Many have heard of herpes on the labia. Some faced such a problem personally. Below is written in detail about how to identify this disease and what should be its treatment.

What is genital herpes on the labia?

Herpes, which is located on the labia orother genital organs of a woman, is called genital. What is he like? It is a virus that gets into the human body and stays in it forever. That is, this disease is not completely eliminated, but only drowned out. It can not be called dangerous, but, for example, if herpes affected a pregnant woman, it can negatively affect the fetus (intrauterine malformations and pathologies often occur, and fetal deaths are also known). In addition, if the disease is in an acute stage, then with natural childbirth, the risk of infection of the newborn is high. But for girls in the ordinary state it is important to start treatment of the virus in time. Usually the disease affects the external genitalia (vagina, perineum, labia). But in the absence of necessary measures to eliminate the focus of the disease, spreading to the uterus can also start, which can lead to serious consequences (for example, to infertility).

Ways of infection: how the herpes virus is transmitted

Genital herpes is transmitted sexually. But the virus can penetrate not only with normal vaginal intercourse, but also with anal and even oral. Moreover, even if the partner does not have any obvious manifestations of herpes, this does not mean that infection is impossible. By the way, if a man is sick, the likelihood that his partner will also become a carrier of the disease is 18-20%. When using contraceptives, in particular condoms, the risk is reduced by 2-3 times. So if you look for the causes of herpes, then you can name the most important and common among them - promiscuous sex life and unprotected intimate relationships.

Symptoms of genital herpes: how does the disease manifest itself?

So, how does genital herpes manifest itself?women? The incubation period of the virus is approximately 2 to 20 days. This means that from the moment the virus enters the body before the first symptoms of the disease appear, it can take several days or 2-3 weeks - it all depends on the characteristics of the immune system (if it works well, it will try to fight "outsiders" longer ). Below we list the main symptoms of this unpleasant disease.

First, redness and itching appear in the area of ​​the external genitalia (in particular, the labia).

Then some bubbles begin to appear. They are filled with liquid and look like small balls.

Vesicles can itch and even ache, in the area of ​​their appearance the skin will be red.

About a week later, the balls burst, from which liquid is released. Then they dry out, crusts appear, which soon just fall off.

Lymph nodes (inguinal) are enlarged.

Body temperature may rise.

Often felt an ache in the whole body, weakness, pain in the muscles. There is general deterioration in the condition.

All these symptoms can last about 1-2 weeks, then pass without leaving a trace.

All of the above manifestations occur usually in the stage of exacerbation. That is, the symptomatology is observed when the virus first enters the body, and then during periods of relapse.

Diagnosis: how to identify genital herpes?

How does the doctor determine that he is dealing with exactlygenital herpes, and not with some other venereal disease? After all, the vesicles on the genitals can arise and with other similar ailments. Of course, an experienced venereologist can say, with an accuracy of 90%, what kind of event takes place. But still he should take a scraping from the rash for analysis, during which such material is placed in a certain environment, as a result of which the virus begins to multiply. In addition, herpes can leave a trace in the DNA, so that such an analysis can be assigned. Even in the laboratory they will examine your blood for the content of antibodies to the virus in it. But only all of the above methods together will allow to determine exactly what the body has herpes.

What can provoke an exacerbation of genital herpes?

As already noted, the herpes virus gets intothe body only once and remains there forever. But this does not mean that it does not need to be treated. It is worth noting that the treatment only eliminates symptoms and as it drowns out, eliminates the activity of herpes. For a while he will "doze" and will not make itself felt. There are people who, having contracted genital herpes, later forgot about him almost for life. Some suffer from relapse several times a year. But what are the causes of exacerbations, why does the herpes "wake up"? We list the main factors.

Overwork. If the body periodically experiences heavy loads, then at some point of the force it is not enough to contain the activity of the virus. And then the herpes becomes aggravated.

Stress. They, too, are hard work for the body. It is known that many diseases occur precisely because of nervous forces. And herpes (more precisely, its relapse) is no exception.

Injury. It is clear that any injury and damage are a great stress for the body. He forces all his forces to heal, and at this time the herpes virus is activated.

Overheating or hypothermia. These factors can also trigger a relapse of the disease, since the body and the immune system can work normally only in the optimal temperature regime for humans.

Avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis are often the trigger mechanism for the activation of the herpes virus.

Rigid diets and eating restrictions. It is clear that for normal functioning the body should receive a sufficient amount of nutrients. And if this does not happen, then the defensive forces noticeably weaken.

Other infections. For example, it often happens that a person has caught a cold and soon noticed symptoms of genital herpes. Although most often with colds, there is herpes around the mouth, but the labia may well be the place of its manifestation.

