How to identify and how to treat genital herpes? Genital herpes - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Genital herpes treatment in adults
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Genital herpes is an infectious disease caused by viruses of the simple herpes 1 or 2 types and manifested by multiple bubble rashes in the genital area. It is because of the localization of the lesion in the genital area that genital herpes is also called sexual or genital herpes.Despite the high prevalence of this infection (according to the World Health Organization, about 90% of the world's population is infected), genital herpes is a fairly safe disease, in the vast majority of cases it does not cause serious complications. However, during the period of active flow, genital herpes significantly reduces the quality of life and creates inconvenience for a person.
Genital herpes is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through any type of sexual contact - vaginal, oral and anal. Moreover, a person can be a source of infection, even if he does not have any manifestations of the disease. In addition, in rare cases, a baby can become infected with genital herpes during childbirth, if the mother had an active infection at that moment.
General characteristics of the disease
Genital herpes belongs to the group of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Moreover, genital herpes is the most common infection of this group in the adult population in all countries of the world. According to various estimates, from 60 to 90% of the adult population in various countries is currently infected with genital herpes. Such a spread of genital herpes is due to the peculiarities of its transmission and the course of the disease.The fact is that the infection is sexually transmitted, but not life-threatening, and once having had genital herpes, a person becomes a life-long carrier of the herpes virus. Occasionally, in an infected person, the herpes virus is activated and secreted into the secretion of the genital organs, and most often this occurs without any accompanying clinical manifestations. Accordingly, a person does not know that the genital herpes virus is present in the secretions of his genital organs and leads his usual sex life. As a result, during sexual intercourse, the virus is transmitted to a partner. Moreover, the transmission of the genital herpes virus occurs with any type of sexual contact - vaginal, oral and anal. Thus, many carriers of the genital herpes virus periodically turn out to be a source of infection for other people, without even knowing it. Accordingly, the spread of infection occurs very quickly and on a large scale. But, due to the non-danger of genital herpes for life, they are not actively involved in the detection of infection.
Genital herpes is caused herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or 2. HSV-1 is the cause of genital herpes in 20% of cases, and HSV-2, respectively, in 80%. At the same time, type 2 virus is traditionally considered a "true" provocateur of genital herpes, since type 1 herpes virus is the cause of herpetic eruptions on the lips and face. However, during oral sexual intercourse, a person infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 can pass it on to a partner in whom the pathogenic microbe will provoke genital herpes, since it was, figuratively speaking, "transferred" to the genitals. In principle, the type of HSV that caused genital herpes is completely unimportant, since the infection proceeds and is treated in exactly the same way. The only category of people for whom it is important to know the type of HSV virus that caused genital herpes is pregnant women, because based on this information they will be able to guess when and how the infection occurred.
The virus that causes genital herpes enters the human body through intact mucous membranes and damaged areas of the skin during sexual intercourse. Therefore, the only effective way Prevention of infection with genital herpes is the use of a male condom for any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral and anal). In addition, in rare cases, genital herpes can be transmitted from mother to newborn or fetus if a woman first became infected during pregnancy.
The herpes virus after entering the body does not always cause an active course of infection, at least in half of the cases a person does not get sick at all, but becomes only a latent carrier. Such latent carriage does not harm a person and does not reduce his quality of life, however, occasionally leads to the release of the virus into the secrets of the genital organs, as a result of which it can become a source of infection for other people without knowing it.
But still, in half of the cases, after the virus enters the body, a person develops symptoms of genital herpes, and the infection is active. In such situations, a person is concerned about multiple small blisters on the skin in the genital area, as well as on the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract (urethra, vagina, etc.), which are very itchy and very painful. After some time, the blisters pass, and the infection passes into a latent carriage, in which the virus is also occasionally secreted into the secretion of the genital organs without any symptoms and can infect other people during sexual intercourse without using a condom.
With latent carriage, regardless of whether there were active manifestations of genital herpes during the initial infection, any infected person can develop so-called relapses. During the period of recurrence, genital herpes manifests itself clinical symptoms, that is, a person develops itchy, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. Such relapses usually go away on their own, and the person again becomes only a latent carrier of the infection. Relapses of genital herpes are usually caused by a sharp decrease in immunity, for example, during stress, after overwork, a serious illness, etc.
The peculiarity of herpes simplex viruses of types 1 and 2 is that, once they enter the human body, they remain in the tissues for life, never completely being removed. This is what causes asymptomatic lifelong virus carrying and episodic recurrences of genital herpes. Once in the body through the mucous membranes, the herpes simplex virus with the flow of blood and lymph penetrates into the nerve nodes, in which it remains in a latent inactive state throughout the subsequent life of a person. And when situations arise that cause a decrease in immunity (stress, hormonal imbalance, radiation exposure, strong ultraviolet radiation, etc.), the virus is activated, exits the nerve nodes, penetrates the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs and causes a recurrence of the infection.
Attempts to completely remove the herpes simplex virus from the body are useless, so they should not be attempted. This means that in the absence of recurrences of genital herpes, asymptomatic virus carriers do not need to be treated. Moreover, you should not be afraid of such a virus carrier either, since it is not dangerous for human life.
