Genital herpes belongs to the group of diseases, which are transmitted sexually from one person to another. It is caused by HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type 2). This should not be confused with the HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1) that causes sores around the mouth. Many people contract this disease without genital herpes symptoms showing up to alert them.
What are the Symptoms of Herpes?
Many people could have herpes without having outwards signs of this disease. However, it does depend on whether the person has HSV-1 or HSV, as to where the herpes symptoms show up on a person's body, when they do appear. We will look closer into each type to explain the symptoms for each.
HSV-1 or oral herpes causes blisters to occur mainly around the mouth or lips. Other parts of the face and body also could be affected. At times, the blisters could also occur inside the mouth, as on a person's tongue. These blisters are accompanied by itching and pain.
These types of blisters can also appear with HSV-2 or genital herpes. However, in this version of herpes, the blisters most commonly appear in the genital area including the vagina, penis, anus or buttocks. Just like the HSV-1, the blisters can also break out in other parts of the body.
Along with the blisters, people may suffer from body aches, fever or even swollen lymph glands. The swollen glands on the oral herpes will occur in the neck and upper part of the body, whereas with the genital herpes they will be swollen in the groin area. With genital herpes, problems with urinating are not uncommon. Women typically have this problem more than men do, but it could happen in both sexes. A burning sensation could also be present at this time.
HSV-1 or oral herpes causes blisters to occur mainly around the mouth or lips. Other parts of the face and body also could be affected. At times, the blisters could also occur inside the mouth, as on a person's tongue. These blisters are accompanied by itching and pain.
These types of blisters can also appear with HSV-2 or genital herpes. However, in this version of herpes, the blisters most commonly appear in the genital area including the vagina, penis, anus or buttocks. Just like the HSV-1, the blisters can also break out in other parts of the body.
Along with the blisters, people may suffer from body aches, fever or even swollen lymph glands. The swollen glands on the oral herpes will occur in the neck and upper part of the body, whereas with the genital herpes they will be swollen in the groin area. With genital herpes, problems with urinating are not uncommon. Women typically have this problem more than men do, but it could happen in both sexes. A burning sensation could also be present at this time.
What is the Duration of Herpes Symptoms?
The duration of the symptoms of herpes varies between the two types of herpes. Symptoms for the oral type typically last from 14 to 21 days, while the symptoms of the genital version can last for 14 to 42 days.
Herpes; Medical Options and Lifestyle
The treatments described in this article are all suitable for both types of herpes, HSV1 and HSV2. In addition there are a number of lifestyle issues that can affect the chances of recurrent outbreaks of both forms of the virus. In the case of HSV2, or genital herpes, there are also some specific precautions and steps that you should take in order to avoid spreading the virus. Both forms of HSV are highly contagious and are at their most contagious as an outbreak develops. In this chapter we'll look at the lifestyle options that can help to reduce the number of HSV outbreaks for both types of the condition. We'll also look at the specific advice for those who suffer from HSV2. To begin with, however, we'll take a quick look at the medical options for treating herpes.
Medical Treatments For Herpes
Over-the-counter medications for Herpes are based on acyclovir or penciclovir. Both of these can be applied directly to the cold sore or blister. They will normally reduce the length of time the blisters take to heal and will also reduce the soreness and discomfort. These creams, while effective, do not reach the source of the problem. The virus itself is located in the nervous system traveling down to the nerve endings once activated and producing the familiar sores. In addition to the over-the-counter counter version of these drugs, they are also available in prescription strength version. These are generally more suitable for more intense outbreaks.
Anti-viral drugs in pill form are also available to treat HSV1 and HSV2. These include acyclovir (again), valacyclovir and Famciclovir which are all used to attack the virus itself. They are most effective when used at the start of an outbreak before the sores and blisters have formed (or fully formed). This stage is usually familiar to those who have had previous outbreaks of herpes — typified by a tingling and itching on the area that is affected.