Consequences of herpes: why timely treatment is important

Although herpes is considered a harmless disease,which occasionally reminds oneself of vesicles, nevertheless treatment is simply necessary, because in its absence complications can arise, which in some cases are very serious. It is worth mentioning what can be expected from the insidious genital herpes.

• If there is no treatment, the symptoms maypersist for a very long time. But the bubbles on the labia are not only ugly, but also very uncomfortable. This will affect the sexual life (this is not something everyone wants to see). And the intimate sphere plays an important role for women's health.
• If the symptoms of herpes are localized near the urinary system, then such manifestations as incontinence or urinary retention may occur. Do you need this?
• If you love your man, then certainly notwish him evil. But if you do not carry out treatment, then the herpes will be active all the time, which means that the risk of infecting a sexual partner will be between 5-10% and more.
• If there is no treatment for genital herpes, andhuman immunity is greatly weakened, then the virus can begin to spread throughout the body and even reach the brain. This happens rarely, but cases of death due to herpes are known to medicine.
• If in the body of a woman, along with the herpes virus, there is also a papilloma virus, then this increases the risk of developing the cervix.
• If the symptoms of herpes persist for too long, then this can affect the psychological state of the woman. For example, serious depression may begin, and nervous breakdowns are not uncommon.

Treatment of herpes: how to deal with this disease

It is impossible to drive a virus out of the body forever,but if you take certain measures and carry out treatment on time in case of symptoms, you can achieve that the disease will not practically make itself felt. Man will live a normal life. Since herpes is a virus, it is logical that antiviral drugs will be effective. The most effective and widely used in the practice of treatment of genital herpes are such drugs as Famvir (Famaciclovir), Zovirax (Acyclovir), Valtrex (Valaciclovir) and Penciclovir (Denavir). Any of these remedies should be prescribed only by a doctor. It is important that treatment is timely, only then it will be effective. So even when the first symptoms occur, you need to see a doctor and start taking medication. If relapses are observed too often (sometimes literally every 2-3 months), the doctor who follows the course of the disease can prescribe supportive treatment, which will be a kind of prevention. It can be recommended for serious drugs that have some contraindications and side effects, so it's strongly recommended not to start their reception on their own without consulting an experienced specialist. Often, doctors appoint so-called immunomodulators, that is, drugs that support immunity (Viferon, Grippferon and others based on interferon and similar components). But so far their effectiveness is precisely in the fight against herpes is not proven. Although for the prevention of certain actions by these means will be provided. But if they are abused, then immunity will simply get used to such support and at some point may refuse to work independently.

Prevention: how to avoid infection and relapse?

So, as you know, the best methodprevention of a disease is prevention. It is divided into two types: measures to prevent infection and actions that will help to avoid exacerbations. So, let's start with the prevention of infection. We list them.

• First of all, it is worth taking a responsible approach tochoice of a sexual partner and an intimate life. So, if a person is a little acquainted, then it is worthwhile to use a condom when entering into a sexual relationship with him. And only in case of absolute certainty that he is not a carrier of the virus, you can refuse this contraceptive. By the way, from oral sex with strangers and untested partners, it is also better to refuse, since the risk of infection in this way is very large.
• There are cases of infection through personal hygiene items, for example, through a towel. So it is extremely necessary to observe some simple rules: wash your hands more often and have your own hygiene products.
• If you have had contact with a sick person andlearned about this immediately after contacting him, then you can try to take emergency measures. So, for this purpose, some drugs are used (Gerpferon, for example), which need to process places of probable virus entry into the body not less than several hours after contact.

And how can you avoid relapses?

• Avoid overcoolings and overheating. Dress in the weather.
• Try not to expose yourself to stresses, as they can provoke an exacerbation of herpes.
• Observe the correct mode of sleep and rest. Get enough sleep and do not overdo it. Allow yourself to relax and rest after a hard day's work.
• Watch for health: try not to catch a cold and not get infected with other infections. Avoid contact with sick people and visiting crowded places (especially during epidemics).
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, bad habits weaken the defenses of the body.
• Eat a varied, correct and full. In the body, along with food, everything must be done. You can additionally take vitamins (after consulting a doctor).
• Keep your immunity: tempered, spend more time in the fresh air.
• Keep track of your psychological health. Positive attitude is important!
• Talk to your doctor. He will suggest some preventive remedies.

In conclusion, we can add that the genitalHerpes is an unpleasant disease. And in vain people think that it is not dangerous, it is not. In the absence of proper treatment, the virus can spread to all organs, hitting them. So at the first symptoms, consult a doctor! And if you are serious about your health, then take preventive measures so as not to get infected.

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