Treatment of genital herpes is performed only in the presence of an active course of infection, that is, with rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. Usually, treatment is aimed at eliminating painful symptoms - pain and itching, as well as the speedy transfer of the virus to a latent, inactive state in which it will not bother a person.
Genital herpes - causes
The cause of genital herpes is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. Moreover, in 20% of cases, genital herpes is provoked by HSV type 1, and in the remaining 80% - HSV type 2. It should be noted that the herpes simplex virus is typical for the genital organs type 2, and therefore most of the infections are provoked by it. And HSV type 1 is usually localized in the mucous membranes and skin of the face, and it is he who provokes the widespread and almost universally known "herpes" on the lips. But if HSV type 1 gets on the mucous membranes or skin of the genital organs, then it will provoke not labial (labial), but genital herpes. This usually occurs during oral sex, when HSV type 1 is transmitted from a partner suffering from labial herpes.It is also necessary to know that infection of the genital tract with HSV type 1 often causes an active course of infection. And when infected with HSV type 2, genital herpes in a large number of cases does not develop, and the virus immediately goes into a latent state. But, as a rule, after the end of the active phase of genital herpes, provoked by type 1 HSV, the virus goes into a latent state for a long time, and a person very rarely suffers from a relapse of the infection. If HSV type 2 infection has occurred, then a person is much more likely to develop relapses of genital herpes, even if after the initial infection, clinical symptoms did not appear, and the virus immediately went into an inactive state. That is why, in order to predict relapses, it is important to know the type of herpes virus with which this particular person is infected.
Infection with genital herpes
Infection with genital herpes can occur in two ways: - sexual way;
- Vertical path (through the placenta from mother to fetus or during the passage of the baby through the birth canal).
However, if a person has herpetic sores, but the condom does not completely cover them, then during sexual intercourse the likelihood of transmitting the virus is also very high. That is why it is recommended to refrain from sexual activity during the period of the appearance of herpetic eruptions on the genitals until their complete disappearance.
The entrance gate of infection is an intact mucous membrane or damaged skin in the genital area, groin, anus and oral cavity. That is, the virus, getting on the mucous membranes of the vagina, rectum or oral cavity, along with the secretions of the genital organs, quickly invades the cells, as a result of which infection occurs.
A person becomes a source of infection for other people a few days after becoming infected himself. This infectious period lasts 10-14 days. If a person periodically has herpetic eruptions in the genital area, then he becomes contagious to others immediately after the formation of bubbles and remains so for 8 to 9 days. After 8 - 9 days, even if the rash has not yet passed, the person ceases to be a source of infection for others.
In addition, against the background of asymptomatic carriage, periodically, throughout life, the virus is released into the secrets of the genital organs for 1 to 2 days, which are not accompanied by any clinical manifestations. During these periods, a person also becomes contagious to sexual partners. Unfortunately, it is impossible to identify such periods, since they do not differ in any symptomatology.
Infection with genital herpes of the fetus during pregnancy or infant during childbirth(when passing through the birth canal) is very rare. As a rule, intrauterine infection of the fetus occurs only in cases where a woman is first infected with herpes during pregnancy. If, before the onset of pregnancy, a woman was already infected with genital herpes, then the infection is transmitted to the fetus in exceptionally rare cases, even if the expectant mother periodically develops exacerbations of genital herpes during childbearing. Indeed, during exacerbations of genital herpes, the virus is effectively destroyed by the woman's immune system, and therefore does not penetrate the placenta to the fetus.
Infection with herpes of the baby during childbirth occurs only in two cases. Firstly, if the infection of the woman herself occurred for the first time in her life during the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy. Secondly, if at the time of childbirth a woman had herpetic eruptions on her genitals, that is, there was a recurrence of the infection.
Genital herpes: causative virus, types, routes of transmission, virus carriers, risk groups, incubation period - video
Analysis for genital herpes
Currently, to clarify the type of virus that caused genital herpes, as well as to identify the form of the infection, the following types of tests are performed: - Sowing a smear from rashes on a culture;
- Determination of the presence of antibodies to the herpes virus type 1 or 2 (IgM, IgG);
- Determination of the presence of active viral particles in the blood by PCR.
Determination of antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood or genital secretions is a common analysis and allows you to establish whether the infection has occurred long ago or recently. Also, the determination of antibodies allows you to determine whether a person is infected in principle with the herpes simplex virus. Accordingly, for this analysis, you need to donate blood from a vein or genital discharge (the sampling is usually performed by medical personnel).
Typically, these tests are used in preparation for pregnancy, because the doctor needs to know if a woman has antibodies to the herpes virus in her blood. After all, if there are antibodies, then the woman is already “familiar” with the virus and, therefore, during the entire pregnancy she may not be afraid of infection and recurrence of genital herpes, since her own, already formed immunity will reliably protect the fetus from infection. If there are no antibodies in the woman’s blood, then throughout the pregnancy she will have to be careful not to become infected with the virus, since primary infection during childbearing can lead to infection and serious complications, up to the death of the fetus.
Currently, the presence of two types of antibodies in the blood is determined - IgM and IgG. At the same time, for each type of herpes simplex virus, antibodies of both types are determined separately, that is, there are antibodies of the IgM type for HSV-1 and IgM for HSV-2, as well as IgG for HSV-1 and IgG for HSV-2. Accordingly, if antibodies to a certain type of virus are detected, then the person is infected with it. If there are antibodies to both types of the virus, then this means that he is infected with both.