Anti-viral drugs in pill form are also available to treat HSV1 and HSV2. These include acyclovir (again), valacyclovir and Famciclovir which are all used to attack the virus itself. They are most effective when used at the start of an outbreak before the sores and blisters have formed (or fully formed). This stage is usually familiar to those who have had previous outbreaks of herpes — typified by a tingling and itching on the area that is affected.
Natural Treatment for Herpes Symptoms
A person does not necessarily need strong medications to cure herpes of either kind, as there are some natural treatments first. One of important things to do with herpes is to lower the level of arginine (an amino acid) in the body. Why is this? This amino acid causes the both HSV-1 and HSV-2 to grow faster.
Lysine is an essential amino acid and has been shown to help lower the levels of this amino acid, because it breaks it down and prevents the body from absorbing as much of it. A person can purchase lysine supplements in health food stores and online. Also, certain foods such as brewer's yeast, beef, fish, potatoes, dairy products and chicken are high in the lysine amino acid. There are also foods that should be avoided, because they are high in arginine. These foods are such things as chocolate, almonds, peanuts, cashews, sesame seeds and pecans.
An overall healthy, balanced diet to keep the immune system working at optimum levels can prevent some herpes infections from occurring as well as cure ones that are already present. This means eliminating things like sugar, alcohol and junk foods and including more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein, and healthy fats.
On top of a diet low in arginine and high in lysine, and a healthy overall diet, people also need to make sure they have enough B-6, zinc, vitamin E and vitamin C in their diet. This can be done by adding the right foods or in taking supplements. This is especially important during the presence of herpes symptoms.
Other than the nutritional help that people can provide their bodies to relieve the symptoms of herpes, there are some other natural treatments to help soothe the body. Soaking the body in warm water and baking soda with soothe the blisters and is safe for even the genital area. If the person is suffering from blisters on facial areas, a paste can be made with baking soda and water. This will soothe the itching and the pain that the blisters cause. Ice packs will also help alleviate the possible swelling and pain. Learn more about natural herpes treatments.
Lysine is an essential amino acid and has been shown to help lower the levels of this amino acid, because it breaks it down and prevents the body from absorbing as much of it. A person can purchase lysine supplements in health food stores and online. Also, certain foods such as brewer's yeast, beef, fish, potatoes, dairy products and chicken are high in the lysine amino acid. There are also foods that should be avoided, because they are high in arginine. These foods are such things as chocolate, almonds, peanuts, cashews, sesame seeds and pecans.
An overall healthy, balanced diet to keep the immune system working at optimum levels can prevent some herpes infections from occurring as well as cure ones that are already present. This means eliminating things like sugar, alcohol and junk foods and including more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein, and healthy fats.
On top of a diet low in arginine and high in lysine, and a healthy overall diet, people also need to make sure they have enough B-6, zinc, vitamin E and vitamin C in their diet. This can be done by adding the right foods or in taking supplements. This is especially important during the presence of herpes symptoms.
Other than the nutritional help that people can provide their bodies to relieve the symptoms of herpes, there are some other natural treatments to help soothe the body. Soaking the body in warm water and baking soda with soothe the blisters and is safe for even the genital area. If the person is suffering from blisters on facial areas, a paste can be made with baking soda and water. This will soothe the itching and the pain that the blisters cause. Ice packs will also help alleviate the possible swelling and pain. Learn more about natural herpes treatments.
Health Lifestyles and Healthy Skin
In the last few decades many people have turned to alternative therapies and healing methods to resolve just about every health condition imaginable. Modern medicine often approaches health using a treatment, cure or surgical intervention once a problem has been identified. More traditional methods of health care have been, to some extent, overlooked by modern clinicians. Traditional health approaches include one particular method which even scientists and clinicians will readily admit is a very good idea indeed — prevention.
