Herpes is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body. In this article, we discuss the symptoms of herpes, how to treat it, and how to avoid it. Symptoms Primary infection symptoms Primary infection is a term used for an outbreak of genital herpes that occurs when a person is first infected. The symptoms can be quite severe and may include: blisters and ulceration on external genitalia, in the vagina, or on the cervix vaginal discharge pain and itching tender, enlarged lymph nodes pain when urinating high temperature ( fever ) malaise (feeling unwell) cold sores around the mouth red blisters on the skin In most cases, the ulcers will heal, and the individual will not have any lasting scars. Causes When HSV is present on the surface of the skin of an infected person, it can easily be passed on to someone else through the moist skin that lines the mouth, anus, and genitals. The virus may also spread to another individual through other areas of skin, as well as the eyes. having unprotected vaginal or anal sex having oral sex with a person who gets cold sores having genital contact with an infected person The virus is most likely to be passed on just before the blister appears, when it is visible, and until the blister is completely healed. HSV can still be transmitted to another person when there are no signs of an outbreak, although it is less likely. If a mother with genital herpes has sores while giving birth, it is possible that the infection will be passed on to the baby. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options. These include: taking painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen bathing in lightly salted water helps relieve symptoms soaking in a warm sitz bath applying petroleum jelly to the affected area avoiding tight clothing around the affected area washing hands thoroughly, especially after touching the affected area refraining from sexual activity until symptoms have gone If urinating is painful, apply some cream or lotion to the urethra, for example, lidocaine Some people find that using ice packs can help. Never apply ice directly to the skin, always wrap it in a cloth or towel first. Medication No drug can get rid of the herpes virus. Doctors may prescribe an antiviral, such as acyclovir, which prevents the virus from multiplying. Antiviral medications will help the outbreak clear up faster and will also help reduce the severity of symptoms. Prevention tips To reduce the risk of developing or passing on genital herpes: use condoms when having sex do not have sex while symptoms are present (genital, anal, or skin-to-skin) do not kiss when there is a cold sore around the mouth do not have many sexual partners Some people find that stress , being tired, illness, friction against the skin, or sunbathing may trigger recurrences of symptoms. Identifying and avoiding these triggers may help reduce the number of recurrences.

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Herpes Infections Health Feed

Asked for male, 29 years old from Bangalore

I have infection in genital since three months. I visited 3 doctor. One says it's infection. Second says it's herpes. Third says it's scabies. Please let me know what to do.

Dr. Sathish Erra93%(21083 ratings)

BHMS, Diploma in Dermatology

Sexologist•Hyderabad

Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area.
Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.

Health Query

Hi Doctor, My age is 28. I have herpes but homeopathy medicine start 1 years so my report first igm 1: 84 now medisican starting after 6 months again tested IGM 1: 34 NOW medicine continue now am do marriage. Any problems my wife .she is get in pregnant.

Dr. Jayvirsinh Chauhan93%(35817 ratings)

MD - Homeopathy, BHMS

Homeopath•Vadodara

Yes the infection can spread to your wife...
The homoeopathic treatment will help if right medicine given..

Last Updated: 6 years ago• Featured Tip

Herpes

Dr. Jagatjit Singh Kohli87%(268 ratings)

MBBS, DHMS - Harvard, Masters In Clinica...read more

Dermatologist•Chandigarh

Herpes is an infection caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). This virus affects the external genitalia, anal region, mucosal surfaces, and skin in other parts of the body.more

Asked for female, 30 years old from Guwahati

I am 30 years old female. Recently me and my husband got test for hsv 1 and 2 (lgG) and hsv 1 and 2 (lgM). My husband got equivocal in both test and I got positive i.e 1.5 in hsv 1 and 2 (igM) test. What does it means? Is it a serious matter?

Dr. Sajeev Kumar91%(40820 ratings)

C.S.C, D.C.H, M.B.B.S

General Physician•Alappuzha

If the results are equivocal, they need to be repeated after a while and history of exposure need to be told

6 people found this helpful

Asked for Male, 48 years old from Durgapur

My father left side area allergies like herpes but no pain and no itching what's the problem it is.

Dr. Prashant K Vaidya90%(18373 ratings)

Diploma In Gastroenterology, Diploma In ...read more

Homeopath•Hyderabad

Natural remedies
lip balms with at least 1 percent lemon balm.
lemon tea and lemon tea compresses.
peppermint, mint, and witch hazel oil.
aloe vera gel, which is available to buy online, to soothe inflamed sores while providing crucial moisture.
licorice root, which contains glycyrrhizic acid, considered to be an antiviral.

26 people found this helpful

Asked for Female, 26 years old from Delhi

I got herpes zoster in the month of may and it left with the scars on the right side of my back. Is it a std or a normal infection?

Dr. Prashant K Vaidya90%(18373 ratings)

Diploma In Gastroenterology, Diploma In ...read more

Homeopath•Hyderabad

Apply lemon to the scar. ...
Use honey. ...
Try onion extract. ...
Consider using aloe vera gel. ...
Use Indian gooseberry. ...
Make or purchase cucumber paste. ...
Try tea tree oil. ...
Massage olive oil over the scar.

43 people found this helpful

Health Query

I have been detected with herpes on my right thighs. I would be glad if someone could prescribe any ayurvedic medication for this.

Dr. Shayesta Inamdar87%(98 ratings)

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surge...read more

Ayurveda•Parbhani

You need to do raktmokshan from your nearby ayurveda center to avoid complications, also take chandrakala wati kamdudha wati morning and evening one tab each.

Asked for male, 29 years old from Hyderabad

Sir, I have been suffering from viral infection herpes virus from 3 days. I consulted doctor but no use What is the treatment n medicines for this? Pls give answer me.

Dr. Pooja Bhalke90%(1498 ratings)

BHMS,PGDPC At Motiwala Homoeopathic Medi...read more

Homeopath•Nashik

Take homeopathic medicine for best result.
1.Nat Mur 200.4 pills three times a day for one month.
If you have any queries contact me.

14 people found this helpful

Asked for female, 20 years old from Guwahati

I am 20 running years I have Hsv last year my doctor prescribed me acyclovir 400 to eat for 5 days. She said I was okay no need to come back for treatment. Since I went through google and research about herpes I still have doubts so do I need to go for check up or not compulsory.

Dr. N S S Gauri95%(159289 ratings)

Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (...read more

Unani Specialist•Kanpur

sootshekhar ras 125 mg twice a day
gandhak rasayan avleh 10 gm twice a day
vyadhihar rasayan 125 mg twice a day

58 people found this helpful

Asked for male, 15 years old from Begusarai

I am 15 years old. My doctor has told that I have herpes infection in sexual reason. I have this since 2 or 3 months So please tell me the proper medicine to be free from that virus.

Dr. Deepak93%(13815 ratings)

NCCH & MCH

Homeopath•Raebareli

Continue with the present medication apart from this you need a constitutional Homeopathic treatment to resolve this issue at ease. consult back with details and photos of the affected areas for better analysis and treatment thereupon.

45 people found this helpful

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