If only IgG is detected in the blood or genital secretions, this means that infection with the herpes virus occurred a long time ago (more than 1 month ago), and the person is reliably protected from re-infection. Women who have IgG against the herpes virus in their blood and genital secretions can safely plan a pregnancy, since the infection occurred a long time ago, and their immune system will not allow the virus to cross the placenta and infect the fetus.
If there are antibodies of the IgM or IgM + IgG type in the blood or genital secretions, this means that the infection with the virus occurred no more than 1 month ago. In this case, the body is actively developing immunity against infection. At the same time, nothing threatens an adult, but women planning a pregnancy are advised to postpone it for 1 month so that the immune system is fully formed and reliably protects the unborn baby from infection with the herpes virus.
However, it should be remembered that the detection of antibodies to the herpes virus is not a very accurate analysis.
Detection of viral particles in the blood, genital secretions or fluid from rashes by the method PCR is a fairly accurate method, which, however, has limited information content. The fact is that this method allows you to accurately determine the type of virus that causes genital herpes. PCR does not provide information on the stage or activity of the infectious process, as well as on the risk of recurrence. Moreover, if a person has a positive PCR test for the herpes virus, but there are no clinical manifestations, then this is the norm and does not require treatment, since it only indicates asymptomatic carriage, which is present in more than 80% of people. If the herpes virus is detected by PCR in a pregnant woman who was already infected before conception, then this is also the norm for her and no treatment is needed in the absence of rashes on the genitals. If a pregnant woman was not infected with the herpes virus before conception, and at some point in the gestation of the fetus, viral particles were detected by PCR, then this is an alarming signal, since in this case she should receive antiviral treatment which will prevent infection of the child.
Genital herpes - symptoms
General symptoms
According to various statistics, infection with the herpes virus does not cause the development of genital herpes infection in 75 - 80% of cases, but simply passes into an asymptomatic carriage. In the remaining 20-25% of cases, the virus that has entered the human body causes the development of genital herpes. Incubation period(time from the entry of the virus into the body until the onset of symptoms of the disease) is usually 4 days, but can last 1 to 26 days. In addition, in rare cases, genital herpes can lead to difficulty urinating, decreased sensitivity, and severe pain on the skin of the genitals. In very rare cases, a herpes infection can lead to destruction of the brain, lungs, liver, or joints, and cause bleeding disorders that often lead to death.
Signs of the development of complications of genital herpes, with the appearance of which you should immediately consult a doctor, are:
- Strong headache ;
- Tension of the occipital muscles, as a result of which it is painful and difficult to press the chin to the chest;
- severe weakness;
- High body temperature;
- Sensation of strange, non-existent in reality smells and tastes;
- Loss of the ability to smell;
- Weakness of the muscles of the arm and leg on one side;
- restlessness and confusion;
Genital herpes: symptoms in men and women, where does herpes occur - video
Relapse (exacerbation of genital herpes)
Relapses of genital herpes can develop episodically in a person throughout life if he is infected with PVH-1 or HSV-2. The theoretical probability of recurrence is due to the lifelong presence of the virus in the body and its periodic activation when favorable conditions occur. That is, the herpes simplex virus is normally in the body in a dormant state, which is supported by the human immune system, as if suppressing the activity of a pathogenic microorganism. But if the immune system for some reason weakens and ceases to effectively suppress the herpes simplex virus, then it will activate and provoke a recurrence of genital herpes.As a rule, the activation of the herpes virus in the body occurs during periods of weakened immunity, which are provoked by stress, hypothermia, hormonal disruptions or restructuring, overwork, severe illness, etc. This means that when any event occurs that negatively affects immune system, significantly increases the risk of recurrence of genital herpes in a person who is a carrier of the virus.
Relapses of genital herpes usually present with the same symptoms as the initial episode of infection. That is, a person develops characteristic multiple, small, itchy, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin of the genital organs. If the bubbles, in addition to the skin, are also present on the mucous membrane of the urethra, then the person suffers from pain when urinating. If there are bubbles in the vagina in women, then they may have abundant, mucous, whitish discharge. Additionally, a recurrence of herpes may be accompanied by symptoms of general distress, such as:
- Groin enlargement lymph nodes;
- Increase in body temperature;
- General weakness.
In addition to the typical form described, recurrence of herpes can take place in the so-called atypical form most characteristic of women. The atypical form of herpes recurrence is characterized by the appearance of only one stage of vesicles. That is, a person may experience redness and itching of the genitals, but the bubbles will not form. Or bubbles will form, but quickly collapse and dry without crusting, etc.
Relapses of genital herpes develop more often, the closer the current moment is to the time of infection. That is, people who have recently become infected with genital herpes may experience recurrences of the infection more often compared to those infected several years ago. The more time has passed since infection with genital herpes, the less often a person has relapses. It should also be noted that relapses are milder than the initial episode.
