Genital herpes: manifestations, diagnosis, treatment

Recurrent herpes of the external genitalia

Typical recurrent herpes on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, usually in the same place, subjective: burning, itching manifested by repeated blistering rashes.

Atypical forms of recurrent herpes, which greatly complicate the diagnosis.

In atypical forms, either one of the stages of development of the inflammatory process in the lesion predominates (erythema, blistering), or one of the components of inflammation (edema, hemorrhage, necrosis), or subjective symptoms (itching), which give the corresponding name to the atypical form (erythematous, bullous, hemorrhagic, necrotic, itchy, etc.).

Atypical forms of herpes of the external genitalia are more common in women than in men.

The subclinical (asymptomatic) form is manifested by microsymptoms: short-term (less than a day) appearance of one or several microcracks, accompanied by slight itching. Sometimes there are no subjective sensations, which reduces the number of patients visiting medical institutions and complicates diagnosis.

The subclinical form is detected mainly during virological examination of sexual partners of patients with any sexually transmitted infection, or during examination of married couples with impaired fertility.

Clinical diagnosis of abortive course, atypical and subclinical forms of RGG is difficult and can only be made using virological research methods.

A feature of genital herpes is multifocality. The pathological process often involves the lower part of the urethra, the mucous membrane of the anus and rectum.

Organs of the genitourinary system in women and men that may be affected:

• entrance to the vagina;
• vagina;
• vaginal part of the cervix;
• cervical canal;
• urethra;
• bladder;
• anus;
• rectal ampulla;
• mucous membrane of the uterine cavity;
• body of the uterus;
• the fallopian tubes;
• ovaries;
• prostate;
• seminal vesicles;

Risk factors

Certain conditions and symptoms may contribute to viral invasion.
Risk factors may be associated with primary diseases and a person's lifestyle. Predisposition factors for genital herpes:

• gender (Women are much more likely to be diagnosed with the disease);
• unprotected sex. (using a polyurethane or latex condom helps reduce the chance of infection);
• promiscuity;
• the presence of other infections affecting the genital organs;
• dysfunction of the immune system, including acquired immunodeficiency;
• carrying out various surgical interventions in non-sterile conditions.

Preventive measures help reduce the risk of viral invasion.

Pathophysiology

Herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the main causative agent of the disease. The genetic material of the pathogen is represented by a double-stranded DNA molecule. After penetration into the mucous membranes of the genital organs, the pathogen migrates to the cells of the nervous system, therefore many complications of genital herpes are associated with the functioning of the central nervous system. The virus can remain in neurons for a long time even with drug therapy. In the external environment, the causative agent of the disease persists for several hours, but high temperature quickly destroys the virus.

The causative agent of genital herpes has the following properties.

1. Significant neurovirulence. The immune system does not stop the virus from invading cells of the nervous system.
2. Latency. Herpes gets into the nerve ganglia close to the gate of infection and does not manifest itself symptomatically for a long time.
3. Reactivation. Re-replication of the virus can occur even after long-term remission. Relapses are observed with fever, injury, stress, menstruation and other conditions.

Cellular immunity is capable of fighting the pathogen, however, in patients with HIV infection and other diseases that affect the body's protective properties, the virus quickly spreads in the tissues. HSV-2 enters susceptible cells through special receptors, inserts its own genetic information into DNA and reproduces new viral particles, which subsequently migrate to other areas. Lymphocytes are capable of synthesizing specific antibodies against the causative agent of the pathology, however, even after an HSV-1 infection, the development of another type of herpes cannot be ruled out.

Causes

The causative agent of the disease is the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is divided into HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. As a rule, genital herpes is caused by type 2 virus.

The disease is transmitted only through sexual contact; household transmission is excluded. The spread of infection is facilitated by all types of sexual contacts, both traditional sexual and anogenital and oral-genital. Therefore, infection is possible through oral-genital contact with a partner who is a carrier of HSV type 1, especially if there are clinical manifestations of herpes in the lips and oral cavity.

Predisposing factors for infection with the herpes simplex virus include:

• promiscuous sex life;
• homosexual contacts;
• refusal of condoms;
• reduced immunity;
• hypovitaminosis;
• use of intrauterine devices;
• artificial termination of pregnancy with curettage of the uterus;
• constant stress;
• overwork;
• hypothermia;
• infection with other infections, both genital and general;
• climate change.

