How Craft Medical Can Help Someone With Genital Herpes
One of the most important things when facing this challenge in life, whether you want a herpes treatment over-the-counter or a different male genital herpes treatment is to consult a doctor.
Craft Medical specializes in helping men connect with doctors who understand these gender-specific challenges. A natural treatment for genital herpes may be possible, but be sure to speak to a doctor first. Craft Medical will connect you with the right doctor for you today.
Herpes Simplex Vs Aphthous Ulcers
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Getty Images / Alona Siniehina
This is a picture of aphthous ulcers, a type of oral sore that is often confused with cold sores. Aphthous ulcers can occur anywhere in the mouth, but do not involve the outside of the lip. They are not caused by the herpes virus.
Aphthous ulcers are painful, non-contagious ulcers limited to the inside of the mouth. As opposed to herpes blisters, aphthous ulcers start as painful sores that are yellowish or whitish in color with a red border.
Aphthous ulcers can be caused by the following.
Typical Healing Of Genital Herpes Sores
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
In addition to pain, the oozing sores will often have a “fishy” smell in both females and males. The smell can increase after sex due to the abrasion of skin on skin.
The timeline of a genital herpes outbreak can vary. With primary herpes, the outbreak will usually occur within four days of exposure to the virus .
A genital herpes outbreak may last up to seven to 10 days, particularly with the first outbreak. After crusting, healing usually occurs within two to four weeks, typically with no scarring.
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Genital Herpes Treatment In Pregnancy
You may be offered antiviral treatment:
- to treat outbreaks in pregnancy
- from 36 weeks to reduce the chance of an outbreak during birth
- from diagnosis until the birth if you first get herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy
Many women with genital herpes have a vaginal delivery. You may be offered a caesarean, depending on your circumstances.
How Often Do Outbreaks Occur
The number of outbreaks someone has varies from person to person. The average number of outbreaks for a person with genital HSV-2 is four to five per year. The average for genital HSV-1 is less than one outbreak per year.
Usually, there are more outbreaks during the first year, and many people find that outbreaks become less severe and less frequent with time.
Herpes triggers are highly individual, but with time, many people learn to recognize, and sometimes avoid, factors that seem to reactivate HSV in their own bodies. Illness, poor diet, emotional or physical stress, friction in the genital area, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light , surgical trauma, and steroidal medication may trigger a herpes outbreak.
The frequency of outbreaks can often be managed through effective stress management, and getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. For people with frequent outbreaks, suppressive therapy with any one of the antiviral treatments can reduce outbreaks by as much as 80%.
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How Soon Do Symptoms Appear
Symptoms tend to come on suddenly anywhere from two days to two weeks after youve been exposed to the virus.
The appearance of symptoms is called an outbreak. After your initial outbreak is treated, you may have subsequent outbreaks during the next year and occasionally throughout the rest of your life.
How To Treat Genital Herpes
What causes genital herpes is a virus. How is genital herpes transmitted? Through sexual contact while symptomatic. Similar to how a person spreads the flu or other virus, you are most contagious when symptoms are present. Knowing how genital herpes is spread is the first step to limiting the risk of spreading it to other partners.
When you want to know how to live with genital herpes, it begins by consulting a doctor and beginning treatment options.
First and foremost, use protection during sexual activity, even when asymptomatic. Second, your doctor will discuss what causes genital herpes, the key symptoms of genital herpes to look out for, and a primary genital herpes treatment that is suited for your body and lifestyle.
There is genital herpes natural treatment options using supplements. Proper nutrients can help your body fight back against the virus when an outbreak occurs, but this should be discussed with an experienced doctor first.
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S Of Genital Herpes Or Herpes Simplex 2 In Men And Women
Genital Herpes HSV2 is a disease visible on the genitals and can spread through sexual contacts . The virus infects mucoepithelial cells inside the neurons and can remain dormant for years until the next outbreak.
In Primary herpes case, the time from exposure to the time we begin seeing the painful ulcer is between 2 days to 12 days.
Research shows, that genital Herpes is more prevalent in Young Women and Men who has sex with men
Are Canker Sores Caused By The Herpes Virus
Canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus or by any other virus. In fact, the cause of canker sores is unknown, although they may be triggered by a minor injury in your mouth from dental work or brushing too hard, an allergy, a vitamin B deficiency, stress, or a food intolerance. Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may also cause canker sores, and they often occur in families, so its possible genetics or environment play a part, too.