Chronic genital herpes
The diagnosis of "chronic genital herpes" is made to people who suffer from recurrences of infection at least 3 to 4 times a year. If relapses of genital herpes occur less than 3 times a year, then we are talking about episodic exacerbations, but not about a chronic process.In chronic genital herpes, periods of remission, when a person is not bothered by symptoms of infection, alternate with relapses. During relapses, a person develops characteristic rashes on the genitals and the whole complex of accompanying symptoms. Chronic genital herpes usually develops in people whose immune system, for one reason or another, is unable to keep the virus in an inactive state for a long time. This is usually the case for people with severe chronic diseases under the influence of progressive constant stress, malnourished, etc.
Depending on the number of recurrences of genital herpes during the year, the following degrees of severity of the chronic process are distinguished:
- Mild severity of chronic genital herpes- relapses develop 3-4 times a year with periods of remission not shorter than 4 months;
- Moderate severity- relapses develop 4 - 6 times a year with periods of remission not shorter than 2 - 3 months;
- Severe degree- relapses develop monthly with periods of remission from a few days to 6 weeks.
Genital herpes during pregnancy
The problem of genital herpes is often faced by women who are just planning a pregnancy and undergoing an examination, during which they reveal the presence of certain infections that can potentially be dangerous to the fetus. In addition, another category of those who face the problem of genital herpes are already pregnant women who first have symptoms of the infection or have developed a relapse. Consider the problem of genital herpes for each category of women separately, so as not to confuse the various aspects of the issue. At the planning stage of pregnancy many women in the blood find "traces" or the herpes virus itself in the blood. Traces of the herpes virus are detected when analyzing for the presence of antibodies (IgM and IgG), and the virus itself is detected by PCR. In connection with the discovery of the virus or its traces, many women are frightened and postpone pregnancy planningbecause they believe that this may pose a danger to the fetus. However, this opinion is incorrect and the fears associated with it are completely unfounded.
The fact is that the presence of a virus or its traces in the blood is not only not a threat to pregnancy, but on the contrary, it indicates a low risk of infection of the fetus with a herpes infection. After all, if a woman has become infected with the herpes virus even before pregnancy, then her immune system has already managed to develop antibodies to it and therefore reliably protects her and the fetus from attacks by the most pathogenic microorganism. That is why, in the presence of antibodies (traces) in the blood or the herpes virus itself, you can safely become pregnant and be calm, since the immune system is already in a state of "combat readiness", destroying viral particles when trying to penetrate the placenta to the developing fetus. Antibodies to the herpes virus circulating in the blood throughout her life protect the woman herself from the spread of infection to various organs, and during pregnancy - from the ingress of viral particles to the fetus.
But the absence of antibodies or the herpes virus itself in the blood of a woman before pregnancy is a signal of potential danger. The fact is that in such a situation, the woman's body is not yet familiar with the virus, and the immune system does not produce antibodies that destroy it and protect her and the unborn fetus. In this case, if a woman becomes infected herpes during pregnancy, then there will be a very high risk of infection of the fetus with sad consequences, since the virus can have time to penetrate the placenta, while the immune system has not yet had time to develop antibodies against it. Infection of the fetus with herpes can provoke its death or the development of various deformities. This means that a woman who does not have traces or the herpes virus itself in the blood must be very careful throughout pregnancy and take all preventive measures so as not to become infected.
Therefore, women who do not have traces of the herpes virus in their body or the virus itself are at greater hypothetical risk during pregnancy compared to those who have either traces or the virus itself in the blood. That is, women who have antibodies or the herpes virus itself in the blood can plan a pregnancy and not worry about the negative effect of the microorganism on the fetus. And women who do not have antibodies or the herpes virus in their blood must be careful throughout their pregnancy not to become infected.
The second category of those facing the problem of genital herpes is already pregnant women suffering from recurrent infections. Since immunity decreases during pregnancy, women may develop recurrences of genital herpes. However, if a woman was already infected with the herpes virus before pregnancy, then recurrence of the infection during gestation is not dangerous, since the antibodies in her blood reliably protect the child, preventing viral particles from passing through the placenta. That is, with the appearance of recurrences of genital herpes during pregnancy, you just need to carry out symptomatic treatment and not worry about the health and development of the fetus. Even if the recurrence of genital herpes occurred at the expected time of conception, this does not indicate any danger to the fetus, since the available antibodies reliably protect it from infection.
The only situation in which the risk of infection of the fetus against the background of a recurrence of genital herpes is high is childbirth a few days after the onset of the next exacerbation of the infection. That is, if a woman developed a recurrence of herpes and within a few days after that she gave birth to a child, then he could become infected when passing through the genital tract. In other cases, recurrences of genital herpes in a pregnant woman who was already infected with an infection before conceiving a child are not dangerous to the fetus.
The maximum danger of the herpes virus is, paradoxically, for those women who were not infected with it before pregnancy. That is, if infection with herpes first occurred during pregnancy, then this is very dangerous, since the risk of infection of the fetus is high. In this case, if the infection occurred in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, the herpes virus can cause fetal death or malformations. If a woman first becomes infected with genital herpes in the second half of pregnancy, the virus can cause fetal growth retardation, premature birth and herpes infection in the newborn. Herpes in newborns is very dangerous, because in 60% of cases it leads to death.