Clinical picture

Both types of herpes simplex virus can cause primary and recurrent infections. The course of the disease depends on the age and immune status of the person. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the genetic characteristics of the virus. Primary infection with HSV-1 and HSV-2 is characterized by generalized symptoms and a high incidence of complications. In contrast, recurrent genital herpes is characterized by mild symptoms and periodic remissions. A high frequency of relapses is observed in patients with congenital and acquired forms of immunodeficiency.

Primary genital herpes

The pathology is manifested by external pathological signs associated with damage to the mucous membranes and systemic symptoms. If the patient suffered a type 1 herpetic infection before being infected with HSV-2, a milder course of the disease is observed. Early signs of the disease include redness of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, ulcerations, and the appearance of blisters on the skin. Patients also complain of headache, general malaise, myalgia and fever.

Other symptoms and signs:

• Discharge from the vagina and penis.
• Enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.
• Severe itching in the area of ​​the infection gate.
• Swelling of the mucous membranes.
• Painful urination.

In women, the largest accumulation of vesicles is observed in the area of ​​the labia majora and minora. Ulcerations can also occur in the mucous membrane of the cervical canal and urethra. In men, the virus affects the glans penis, foreskin and skin of the scrotum. Ulcers can also form in the anal area. The first complications of genital herpes include inflammation of the urethra and cervicitis in women. Skin changes persist for two weeks, after which tissue re-epithelialization occurs.

Recurrent herpes

Repeated episodes of the disease occur in 50-75% of patients who have had acute genital herpes. Signs of pathology remain, but symptoms may be more subdued. Periods of absence of clinical manifestations of infection (remission) continue for several weeks or months. In severe cases of the disease, monthly relapses are possible.

A day before the formation of ulcers, many patients experience redness of the skin of the genital organs. Another specific sign of recurrent infection is neuralgia of the sacral spine. Vesicles persist for 5-8 days. Women tend to have more ulcerations in the labia majora and labia minora.

The patient’s quality of life decreases due to constant exacerbations of the disease. Patients complain of insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, depression and apathy. Neurological complications of herpetic infection occur less frequently during relapses, but the prognosis largely depends on the person’s immune status.

Non-standard clinical picture

Atypical genital herpes can be characterized exclusively by a latent course or erased symptoms. The patient is found to have chronic inflammation of the urethra and genital organs, without ulceration. In this case, differential diagnosis based on laboratory tests is necessary.

Spread of atypical infection:

1. The virus affects the external genitalia.
2. The infectious agent gradually moves to the area of ​​the vagina, cervix and urethra.
3. The virus causes inflammation of the prostate gland, uterus, bladder and other organs.

This form of the disease is detected in every third patient. An ascending infection that affects the internal genital organs often causes dangerous complications. True asymptomatic herpes is diagnosed in approximately 1-2% of patients.

Pathology during pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, the herpes virus can enter fetal tissue through the placenta. Infection during childbirth is also possible, since the causative agent of the disease affects the mucous membranes. In this regard, screening for genital herpes should definitely be done when planning pregnancy. If the infection is diagnosed late, a caesarean section is recommended to prevent infection of the baby.

Primary genital herpes is the most dangerous. Intrauterine development involves the active formation of organs and systems of a new organism, so any pathological effects can cause birth defects. In the early stages of pregnancy, the virus can actively penetrate the nervous tissue of the fetus and disrupt the development of the central nervous system. Other negative consequences of infection include a high risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Infection in newborns

Typically, infection of a child occurs after rupture of the membranes or directly during childbirth. HSV-2 primarily affects the mucous membrane of the mouth and respiratory tract. The virus can subsequently spread through the body through the bloodstream and cause more severe complications. The independent transfer of the pathogen to other anatomical areas should not be ruled out.

Features of the disease in newborns:

• ulceration of the mucous membranes with the formation of foci of hemorrhage;
• eye damage. (pathology causes inflammation of the cornea, conjunctiva and choroid of the organ);
• prolonged fever;
• inflammation of the brain and its membranes;
• neurological disorders;
• breathing problems;
• vascular insufficiency.

The complications listed above most often occur 10-14 days after the manifestation of the disease, when the infectious process becomes generalized.

