Herpes is a very common viral infection and one can identify millions of this sufferer in the globe. Herpes is controllable with proper management and timely identification of symptoms. Since herpes is a subject not very easily discussed will never deter people from learning what its symptoms mean and when it’s the right moment to get professional help will do much in helping better health and a quality lifestyle.
In this article, we will guide you through the early detection of herpes symptoms, types, and treatments.
What is Herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of the virus:
HSV-1: This type is primarily linked to oral herpes. Oral herpes manifests around the mouth and lips and causes cold sores or fever blisters.
HSV-2: This is a serotype that causes genital herpes. It affects the genital area, and this leads to sore sores that are painful.
The two forms of HSV vary; however, the individual infected by the virus is liable to exhibit some or all the above symptoms. Ways through which a person contracts this virus are also varied; a person will contact this virus upon direct contact with an infected skin or mucous membrane. Among them are kissing and other sex activities that are meant to infect the patient.
Initial Herpes Symptoms
Symptoms of herpes could appear anywhere from 2 to 12 days after becoming infected with herpes virus. However, most people may fail to experience the symptoms simultaneously or may have very light symptoms that may go unnoticed. Some of the commonly recognized early symptoms of oral and genital herpes include the following:
Tingling or Itching Feeling: The first symptom of a herpes outbreak is a feeling of itching or tingling in the lesion area, around the mouth or genitals, before ulcers actually forms.
Painful Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters on the skin may occur, which are painful and tend to rupture, leaving sores that can crust over and heal in a few weeks.
Swelling and Redness: The site will swell and might be red especially around the vesicles or the blisters.
Sore throat or pain on swallowing: Oral herpes (HSV-1), sore throat, or pain upon swallowing is how it presents itself. For herpes labialise (cold sores), they appear within the oral cavity or area around the oral cavity of the mouth.
Painful urination or genital soreness: Genital herpes (HSV-2), painful urination or sore genital area, irritation, or scalding may be felt in the genital tract.
Flu-like Symptoms: For some, the first outbreak of herpes is accompanied by fever, body aches, headaches, or swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms may seem like the flu and last for a few days.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you notice any of the above early signs, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention. The sooner the treatment, the more minor the size of the outbreak and the lesser its duration will be. This is when to see a doctor:
If you develop blisters or sores: If you develop blisters or sores, which you suspect to be herpes, then you should test for the infection. Testing can be done through blood tests or by swabbing from the lesion.
If you have recurrent attacks: If you are experiencing repeated herpes attacks, a doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan to control your symptoms and avoid future attacks.
If you are pregnant: The herpes may also affect the condition of your pregnancy. This infection can be transferred to your newborn baby when in labour. See a health provider if you become pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.
Treatment of Herpes
Although herpes is not curable, the treatments developed aim at making maximum control of symptoms, minimizing outbreak frequency, and reducing transmission rates of the virus. Prescription drugs may be used in the treatment, such as:
Antiviral Medications: Prescription antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir reduce the duration of an outbreak, decreases pain, and accelerates healing. Medications should be started early in the onset of an outbreak.
Over-the-Counter Treatments: Various creams, ointments, or patches applied topically over the affected area for oral herpes can take care of the lesion and provide temporary relief from the pain and discomfort.
Pain Relief: If experiencing discomfort or pain, then taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen available as an over-the-counter medicine could alleviate your pain.
Home Remedies: Cold compresses or an ice pack could also be applied on the area of your body that swells and results in the pain; petroleum jelly or aloe Vera gel could also be used to moisturize, heal, and prevent irritation on the skin.
Maintain Good Hygiene: The infected area should be kept clean and dry to prevent more infection. Avoid touching the sores, and take proper care during washing hands in order to stop the virus spreading further.
Prevention of Herpes Outbreaks
Though herpes cannot be cured completely, it is a lot easier that it’s outbreak and the virus from spreading through certain measures.
Antiviral drugs must be taken daily: The frequency and the intensity of outbreaks will be diminished for those whose outbreaks occur with a high rate in this category.
Avoid causes: Some causes, such as stress or illness or even sun burning may cause outbreak of herpes; by avoiding all these, one will be capable of minimizing his risk of an outbreak.
Use condom during sexual contact: when diagnosed with genital herpes, ensure the use of a condom when participating in sexual acts.
Do not kiss or share personal items: If affected by oral herpes, avoid kissing anyone and also sharing items like towels or lip balm while at an outbreak.
This condition will be treatable if its symptoms are recognized early. In the case of herpes, starting antiviral drugs as early as possible will reduce an outbreak and minimize complications. You should visit a healthcare provider if you develop some of these symptoms of herpes or suspect that you have been exposed to the virus.
Remember, herpes is a common and manageable condition; however, staying informed, taking precautions, and seeking treatment when necessary can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. if you want to know more information on Herpes find out more here.