Preventing health conditions in the first place, before they occur, is by far the most sensible option. In the case of the herpes viruses this is, however, difficult. At the start of this website we looked at the different herpes viruses and you may have noticed that they are extremely widespread. A large proportion of the population carry (although may never show symptoms of) the HSV1 virus in particular. HSV2 is less common but is still widespread. In the case of HSV 1, at least, prevention is rarely an option. However there are simple lifestyle changes that can help to prevent recurrent episodes of the virus and to stop it activating time and time again. The basic methods are simply to look after your diet, your health and to detoxify your body. HSV2 is not as widespread and if you have the condition there are sensible steps that you can take to stop the spread of the virus. For those who do not have HSV2 there are also precautions to use.
Preventing health conditions in the first place, before they occur, is by far the most sensible option. In the case of the herpes viruses this is, however, difficult. At the start of this website we looked at the different herpes viruses and you may have noticed that they are extremely widespread. A large proportion of the population carry (although may never show symptoms of) the HSV1 virus in particular. HSV2 is less common but is still widespread. In the case of HSV 1, at least, prevention is rarely an option. However there are simple lifestyle changes that can help to prevent recurrent episodes of the virus and to stop it activating time and time again. The basic methods are simply to look after your diet, your health and to detoxify your body. HSV2 is not as widespread and if you have the condition there are sensible steps that you can take to stop the spread of the virus. For those who do not have HSV2 there are also precautions to use.
Diet and HSV
A healthy diet will help your body to fight off many infections and viruses and will also help you to maintain a healthy weight, which in turn is good for the health of your heart. Avoiding junk food and other processed foods is the best way to ensure that your diet is healthy. A good, balanced diet should contain around 35% lean protein, 35% healthy fat and 35% complex carbohydrates (found in fresh fruit and vegetables). The herpes virus affects the skin and there are a number of specific foods that will help to improve the quality of your skin.
These are;
These are;
- Yogurts
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Salmon
- Nuts, especially walnuts and Brazil nuts - Flax seeds or flax oil
- Olive Oil (this is a “healthy fat”)
- Water (not technically “food” but hydration is crucial for the skin and general health).
Healthy Exercise
Humans are built to be active. Today, many of us live increasingly sedentary lives. Sitting all day at work, driving here and there and sitting again in the evenings. This is very much removed from what our bodies are designed to do (basically running across the Savannah and occasionally leaping up trees). Healthy exercise is essential, therefore in order to keep your body in working order.
While some people may think that this means hours spent down the gym, exercise needn't be either time-consuming or arduous. Health experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate level exercise four of five times a week. This level of exercise includes activities no more strenuous than brisk walking. Cycling is also a good option, swimming is excellent and even doing the housework more energetically than usual will help. At work you may have noticed there are stairs as well as lifts.
Using the former is an excellent way to help promote good health! Your exercises regime can be chosen to suit your own needs or ambitions. However, exercise keeps us in shape, toned, slimmer and also encourages our bodies metabolism to work efficiently and improves our immune system. It can help to aid healthy sleep too, another immune system helper.
While some people may think that this means hours spent down the gym, exercise needn't be either time-consuming or arduous. Health experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate level exercise four of five times a week. This level of exercise includes activities no more strenuous than brisk walking. Cycling is also a good option, swimming is excellent and even doing the housework more energetically than usual will help. At work you may have noticed there are stairs as well as lifts.
Using the former is an excellent way to help promote good health! Your exercises regime can be chosen to suit your own needs or ambitions. However, exercise keeps us in shape, toned, slimmer and also encourages our bodies metabolism to work efficiently and improves our immune system. It can help to aid healthy sleep too, another immune system helper.
Detoxifying your Body
Our bodies absorb toxins from the environment around us and from the foods we eat. This is unavoidable but in the case of processed foods you may find there are rather more toxins than you would like to ingest. Environmental toxins include all manner of pollutants and there is little we can do about the fact that we absorb them.