Diagnostics

All necessary examinations can be completed by a venereologist. During the appointment, the doctor will ask the patient about complaints, collect medical history and conduct a physical examination. A preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of characteristic skin changes, however, to clarify the type of pathogen and the severity of the disease, a specialist will need the results of laboratory tests. Also, at the first stages of diagnosis, it is important to distinguish herpetic lesions from syphilitic chancre.

Necessary manipulations

1. Collection of contaminated biological material. A smear or scraping is carried out in the area of ​​the urethra, vagina and cervix.
2. Growing the virus in tissue culture or identifying the pathogen using an electron microscope.
3. Polymerase chain reaction is a highly accurate method for detecting viral DNA in a patient’s body. Using PCR, specialists also determine the specific genotype of the pathogen.
4. Blood test followed by detection of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2. Immunoglobulins of classes M and G are determined using an enzyme immunoassay. This test helps identify latent infection or previous illness.
5. Immunofluorescence is one of the methods for identifying the type of virus. This analysis allows you to identify a specific herpes antigen.

In addition to the listed diagnostic methods, the specialist may require additional studies, including a computed tomography scan of the brain and analysis for other sexually transmitted infections. It is also important to exclude HIV infection in the first stages of the examination and assess the state of the immune system in order to understand how to treat the disease.

How to make a diagnosis

To prescribe treatment for genital herpes, the doctor conducts a survey and examination. The patient will have to remember the date of occurrence of the first complaints, the appearance of such symptoms earlier, and also answer the questions:

• about self-treatment;
• having sex during illness and number of sexual partners;
• about the presence of chronic diseases, allergies.

During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the location and appearance of the rash, the severity of inflammation and swelling. Women are examined on a gynecological chair, and men's prostate is palpated. Also prescribed:

• UAC and OAM;
• blood test for biochemistry;
• scraping/smear of tissue from the affected area and sending the material for microbiological analysis;
• blood tests for immunoenzymes;
• PCR analysis to determine the presence of the virus in the blood.

Treatment

Drug therapy for genital herpes involves the use of antiviral drugs. The most commonly used drugs are equally effective against HSV-1 and HSV-2, but the treatment regimen also depends on the location and clinical course of the infection. Since even the most modern antiviral drugs are not able to destroy all pathogens in the patient’s body, the main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent relapses.

Prescribed medications:

• acyclovir, valacyclovir and other drugs that block viral DNA replication;
• ointments for topical use based on antiviral drugs;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• local anesthetics to relieve itching and pain.

If a life-threatening complication (for example, encephalitis) is detected in patients with reduced immunity, intravenous administration of acyclovir in high doses is indicated. This treatment is most often required by HIV-infected patients. If resistance to acyclovir is detected, patients are prescribed cidofovir and foscarnet.

Other therapies

Some treatments are still in development or simply have not undergone all the necessary trials. Today, the most promising method of treating herpes is gene therapy. According to research, the use of CRISPR technology for genome editing will make it possible in the future to completely remove the virus from the body of patients.

There are also alternative medications, the effectiveness of which has only been proven in isolated studies. These are lysine-based nutritional supplements, as well as ointments containing zinc oxide, aloe vera extract and propolis. The use of such agents helps eliminate the inflammatory process and accelerate tissue regeneration. The use of any additional medications in the treatment of herpes should be discussed with your doctor first.

How to treat genital herpes in women?

It must be emphasized that it is necessary to treat genital herpes in women only after consultation with a doctor.

It should also be noted that currently there are no drugs for herpes that can remove the virus from the human body and lead to a complete cure. Therefore, treatment is aimed at suppressing the virus in the body and, most importantly, restoring immunity.

Genital herpes in women is treated to:

• prevent complications
• prevent relapse of the disease,
• to prevent transmission of the virus and infection of children, loved ones, sexual partners, work colleagues, etc.,
• prevent a decrease in quality of life,
• prevent further weakening of immunity.

Drug treatment comes down to 3 stages:

• suppressing an outbreak or relapse of the disease with the help of antiviral (chemo) drugs, interferons;
• restoration of the body's defenses - immunity with the help of general strengthening agents, probiotics, vitamins, interferons;
• vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine "Vitagerpavak".