Canker sores typically appear as small, round, or oval whitish sores with a red border, according to the Mayo Clinic. They typically occur on the tongue, inside the cheeks, inside the lips, or on the gums. The medical term for a canker sore is aphthous ulcer. Canker sores can be quite painful, but they usually heal within about two weeks without leaving any scarring.
Unlike cold sores, which usually occur outside the mouth, canker sores occur only inside the mouth. Like cold sores, canker sores are recurrent, but they are not contagious: You cant give a canker sore to another person. Canker sores occur more often in teenagers and young adults, and they are more common in women than men.
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How Long Do Pimples Usually Last
Depending on the type of pimple you get, each pimple can last from a couple days to about two weeks. Pimples with a lot of pus may take longer to heal. They will likely heal faster when kept clean and undisturbed. Constantly touchingespecially poppinga pimple can make it larger, more uncomfortable, and delay the healing process.
Pimples have a regular, round shape and can appear as a single pimple.
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How Is Herpes Spread
Herpes can be passed from one partner to another or from one part of your own body to another part. If one partner has oral cold sores, they can pass on the virus during oral sex and cause genital herpes.
Herpes is most easily spread when there are open sores, but it can also be spread before the blisters actually form or even from people with no symptoms. Its very unlikely that herpes is spread by toilet seats, swimming pools, bathtubs, whirlpools, or moist towels.
Pregnant individuals can pass the virus to their baby during or after childbirth. Pregnant individuals should always let their health care provider know if they have had herpes or been exposed to herpes. Also anyone with oral herpes should avoid contact with newborn babies.
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The First Episode Of Herpes
Genital herpes usually appear in the form of an episode and therefore is interspersed with periods without symptoms. Although a person can pass on the infection s/he might not even notice the symptoms. On the other hand the recipient of the infection might notice the symptoms within a few days/week after getting infected. The first episode of this infection generally occurs within 1-2 weeks after the virus has been transmitted.
Some of the classic symptoms of genital herpes are mild herpes rash, sores and ulcers. These typical lesions of genital herpes look just like tiny pimples which crusts with time and ultimately scabs like a minor cut. It might take somewhere between 2-4 weeks for these lesions to heal.
Genital herpes lesions and close-up view of herpes simplex viruses attaching to human cells, 3D illustration
During this period some individuals might experience a second bout of lesions while others might experience symptoms resembling a flu. This could include fever and swelling of glands especially in the lymph nodes around the groin. Other symptoms of the first episode might also include difficulty and pain while urinating and headache.
When To Seek Medical Care
If you develop new painful sores in or around the genitals, see a physician as soon as possible because treatment is much more effective if started early.Recurrent outbreaks of genital HSV usually do not require a visit to the doctor. However, because some people have milder forms of herpes, you should also see a doctor for any recurring rash in the genital area, even if you think it is from bug bites, jock itch, or any other condition.If you have an underlying medical condition such as cancer or HIV, if you have undergone organ transplantation, or if you are pregnant, you are at higher risk for more serious complications from genital herpes. Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you develop any lesions.Genital herpes can also be passed to a newborn baby during delivery through contact with a lesion in the mother’s genital tract. Be sure to speak with your obstetrician about the possible risk to your baby if you have genital herpes.
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Is It Safe To Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes
Yes as long as there isnt an open lesion on your chest or breast. If you have an active outbreak while breastfeeding, its possible to spread the infection to your nipples through touch. Careful hand-washing can prevent this spread. You shouldnt nurse from a breast that has herpes sores. You can pump breast milk until the sores heal. Dont give your baby expressed breast milk if the pump comes into contact with an open sore.
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Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md
Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.
Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.
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Cure And Treatment Of Herpes
Presently there is no cure for this infection since it can always recur when your body is weak or stressed. However the good news is that mild herpes can be managed more easily. All one has to do is keep away from all the factors which might trigger an outbreak such as smoking, excessive exposure to sun, less sleep and stress.
To put it simply this infection is not as deadly as many people believe it to be. Think of it as a mild skin condition which bothers you from time to time. Plenty of rest, a healthy diet and an exercise regimen are some of the things which would help you stay away from recurrent outbreaks.
Sexually active individuals with mild herpes who have a non-positive partner should ideally go for an antiviral suppressive therapy. This would not only supress the virus but also diminish the risk of transmitting the disease to someone else.
While most patients go for medications like Acyclovir there are many who opt for alternative medicines to keep the symptoms at bay. You might also consider giving a boost to your immune system by regular intake of Lysine â an essential amino acid which helps to fortify the body against the virus.