Genital herpes in children
Genital herpes in children is much less common than in adults, because they have not yet had sexual intercourse. Unlike adults, genital herpes infection in children is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, which usually causes rashes on the lips and face. Infection occurs, of course, not sexually, but by contact. Children, touching herpetic eruptions on the face with their hands, can transfer the virus to the genitals, where it penetrates the tissues and causes genital herpes. The course of infection in children is usually the same as in adults. But in some cases, rashes can be localized not only in the genital area, but also over the entire surface of the body. Genital herpes in children should always be treated to prevent the spread of the virus and damage internal organs.Genital herpes: diagnostic methods - video
Genital herpes in children and women during pregnancy (opinion of a dermatovenereologist): what is the danger of genital herpes at various stages of pregnancy, complications, treatment, risks of infection of the newborn - video
Genital herpes - treatment
Principles of therapy
The herpes virus cannot be completely removed from the body by currently available methods, therefore, once it enters it, the microorganism remains in the cells of the human body for life. In connection with this feature, the treatment of genital herpes is aimed at suppressing the activity of the virus and its "leaving" in a dormant state, in which a person does not develop periodic relapses. Treatment consists in the use of antiviral drugs inside and out. Outwardly, antiviral agents (ointments, gels, creams, etc.) are applied to the areas of rashes to accelerate their healing and relieve the pain and itching associated with them. Inside, antiviral drugs are taken to suppress the activity of the virus and ensure the maximum duration of the remission stage.If genital herpes is not chronic, and relapses occur no more than 3 times a year, then only external antiviral agents are recommended for the treatment of episodic rashes. If relapses bother 3-6 times a year, then it is recommended during exacerbations not only to treat rashes with external agents, but also to take antiviral drugs inside in short courses. In this case, drugs are taken orally only during relapses. With the development of relapses of herpes more than 6 times a year, long courses of antiviral drugs should be taken orally in order to achieve a stable transition of the virus to an inactive state. In this case, drugs are taken for a long time, regardless of the presence or absence of relapses.
- Acyclovir (Acyclostad, Acyclovir, Vivorax, Virolex, Gerperax, Herpetad, Zovirax, Provirsan);
- Valacyclovir (Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Vatsireks, Vairova, Virdel, Valvir, Valzikon, Valavir, Valogard, Valmik);
- Famciclovir (Minaker, Famvir, Famacivir, Famciclovir, Familar).
- Acyclovir - 200 mg 5 times a day for 5 days;
- Valaciclovir - 500 mg 2 times a day for 5 days;
- Famciclovir - 250 mg 3 times a day for 5 days.
Antiviral drugs for the treatment of frequently recurrent genital herpes (more often than 6 times a year) are taken for a long time, for several weeks in a row. At the same time, Acyclovir 200 mg 4 times a day is used, and Valaciclovir 500 mg 2 times a day. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor.
External antiviral agents are used only during periods of exacerbation, applying them to the area of rashes. The most effective external agents containing the following antiviral active ingredients:
- Acyclovir (Acigerpin, Acyclovir, Acyclostad, Vivorax, Virolex, Gervirax, Gerperax, Herpetad, Zovirax);
- Penciclovir (Fenistil Pencivir).
In addition to antiviral ointments, herpetic eruptions can be treated externally with 4% Propolis ointment and gel with 0.5% Aloe Vera, which accelerate the healing of the vesicles.
Ointment for genital herpes
At present, the pharmaceutical market has the following drugs in the form of ointments, creams or gels, effectively drying herpetic eruptions, stopping itching and pain and contributing to their speedy disappearance: - Acyclovir;
- Acigerpin;
- Acyclostad;
- Biopin;
- Vivorax;
- Virolex;
- Viru-Merz serol;
- Gervirax;
- Herpetad;
- Hyporamine;
- Zovirax;
- Lomagerpan;
- Tromantadine;
- Fenistil Pencivir;
- Khelepin D.
Genital herpes: duration of treatment with antiviral drugs, which antiviral drugs are the best in the treatment of genital herpes, the best ointments, interferon preparations (opinion of a dermatovenereologist) - video
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Infection prevention
Prevention of genital herpes consists of using condoms, limiting the number of partners, and not having sex with people who have suspicious rashes in the genital area.Types of genital herpes: symptoms and characteristics of acute and chronic, primary and recurrent genital herpes, complications (herpetic keratitis, etc.), prevention measures, herpes vaccination - video
There are contraindications. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.Herpes is an infectious disease caused by a virus of the same name. Once in the body, it is embedded inside the cells, which weakens the usual immune defense. Under certain circumstances and a sharp decrease in immunity, genital herpes appears, the treatment of which causes difficulties.
Currently, 8 types of this virus (HSV) are known to exist. The causative agents of the genital form are HSV-2 (80% of cases) and HSV-1.
During the absence of clinical manifestations, carriers of the virus are not able to infect their partners.
The disease is more often transmitted through sexual contact, both normal and during anal sex. In rare cases, infection occurs through personal hygiene items.
Genital herpes can be contracted from a partner with herpetic sores in the mouth area, since oral contact with the genitals spreads the infection from the lips to the genitals.
Risk factors that increase the chance of contracting this disease:
- Violation of the immune system due to illness, stressful situations or taking medicines.
