One of the most common infections in the world is herpes.
There are 2 types of Herpes simplex. Type 1 Herpes simplex (HSV type 1) is the type that usually causes infection on the face. Type 2 Herpes simplex (HSV type 2) is the type that causes infection in the genital area.
Both type 1 and 2 herpes infections insidiously wait in the nerves that give sensation to the skin. Each time herpes occurs, it spreads from the nerves to the skin and mucous membranes, multiplies and causes clinical sores. After the wound heals, the nerve returns to its resting period.
What is the causative agent in genital herpes?
60-70% HSV type 2,\% 30-40 HSV type 1 is the agent. Herpes infections have the potential to recur throughout life.
How is herpes transmitted?
HSV transmission from skin to skin occurs easily. Even if herpes has passed, it is present in saliva and sexual secretions for several weeks. The risk of contagion is higher when you have herpes. Even a tiny wound on the skin increases infection.
Since the virus dies at room temperature, transmission from objects is unusual.
Primary genital HSV infections:
In women. Ulcer wounds occur in the external genital area and vulva mucosa, vagina and cervix. It also causes ulcers on the penis in men. Lymph nodes enlarge and become sensitive. If left untreated, painful ulcers will persist for 2-3 weeks. Pain during urination is common.
Recurrent genital HSV infections:
Primary infections never recur in some people. Genital herpes relapses more frequently in the first years after primary infection. Fatigue, emotional stress, other infections, sun, and menstruation may cause herpes to recur.
Recurrent herpes is milder than primary herpes. Small blisters are painless. It passes in 5-10 days.
Complications of Genital Herpes:
Urethritis, proctitis, neurogenic pain, meningitis are rare.
Common herpes infections may occur in people with impaired immunity.
Pregnancy and Genital Herpes:
Mostly, the herpes infection previously transmitted to the baby during birth does not pass. However, if there is genital herpes during birth, a cesarean section should be preferred.
Any giving up in the first 3 months of pregnancy is risky for the fetus.
Diagnosis of genital herpes:
Blood tests are done by looking at the proteins called antibodies that the body produces against HSV types 1 and 2.
The HSV found in secretions and cells is determined by the PCR test.
Genital Herpes treatment:
Antiviral treatment is given for both primary and recurrent HSV infections.
-Antiviral treatment is given for 7-10 days in primary HSV infections.
-6 times a year. If there are less than 100,000 relapses, treatment for rare relapses is appropriate. After tingling and blistering pain occur, drug treatment should be started within the first 72 hours.
-If there are more than 6 recurrences per year, suppressive treatment is given.
Herpes vaccine:The vaccine is still undergoing animal testing and is not yet used in humans.
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