How to treat genital herpes?

Effective antiviral chemotherapy drugs for herpes are drugs such as acyclovir, as well as its more effective second-generation derivatives: valacyclovir, Valtrex, famciclovir, penciclovir. These drugs have a comparable mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness, they help to quickly and effectively reduce the severity of symptoms, subjective sensations, and the duration of relapse, but they cannot cure the infection (completely remove the virus from the body).

Acyclovir and its analogues act only on the active herpes virus, but do not affect viruses that are in a latent state. A common disadvantage of acyclovir-containing drugs is the inability to prevent relapses of the disease and infection with a related type of virus and a negative effect on the immune system. Further suppression of the immune system leads to the emergence of resistant strains of the virus. Antiviral chemotherapy drugs are used occasionally in a short course (5-10 days) for primary herpes or for relapses of herpes.

For herpes, it is possible to use antiviral agents topically. This helps lead to a significant reduction in the time of appearance and regression of rashes due to the high bioavailability of active substances at the site of the lesion. Acyclovir (ointment, cream) and the new drug Penciclovir (1% cream Fenistil® Pencivir) have proven themselves well. The effectiveness of Fenistil® Pentsivir is 20–30% higher than acyclovir-based cream. Fenistil® Pencivir cream can be used in patients over 12 years of age. If there is resistance to acyclovir-containing drugs, antiviral drugs with a different mechanism of action (foscarnet, isoprinosine, panavir, aloferon, etc.) are used.

During pregnancy, for the purpose of treatment and prevention of recurrence of genital herpes and infection of the fetus, herpes medications in tablets (Acyclovir, tablets) are prescribed starting from the second trimester of pregnancy in consultation with a doctor.

The presence of side effects from the use of chemotherapy drugs contributed to the introduction of modern, effective and harmless drugs - interferon drugs - into the treatment of herpes. The ability of interferons to suppress the multiplication of a virus in the human body explains the need for their use (giaferon, viferon, genferon, etc.). The effectiveness of Giaferon is 30% higher than the effectiveness of other drugs in this group, because also contains hyaluronic acid, an independent immunomodulator. Their use as antiviral agents and immunomodulators, stopping relapses of the disease and correcting immunity, allows them to be effectively used in the treatment of pregnant women and nursing mothers, and to prevent intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Is it necessary to talk about the importance of treatment aimed at strengthening defenses and preventing relapse of genital herpes? In cases of moderate and severe forms of the disease (relapse once every 3 months or more often), to increase the effectiveness of treatment, treatment regimens, along with antiviral drugs, include immunocorrective drugs: immunomodulators, interferons, vitamins, restoratives, immunoglobulins and probiotics. It should be noted that immunotherapy leads to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity, allows you to shorten the duration of treatment, reduce the toxic effect of chemotherapy drugs on the body, prevent the formation of resistance to them and lead to deep remission, i.e. to restore immunity.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment of herpes virus infection, a group of virologists and infectious disease specialists led by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. V.A. Isakov* developed a step-by-step, comprehensive method for treating and preventing recurrence of the disease using the drugs described above:

• Stage 1 of treatment – ​​relief of the acute period of the disease (chemotherapy, interferons),
• Stage 2 – restorative therapy, immunocorrection,
• Stage 3 – specific immunoprophylaxis – vaccination with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak,
• Stage 4 – clinical observation.

Chemotherapy drugs and interferons only suppress the virus in its active stage, but the vaccine treats, normalizing immune defense, and therefore belongs to the group of therapeutic vaccines.

It should be noted that special attention is paid to restoring the body’s immunological reactivity with the help of medication and anti-relapse treatment using general tonic agents, vitamins, interferons, probiotics, and immunoglabulins. Immunoprophylaxis at the final stage of treatment with the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak allows you to restore specific antiviral immunity, i.e. achieve suppression of the virus and normalization of immunity, leading to long-term (many years) remissions. This technique was called the “Russian method of treatment” in the West.