- Minor damage to the mucous membranes and skin.
- Simultaneous presence of several sexual partners.
- Having sex without a condom.
Characteristic symptoms
Symptoms and treatment of genital herpes have their own characteristics. With primary infection with HPV-2, the disease in 90% of cases proceeds in a latent form. Therefore, the first episode of herpes, in fact, is a relapse.
It can be provoked by sexual contact, a stressful situation, an infectious disease, hypothermia, abuse alcoholic drinks, as well as surgical interventions under the general or local anesthesia.
With genital herpes in the fairer sex, the rash is localized:
- near the external opening of the urethra;
- on the eve of the vagina and on the labia;
- on the cervix;
- near the anus or in the buttocks.
In men, with an exacerbation of herpes, the rash is located on the skin or mucous membranes:
- scrotum;
- around the anus or on the thighs;
- on the glans or foreskin of the penis.
With a primary infection with herpes, the incubation period is up to 8 days. Then, the following symptoms appear:
- itching, redness and burning in the genital area;
- small vesicles filled with a cloudy liquid form on the skin or mucous membrane;
- bursting bubbles are transformed into small erosions or ulcers covered with a crust;
- sensation of itching and tingling during urination;
- with damage to the cervix, the mucosa becomes hyperemic, erosive, with purulent discharge;
- lymph nodes in the groin are enlarged.
Sometimes there is a general weakness, malaise. It may take up to 30 days for the symptoms of the disease to completely disappear. Effective treatment of genital herpes shortens this period.
With secondary infection, the disease manifests itself with similar symptoms. Once in the human body, the virus turns it into a carrier of the disease. In this case, periods of remission are replaced by exacerbations.
The herpes virus lives in the spinal nerve ganglions, and not on the mucous membranes and skin, therefore, before the appearance of rashes, precursor symptoms occur in the form of pulling pain along the nerve ganglions, itching and burning in the area where the rash appears.
Noticed unpleasant symptoms, but do not know which doctor treats genital herpes? If there are signs of this disease, women should contact a gynecologist, and men - a urologist or andrologist.
The virus received from a partner does not always lead to rashes, the state of the immune system plays a decisive role in this.
Diagnosis of the disease
Depending on the state of immunity, there are three types of recurrent course of the disease: arrhythmic, monotonous and subsiding.
With atypical genital herpes, its symptoms are disguised as other diseases, and with an asymptomatic course, the disease can only be recognized with the help of special tests.
To properly diagnose the disease and learn how to cure genital herpes, you need to contact a specialist. In addition to collecting an anamnesis, a number of laboratory tests are performed to determine the type of herpes.
For virological examination, the contents of the vesicles are taken and placed in a special environment where the pathogen multiplies. This method is not very accurate, so its results are often questioned.
More reliable information is provided by gene diagnostics, which uses polymerase chain reaction(determined by the presence of viral DNA).
The analysis allows you to identify the pathogen and distinguish it from others. As an auxiliary method, enzyme immunoassay is used, which determines the presence of antibodies to the virus in the patient's blood.
Herpes treatment
Many are interested in the question of how to cure genital herpes forever? Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely get rid of the disease, since the virus, entering the body, remains there. With the help of drugs, you can only quickly eliminate the clinical manifestations of the disease and prolong the period of remission.
Medical treatment
Therapy is carried out with tableted drugs, as well as ointments for external use.
Effective drugs for the treatment of genital herpes:
- Acyclovir (Acivir, Zovirax, Acyclovir-BSM, Virolex, Lizavir, Cyclovax);
- "Famciclovir" ("Valtrex");
- "Penciclovir".
There are two ways to use antiviral drugs - in the form of an episodic appointment (short course up to 10 days) and preventive (within a month or two).
More often in medical practice they use "Acyclovir" (in tablets or capsules) and its analogues. Adult patients are prescribed a therapeutic dose of the drug, according to the instructions. Taking medication for initial stage disease helps prevent rashes.
If you start treatment after the appearance of bubbles, then the symptoms will become less pronounced, and healing will occur faster. With frequent relapses of the disease, it is worth taking antiviral drugs for prevention.
How to treat genital herpes with topical products? For this, ointments are used as part of the complex therapy of the disease:
- "Acyclovir";
- "Zovirax";
- Virolex;
- "Fukortsin" (if the skin is affected);
- Oxolinic ointment.
Together with antiviral agents, immunomodulators are prescribed:
- "Amixin";
- "Polyoxidonium";
- "Likopid";
- "Interferon".
These drugs affect the immune system of patients with genital herpes, stimulating its specific and non-specific factors. This allows you to block the further spread of the virus and reduce the frequency of relapses.
The scheme of treatment of the disease
There are certain treatment regimens for genital herpes. The choice of a specific one depends on the type of disease, its duration and the condition of the patient.
