvir) and penciclovir.

Topical solutions may provide instant relief from the discomfort or pain.

Docosanol is a cream that can be directly applied to the affected area, barring further entry of the virus into the skin. It is an over-the-counter treatment approved for sale in the United States and Canada.

A gel that inhibits the spread of the virus in the skin, Tromantadine works by altering the surface composition of skin cells, thus inhibiting release of viral genetic material.

Another option is Zilactin, a topical analgesic that forms a ‘shield’ at the area of application to prevent a sore from increasing in size.

Limited research also shows that the popular tea tree oil, known to have an anti-viral effect, may work against the herpes virus too. Problems around genital herpes can sometimes be sorted out with a little homework.  Once you have a gone out to buy wartrol then your problems will start to deminish.

The best advice is to avoid self-medication. A good diagnosis and doctor-recommended treatment regimen are still the soundest options.