Genital Herpes Prevention
How to prepare my next visit?
What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
The symptoms of genital herpes vary from one person to another. Primary infection may be asymptomatic (no symptoms) or be accompanied by signs such as pain or tingling before the appearance of lesions. Lesions lie in the region of the vagina, anus or penis and start with a rash with vesicles (small transparent bubbles).
Subsequent outbreaks occur at varying rates but can be disabling. The symptoms are the same as those of the initial thrust and last 7-10 days. A tingling sensation may precede the eruption.
With what should we not confuse genital herpes?
Herpes labialis or cold sores is related to a virus of the same family, the HSV1. However, both viruses can reach either the genitals (genital herpes) and face (herpes labialis). Thus, a patient with a cold sore may well infect their partner during sex receiving oral sex.
Other causes of genital ulcers or lesions require medical care: any genital lesion therefore requires consultation and diagnosis (syphilis, HPV ...).
Are there possible prevention of genital herpes?
The only possible prevention is to prevent transmission of the virus. Should therefore abstain from vaginal sex, anal or oral sex with someone who has injuries, so they are not completely healed. Condom use does not completely protect the transmission of the virus (all contaminating areas are not covered). There is no vaccine against genital herpes.
In the case of herpes outbreak with blisters and lesions, some measures may reduce symptoms or relieve: dry the affected areas, wear loose clothing, avoid touching the lesions and wash their hands in any case, not apply ointments without medical advice ...
Genital Herpes Preparing consultation
When to consult?
Herpesvirus infections may be discrete or without symptoms: only the screening will highlight.
In general, any genital warts or lesions should motivate a visit to the doctor or dermatologist.
What is the doctor?
In case of injury (primary infection or recurrence), the doctor will make a diagnosis visually apparent. In case of doubt or to confirm the diagnosis, blood and / or removal of blisters or lesions with a swab, to verify the presence of HSV1 or HSV2.
No treatment cure herpes, but antiviral medications (local and systemically) can accelerate the healing of a herpes outbreak in some patients. The doctor will decide whether to prescribe during an outbreak or long-term, prevention of relapses in cases of frequent recurrences and disabling.
The physician's role is also to take care of the pain, assess precipitating factors or circumstances, suggest a psychological support if necessary and then recommend measures to reduce transmission (condom use during flare-ups in particular).
How to prepare my next visit?
It should identify the circumstances triggering and talk to her doctor. Similarly, note on a list all the questions, without taboo, facilitates the medical interview.
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