Reception of drugs at primary infection
Treatment of recurrent genital herpes
Treatment of genital herpes in women
| Preparations | Treatment regimen | Duration of treatment |
| "Acyclovir" 200 mg | 1 g per day, divided into 5 doses | 5-7 days |
| Immunoglobulin antiherpetic | 1 time in 72 hours | 14 days |
| "Taquitin" | 1 ml every 3 days | 14 days |
| Vitamins B6 and B1 | 1 ml once a day, alternate | 14 days |
| "Phenazepam" | 1 tablet twice a day | 7 days |
| calcium chloride | 20 ml once a day | 21 day |
| Eleutherococcus tincture | 3 ml 3 times a day (last dose no later than 16-00) | 21 day |
During pregnancy, antiviral therapy is not recommended. The exception is severe forms of genital herpes, complicated by other diseases that threaten the life of the patient.
For effective treatment in this situation, human immunoglobulin is used. It is administered intravenously in 25 ml 3 times (every other day) in the first, second and third trimester (two weeks before the expected delivery date). In complex therapy, "Viferon" can be prescribed.
Folk remedies
Apart from medicinal methods, it is possible to treat genital herpes with folk remedies:
- Tea tree oil. To use, add 10 drops of oil to 400 ml of boiling water. Means to use for washing the genitals. The procedure should be performed before going to bed.
- Herbal collection. Mix equal amounts of birch leaves, red clover flowers, calendula, dandelion root and motherwort herb. 10 g of the collection pour 350 ml of water. Boil the broth over low heat for 5 minutes. After cooling, it is filtered and used for washing or douching. The procedure is performed once a day before bedtime for two weeks.
- Series. To relieve itching at the initial stage of herpes, you need to pour 10 grams of dry grass with 250 ml of boiling water and let stand for an hour. Strain the infusion, soak a piece of gauze in it and apply to the affected area for 10 minutes. Also, the drug can be taken orally (100 ml twice a day).
- Chamomile. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps relieve pain. 5 grams of dried flowers are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 40 minutes. Strain and use for irrigation of mucous membranes or douching. You can use this infusion 2 times a day.
- How is genital herpes treated with sea salt: 50 grams of sea salt are dissolved in 10 liters of boiling water, and after the product has cooled down, it is used for taking sitz baths. The procedure is carried out daily (for a quarter of an hour for 14 days). It is not necessary to wash off the saline solution, it is enough to gently blot the external genitalia.
- Echinacea root. Used to strengthen the immune system. To prepare the product, you need to pour 20 grams of crushed raw materials into 100 ml of 70% alcohol. The tincture is kept for a week in a dark, cool place. Then, the agent is filtered and taken 25 drops 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months. If necessary, it can be repeated.
What can not be done when sick?
If symptoms of the disease appear, there is no need to panic, because when proper treatment possible long-term remission. It is also worth abstaining from sexual activity until the complete disappearance of the manifestations of herpes. It is not recommended to drink alcohol, which is a provoking factor for this disease.
Before a visit to the doctor, you can not rub the affected areas and touch them with your hands. This contributes to the spread of the virus and the appearance of new rashes. It is strictly forbidden to treat bubbles with alcohol, as it is not intended to treat such problems and can cause chemical burns mucous membranes or skin.
Many patients are interested in the question, is it possible to cure genital herpes without going to the hospital? The answer to it is negative. Self-medication will only aggravate the condition and cause frequent relapses.
Possible Complications
You need to know how to quickly cure genital herpes, because if you do not see a doctor in time, complications may occur.
- a common viral disease, transmitted mainly through sexual contact, infection is possible by airborne droplets, by household means, children become infected in the womb or during childbirth. The disease has a pronounced clinical picture, but may remain dormant for a long time. For treatment, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs are used, folk remedies.
Genital herpes is transmitted predominantly sexually, but airborne transmission is also possible.
How is genital herpes transmitted?
- a sexually transmitted viral disease that affects the genitals, the disease is diagnosed in adults and children. Pathology is congenital and acquired, primary, recurrent typical and atypical, asymptomatic carriage is distinguished. The ICD-10 code is A60.
There are 2 types of herpes simplex- HSV-1, HSV-2, it was previously believed that the first type virus affects only the lips and the area around the mouth, and the second - the genitals. But studies have shown that both types of infectious agents cause genital herpes.
Ways of infection:
- any kind of sexual contact;
- contact with the skin of an infected person - infection is possible only if there are lesions on the skin;
- self-infection - if hygiene rules are not followed, the virus from the affected areas enters healthy tissues;
- airborne way - infection occurs when using common hygiene items with a sick person, outside the body the virus remains viable for up to 72 hours;
- infection during organ transplantation, blood transfusion is a rare way of infection.
The virus can get into your body if you used the hygiene products of another person (infected)
The risk of genital herpes infection increases in the presence of damage to the genital mucosa, chronic infectious diseases, with frequent changes of sexual partners. Overheating, hypothermia, abuse of ultraviolet radiation, stress, hormonal disruptions can provoke the active growth of the virus.
Congenital genital herpes is diagnosed in children, infection occurs in utero, or at the time of passage through the birth canal.
Genital herpes can be asymptomatic for a long time, exacerbation of the pathology occurs with a decrease in human immunity.
Development of the herpes virus
After infection, the herpes virus penetrates the cell nucleus, blocks the synthesis of human DNA, after 24 hours the affected cell dies, the infectious agent spreads further. The incubation period is 5-30 days, after which the first characteristic signs of the disease may appear.
To avoid attack by the immune system, the herpes virus travels along nerve fibers to the ganglion at the base of the spine, where it can lie dormant indefinitely.