It is important to remember and consider that:

• Herpetic infections are a consequence of impaired immunity.
• In mild forms of the disease (exacerbation no more than once every 3 months), there is slight immunosuppression. Therefore, vaccination can be carried out immediately, without restorative treatment (7-10 days after healing of herpetic eruptions with an interval of 7-10 days, in the amount of 5 injections).
• In moderate and severe forms of the disease (recurrence once every 3 months or more often), it is necessary to eliminate severe immunosuppression by prescribing general tonic drugs, vitamins, immunomodulators, probiotics, and only then begin vaccination (10 days after healing of the rash with an interval of 10 days in the amount of 5 injections). It is necessary to carry out 4 courses of vaccination with an interval of 3 months under the cover of Giaferon (1 suppository 2 times a day rectally - 5 days).

The effectiveness of treatment is more than 86%, which is confirmed by the results of its use for 12 years and numerous studies of effectiveness conducted by leading scientists and clinicians of the Russian Federation in various fields.

The Vitagerpavak vaccine is used during the period of remission of the disease. The purpose of vaccination is to activate cellular immunity, i.e. its immunocorrection.

The use of the Vitagerpavac vaccine has a number of advantages over antiherpetic drugs, as evidenced by studies conducted in leading medical institutions in Russia.

Prof. N.S. Potekaev** and Associate Professor M.A. Samgin (Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University) studied the effectiveness of the Vitagerpavak vaccine in 233 patients with recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips . The treatment was the Vitagerpavac vaccine. It was shown that regular vaccination led to an increase in the period of remission to 1-3 years. Over time, 5 years after regular 4-year vaccination, 88 patients were examined: a positive effect was noted in 72% of patients with a recurrent form of herpes; complete cure - in 42 patients, significant improvement - in 24 patients.

In another study, the vaccine was studied in 3,000 patients with frequently recurrent forms of herpesvirus. Dynamic observation of patients over a period of 3 to 5 years showed that vaccine therapy led to a complete cessation of disease relapses in 1890 patients (63%), to a decrease in the frequency of relapses in 810 people. (27%). The lack of effect was detected in 240 (8%) patients (MD, professor, head of the department of skin and venereal diseases of the RUDN University, A.L. Tishchenko).

In a study conducted by Prof. Barinsky I.F. et al., **** at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Institute of Virology named after. DI. Ivanovsky" of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, it was shown that in patients with frequently recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips, 6 months after vaccine therapy (Vitagerpavak) a significant improvement (increase in the inter-relapse period by 3 times) was noted in 19 (31.1%) patients, improvement (increase in remission by 1.5–2 times) - in 35 patients (57.3%) and only in 7 (11.6%) patients the therapeutic effect was weak or absent. As a result of vaccination, the majority of patients (38 people) stopped treatment due to improvement. In 52% (20 patients) of them, clinical symptoms of recurrent herpes were completely absent.

Prof. Barinsky I.F. et al.,*** also conducted a comparative study of the effectiveness of the vaccine alone and in combination with the immunostimulant Giaferon in patients with frequently recurrent herpes, including herpes on the lips. The means of treating herpes were: the polyvaccine Vitagerpavak and the immunostimulant Giaferon. Patients of group 1 (28 people) were prescribed the Vitagerpavac polyvaccine in combination with an immunostimulant. Patients of group 2 (25 people) received only the vaccine. Efficacy was assessed by reducing the duration and intensity of clinical manifestations of genital herpes during relapse and increasing the duration of the interval between relapses. When using the vaccine in combination with Giaferon, a positive result was noted in more than 96% of cases, when using one vaccine - in 84% of cases. The conducted studies demonstrated the advantage of the combined method of vaccine therapy and the immunostimulant “Giaferon”. The proposed combined treatment regimen made it possible to prevent relapses of herpes, including herpes on the lips.

Dynamics of clinical parameters in patients with recurrent HH during vaccine therapy

Of interest are the results of a study using the Vitagerpavac vaccine conducted by Prof. A.A. Kasparova et al. (Research Institute of Eye Diseases of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), with the participation of patients with ophthalmoherpes caused by the herpes simplex virus. Of 114 patients with ophthalmoherpes with frequently recurrent forms, relapses of the disease completely stopped in 71 patients (63%), their frequency became significantly less frequent in 32 (27%) and did not change in only 11 people. (10 %). Analysis of the results revealed a 5-fold reduction in the frequency of relapses and a 3.2-fold reduction in the duration of relapses per 1 patient suffering from herpetic keratitis, keratoiridocyclitis and iridocyclitis. When studying the blood of patients with herpes using PCR and MFA methods, it was revealed that the use of an inactivated vaccine was accompanied by the elimination of viremia.