Occasional detoxifying your body can help — especially if you are prone to HSV. The following natural methods to detox will help to cleanse and your system and help to improve its resistance to all manner of illnesses;
Occasional detoxifying your body can help — especially if you are prone to HSV. The following natural methods to detox will help to cleanse and your system and help to improve its resistance to all manner of illnesses;
- Senna; a traditional laxative, senna helps to cleanse the colon
- Cascara Sagrada Bark; another cleansing herb for the colon, this can be used in combination with senna
- Oregon Grape root; this can help to fight fungal infections and has been widely used to treat skin problems
- Ginger Root; a significant plant used widely in Chinese medicine, ginger helps to cure feelings of sickness but also reduces swelling and inflammation.
- Garlic; this has natural antimicrobial qualities and is extremely good at killing off bacteria that are harmful to health. Simply incorporating it into your diet can help to reduce the affects of HSV, along with other potential viral infections.
General Herpes Advice
Although not as common as HSV1, HSV2 or genital herpes, is experienced by many people. It's uncomfortable, embarrassing and can leave people feeling low and also damage their self- esteem. Like all herpes viruses, however, it is nothing to be ashamed of. Once you have the virus it will remain dormant in your body.
There is a good chance that after the initial outbreak you will experience no further episodes of the virus. For some people, unfortunately, recurrent episodes do occur. It's important if you do experience recurrent outbreaks that you take some simple practical precautions to avoid spreading the virus.
There is a good chance that after the initial outbreak you will experience no further episodes of the virus. For some people, unfortunately, recurrent episodes do occur. It's important if you do experience recurrent outbreaks that you take some simple practical precautions to avoid spreading the virus.
The First Outbreak
If you have contracted HSV2 it's possible that you will not experience an outbreak initially. However, it is likely that one will occur at some stage. Visit your doctor or visit a Sexual Health Clinic. In many cases clinicians will prescribe antiviral pills at this stage. This will help to stop the virus from multiplying but will not rid you of it completely.
Recurrent Outbreaks
It's advisable to visit your doctor or seek medical advice if a further outbreak occurs. General advice that will be useful is as follows;
- Wash the affected area frequently to reduce swelling and stop additional sore developing
- Use an ice pack to ease the pain
- Use petroleum based jelly or anesthetic cream to help reduce pain when going to the toilet
- Increase your fluid intake. This also helps to reduce the pain when passing water
- Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid irritating blisters, which can spread the infection Sex and the, well, Infection
There's no getting around it, genital herpes is an unpleasant condition to have. If you do have it, avoiding passing it on is not only a sensible step but is also one you'll probably be keen to take. The following advice is generally recommend by health care professionals to avoid the spread of HSV2.
- Avoid having sex (vaginal, oral or anal) when an outbreak occurs. Generally the warning signs that HSV2 is reactivating include tingling and itching. From this point on the virus is highly contagious. Sex should be avoided until the blisters and sores have completely cleared up.
- Avoid sharing sex toys but, if you do, ensure that they are washed and use a condom over them.
- Avoid kissing if you or your partner have (or are developing) a cold sore.
- When having sex, always use a condom. This is especially important with new partners but should be practiced on most occasions if you carry the HSV2 virus. The virus can be present on the skin even when it is not active and can be easily passed on.
- During an outbreak avoid sharing towels, bathrobes or other items. HSV will not survive long on most objects but this precaution will reduce the risk of contamination.
- Talk to your doctor. If you suffer from recurrent episodes of genital herpes it may be advisable to take long term anti-viral drugs. Acyclovir is normally prescribed in pill form for long term use. This will suppress the virus, should reduce the chance of outbreaks and can reduce the risk of passing on the virus (it will not prevent the risk altogether but will lessen the chance of this occurring).
Mediviral
MediViral is another natural treatment that has been proven to stop the herpes virus dead in its tracks. Within minutes, this treatment goes to work boosting the immune system and killing the herpes virus. This helps reduce the inflammation, pain and other symptoms of herpes.
Follow the above advice to treat herpes symptoms naturally and you can avoid unpleasant side effects of strong medications. What do you have to lose? You will just relieve your discomfort!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8324162
Follow the above advice to treat herpes symptoms naturally and you can avoid unpleasant side effects of strong medications. What do you have to lose? You will just relieve your discomfort!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8324162