What Does It Look Like
The herpes rash looks like clusters of small, fluid filled blisters. They tend to be painful and can appear as white, yellow, or red translucent sores or bumps, filled with a clear liquid.
Herpes sores can be overlooked when symptoms first appear, because they can be similar to other common skin conditions.
The appearance of herpes sores cannot solely signify whether an outbreak is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. A herpes test can help to identify which strain of the virus you have. You are able to get tested at a local sexual health clinic.
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Genital Herpes Symptoms In Men
Genital herpes is mainly caused by herpes simplex type 2 , although a related virus called herpes simplex virus type 1 is increasingly linked to the disease.
Infection with HSV-1 and HSV-2 doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, it can lead to an outbreak of itchy or tingling blisters that quickly rupture to form painful ulcers. The open sores can ooze and bleed, eventually crusting over and healing within two to four weeks.
Other symptoms can accompany, particularly during the initial outbreak, including:
Subsequent genital herpes outbreaks tend to be less severe than the first outbreak.
People of any sex who receive or can also develop sores on the rectum.
Prodromal Symptoms Of Herpes
Prior to a herpes outbreak, people will often have prodromal symptoms . With herpes, this may include localized genital pain, or tingling or shooting pains in the legs, hips, or buttocks. This may occur hours or days before the actual outbreak.
The outbreak may also be preceded by flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly during the first outbreak.
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What Can A Person Or Community Do To Prevent The Spread Of Herpes Ii
Avoidance of sexual contact with symptomatic individuals is an immediate, but only partial answer because herpes virus may be shed while the infected individual remains asymptomatic. Cesarean section is often recommended when primary or recurrent herpes II lesions occur in late pregnancy.
Sexual relations should be approached responsibly.
- Limit the number of your sex partners.
- Use a male or female condom.
- If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit the local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
Causes Of Oral And Genital Herpes
Herpes is very infectious and also very common. Two studies published in PLOS ONE estimated that in 2012, 67% of people worldwide who are under 50 are infected with HSV-1, and 11.3% of people ages 14-49 are infected by HSV-2. Some people may not be aware that they are infected because it is possible for the virus to stay dormant and not cause any symptoms until an outbreak is triggered. People with herpes sores often confuse them with common skin problems such as rashes, pimples, bug bites, razor burns, ingrown hairs, or yeast infections.
Herpes sores are caused by one of two subtypes of the herpes simplex virus :
It should be noted that either subtype of the herpes simplex virus can infect any part of the body, usually through oral sex. That is, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, and HSV-2 can cause an oral infection.
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Can A Condom Prevent Genital Herpes From Being Passed On
Yes, a condom can prevent you from passing genital herpes onto your sexual partner but it must cover the infected area. You should avoid having sex if you or your sexual partner has symptoms of an outbreak, such as blisters, sores, or tingling. Avoid sharing sex toys to minimise the risk of passing on genital herpes.
Is Genital Herpes Contagious
Yes. When blisters or crusts are present, the virus can be passed by direct contact to others. But the virus can be just as contagious even when you cannot see any sores. Using condoms helps to prevent the spread of infectionbut condoms cannot protect you completely. Because HSV also causes cold sores on the mouth, a person with cold sores can spread HSV through mouth contact with the genital area of another person. The virus can also be carried on hands from the mouth to another area. You can even spread the virus to yourself by touching cold sores on your mouth and then touching other areas of your body.
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How Can I Manage The Symptoms
- Keep the area clean to avoid infection. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce pain and soothe your skin.
- Some people find topical anaesthetic creams such as Emla help
- Drink plenty of fluids this will dilute your urine and make passing urine less painful.
- Avoid tight clothing as it may irritate the blisters and sores further.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
Most HSV infections are easy for physicians to diagnose. On occasion, however, a swab from the infected skin may be sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. A blood test may also be performed to determine if you have been exposed to the virus. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test for your partner to determine if he/she has been exposed to herpes in the past, or is at risk for contracting the virus.Untreated HSV infections will go away on their own, but antiviral medications can reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of outbreaks, and decrease the chance of spreading the virus. These medicines are most effective if taken during the first 24 hours of symptoms. If you experience burning and tingling before the appearance of blisters, you can start the medicine as soon as you feel these symptoms. Unfortunately, these medicines do not cure HSV infections.Treatment for primary and recurrent HSV infections are oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir , valacyclovir , and famciclovir . Each of these medications is equally effective and usually taken for 710 days for primary infections and 15 days for recurrent infections. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for these medicines for possible future outbreaks, as they are most effective if taken early on.More severe HSV infections may require additional medications such as:
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