In the above-mentioned studies, it was also shown that vaccination was accompanied by a 3-4 times increase in specific reactions of T-cell immunity, against the background of a constant level of B-cell immunity reactions. The study of T-cell immunity reactions showed an increase in the specific T-killer activity of lymphocytes and the activity of NK cells. Vaccination contributed to the cessation of viremia both after the end of vaccination and in long-term follow-up (after 6 months). Vaccination using Vitagerpavak led to a pronounced immunocorrective effect, reducing immune disorders from degrees 3 and 2 to 1. After 6 months after vaccination, immune disorders corresponded to the 1st degree.

The above results of long-term studies of the Vitagerpavak vaccine indicate the reliable effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing relapses of herpes infections against the background of activation of cellular immunity reactions and specific desensitization.

If you are faced with the question “how to get rid of genital herpes”, and other methods have proven to be ineffective, then you should definitely pay attention to this method of preventing relapses of the disease.

How to treat genital herpes using the Vitagerpavac vaccine?

The basic vaccination regimen using the Vitagerpavac vaccine: 0.2 ml of the vaccine is injected intradermally into the flexor surface of the forearm. The vaccination cycle consists of 5 injections, which are carried out at intervals of 7-10 days. For a lasting preventive effect, repeated courses of vaccination are necessary. In case of herpetic rashes, the intervals between injections should be increased to 14 days. After 6 months, revaccination is carried out (5 injections). In severe forms of the disease, revaccination is carried out after three months, 4 courses over 1.5 - 2 years.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccine for the prevention of chronic herpes virus infection.
1 package – full course of treatment.
Vaccination course: 5 injections, given at intervals of 7-10 days. Store at a temperature of 2-8 ºС. The drug can be transported at a temperature of 9-18 ºС, but not more than 3 days.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent relapses of genital herpes in people with weakened immune systems, along with drug treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to strengthening the body's defenses. Particular attention should also be paid to the prevention of factors that contribute to decreased immunity and exacerbation of herpes infection.

Briefly about the Vitagerpavac vaccine:

Compound:

— The drug is a lyophilisate for preparing a solution for intradermal administration — Contains specific inactivated antigens of herpes simplex virus types I and II grown on a continuous cell line VERO, acceptable by WHO as a substrate for the production of vaccines

Indications:

• Patients with CGI are subject to vaccination.
• Preparing women with a history of recurrent chronic herpetic infection for pregnancy.
• HIV-infected patients in stages 1-2 of the disease.

Contraindications to the use of the vaccine:

• Active stage of herpes
• Acute infectious and non-infectious diseases
• Chronic diseases in the stage of exacerbation or decompensation
• Malignant neoplasms
• Pregnancy
• Presence of active AIDS symptoms

Complications

The negative consequences of genital herpes in most cases develop in the acute form of the disease. Patients with reduced immunity and other infectious pathologies are at risk.

Possible complications

1. Invasion of other infectious agents into the body. The presence of ulcers and erosions in the area of ​​the external genitalia facilitates the penetration of pathogens into the patient’s body. For example, the risk of contracting HIV increases significantly.
2. Infection of tissues and organs of a newborn with the subsequent development of a systemic disease characterized by high mortality.
3. Damage to the urinary system. Viruses can cause inflammation in the mucous membranes of the urethra and bladder. Severe swelling of the urethra can make it difficult to pass urine.
4. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The inflammatory process can also spread directly to brain tissue.
5. Inflammation of the rectal mucosa (proctitis). Damage to this anatomical area is possible during unprotected anal sex.
6. Transfer of infection to other areas of the body, including the face.
7. The growth of a malignant tumor in the cervix. Tissue ulceration can provoke precancerous changes.

The use of antiviral drugs not only alleviates the symptoms of the disease, but also prevents the development of complications. If you notice symptoms of brain damage due to herpes, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Treatment of herpes in the intimate area with folk remedies: will traditional medicine help?

Traditional medicine existed in all periods of human history, and the experience of traditional healers multiplied over the millennia and was passed on from generation to generation. True, one cannot help but admit that today many of the recipes that our ancestors used have been lost and forgotten, and the assessment of traditional medicine by specialists is still ambiguous. What happens when treated with traditional medicine methods

Today, traditional medicine offers both rational methods, which, under certain conditions, can really help cope with various diseases, and irrational ones, which deserve critical evaluation by doctors. But this does not stop those who, instead of turning to a specialist, decided to help themselves on their own by testing the effectiveness of traditional medicine recipes. As a rule, such people will be disappointed - no decoctions, infusions, applications of medicinal herbs and other drugs prepared at home can help get rid of the manifestations of herpes in the intimate area. It must be remembered that refusal to see a doctor and lack of adequate treatment can lead to unpredictable consequences and the development of life-threatening complications.

Only antiviral drugs that not only relieve symptoms, but also fight the root cause of the disease can help reduce the severity and shorten the course of the disease.

Forecast

Even after the use of modern antiviral agents, viral DNA remains in the nuclei of nerve cells. In this case, the disease becomes latent because viral replication stops. It is impossible to prevent the persistence of the herpes pathogen in the body, but drug therapy can reduce the risk of reactivation of the pathogen.

The first relapse of the disease can occur within a year after infection. The development of characteristic symptoms is preceded by a prodromal period, manifested by burning of the mucous membrane of the genital organs and impaired sensitivity of the skin in the sacrolumbar region. At this stage, it is recommended to begin antiviral therapy to shorten the duration of relapse.

On average, patients experience 2 to 5 relapses annually. The exact reasons for reactivation are unknown. It is assumed that an exacerbation of the infection may occur due to a cold, hypothermia, menstruation or severe stress. In this case, the main mechanism of relapse is a general and local decrease in immunity.

The incidence of complications has not been sufficiently studied. Brain damage most often occurs in newborns and patients with reduced immunity. Since the most dangerous complications occur during primary infection, it is important to diagnose the disease in time and use antiviral agents.

Asymptomatic course of the disease

The first infection with the herpes simplex virus is often called the primary infection. Such an infection can cause symptoms of the disease, but this does not occur in all cases. After the primary infection, the virus is not eliminated from the body; it lives in it in the form of an inactive form (in sleep mode).

In some people, the virus “wakes up” from time to time and enters the surface of the skin. This, in turn, causes a relapse of the viral disease on both the genitals and lips.

For most people, infection with the herpes virus in intimate areas is not a cause for concern. At least 8 out of 10 people with genital herpes don't even know they have it. Sometimes only very mild symptoms may appear that are difficult to associate with genital herpes. Such symptoms may include a slight burning sensation or slight redness that quickly disappears.

In such people, the virus remains dormant and never causes a wave of symptoms to return. However, even those who develop the disease asymptomatically are dangerous to their sexual partners. It is in such cases that infection with the herpes virus occurs.

Prevention

Due to the high prevalence of the virus and the variety of methods of invasion, it is difficult to prevent the development of herpes, however, some preventive recommendations help reduce the risk of complications.

Prevention methods

1. Using a condom and treating unprotected skin with an antiseptic after sex.
2. Preventive use of antiviral drugs after questionable sexual contact.
3. Screening for herpes when planning pregnancy. If a woman prefers a natural birth, it is recommended to take a course of antiviral therapy in advance.
4. Careful hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus to other anatomical areas.
5. Timely treatment of infectious diseases affecting the external genitalia.
6. Eliminating triggers for herpes relapse.

Thus, genital herpes is a common infection that affects the genitourinary system. If skin rashes appear in the genital area, you must make an appointment with a venereologist and undergo all the necessary examinations.

Routes of infection

You can catch genital herpes:

• during unprotected sexual intercourse, when the viral agent penetrates through cracks in the mucous membranes;
• orally, through contact of the lips with herpetic vesicles;
• during close contact of the skin of an infected person with the skin of a healthy person in the presence of micro-abrasions on the mucous membranes or skin;
• when using the belongings of a sick person, this rarely occurs due to the instability of the virus to the external environment.

At birth, a child can become infected from a mother who is a carrier of the genital herpes virus.

The source of infection is the liquid substance that the blisters contain. Opening at least one during sexual intercourse gives an almost 100% chance of infecting the partner. During the healing stage of skin rashes, infection will still occur through contact with human secretions.