Viruses create entire colonies, which may be inactive, but they remain in the human body for life.
Symptoms of genital herpes in men and women
Signs of initial and recurrent genital herpes in both sexes appear the same, but due to some characteristics of the body, in women, the symptoms of the disease are more pronounced. How the affected genitals look can be seen in the photo.
Affected skin
The main signs of the initial genital herpes:
- at the initial stage, a rash appears in the form of small vesicles with serous fluid inside - it is localized on the sacral region, labia, thighs, clitoris, glans penis, on the anus;
- after 3 days, the vesicles begin to secrete pus, then burst, erosions and ulcers appear, which gradually become covered with a crust;
- severe itching and burning of the affected areas, the symptoms persist until complete recovery;
- swelling and redness of the skin, genital mucosa;
- fever, weakness;
- when the virus enters the urethra, severe discomfort occurs during the emptying of the bladder;
- swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
The initial stage of development of herpes
In women, rashes can appear not only on the external genitalia, but also spread to the vaginal mucosa, cervix, to the area anus, on the buttocks, pubis. The disease is often accompanied by intense aching pain in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the rectum, perineum, vaginal discharge with impurities of mucus and pus is observed.
External genital herpes in women
Recurrent genital herpes is diagnosed in 75% of patients, the duration of the remission stage depends on the person's immunity, type 2 virus provokes relapses more often than HSV-1.
With a relapse, the signs of the disease appear in a blurred form - itching and burning are insignificant, rashes on the female and male organs are few, cover small areas of the skin and mucous membranes, the temperature is normal, often the symptoms disappear on their own within a few days.
In women, genital herpes is exacerbated after abortion, the installation of an intrauterine device, during menstruation.
Which doctor treats herpes on the genitals?
Diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes is engaged in:
- venereologist;
- infectiologist.
Diagnostics
Often, the manifestations of herpes can be confused with recurrent candidiasis, streptococcal impetigo, lichen planus, pemphigus, syphilis, Crohn's disease, so a number of specific tests are prescribed to make an accurate diagnosis. For research, serous fluid, blood, mucus, urine, semen are used, a smear is made from the urethra and cervical canal, and the vagina.
PCR analysis is done to accurately detect the virus
Diagnostic methods:
- direct immunofluorescence of biological material;
- PCR - allows you to detect the presence of virus DNA;
- virus isolation in cell culture.
ELISA - the most reliable analysis for suspected genital herpes, allows you to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood serum, determine the degree of infection. Diagnosis is carried out twice with an interval of 2 weeks.
What the analysis shows
Treatment of herpes on the genitals
Therapy for herpes is aimed at suppressing the growth of the virus, eliminating the main symptoms of the disease, and prolonging the remission stage. Treatment is carried out with the help of antiviral, antiherpes drugs, to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs, laser blood irradiation, plasmapheresis, folk methods.
Medications
To eliminate the manifestations of herpes, antiviral chemotherapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy are used. The treatment regimen is selected on an individual basis, depending on the severity of the pathology. To completely eliminate the external manifestations of the primary form of the disease, 10-21 days are required, with a recurrent stage - a week.
How to treat genital herpes:
- antiviral drugs in the form of ointments and tablets - Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Valaciclovir;
- immunomodulators - Panavir, Imunofan, Immunomax, Galavit;
- combined preparations - Lavomax, has an immunomodulatory, antiviral effect;
- vitamin C, E;
- prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors - Indomethacin;
- antiherpetic vaccine - it is done a few months after the elimination of the main manifestations of the disease.
Despite the diverse arsenal of antiherpetic drugs, there is no cure for completely getting rid of the virus.
Folk remedies
Non-traditional methods of treatment help strengthen immunity, help reduce itching, but they should be used in combination with medications.
How to treat a herpes infection with folk remedies:
- Dissolve 4 drops of essential oils of geranium, tea tree, eucalyptus in 250 ml of water, moisten a thin cloth, make compresses on the affected areas.
- Pour 15 g of birch buds into 200 ml of boiled milk, simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes. Use the cooled and filtered solution for compresses.
- Mix honey and celandine grass in equal parts, apply the ointment to the areas affected by herpes until the rashes and itching disappear completely.
Echinacea tincture will help strengthen the body's defenses - 20 drops per 120 ml of water, taken within 14 days. This method of treatment is contraindicated in pregnant women.
Genital herpes during pregnancy
– dangerous disease for pregnant women, if the infection occurred in the first trimester, a woman is recommended to have an abortion, since the virus can provoke the development of pathologies in the fetus that are incompatible with life. Infection in the later stages is fraught with dropsy of the brain in a child, polyhydramnios, a sharp decrease in the volume of amniotic waters.
The presence of the virus in a pregnant woman can lead to the fact that the child is born handicapped, with congenital abnormalities or dead
Most antiviral drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, the treatment of herpes infection is carried out with the help of external agents - Acyclovir, Acyclostad, Zovirax.
Genital herpes in children
In newborns, signs of congenital genital herpes appear within a few hours after birth. Antiviral therapy is prescribed immediately, since a lethal outcome is possible against the background of weak immunity.
Signs of the disease:
- characteristic herpetic eruptions in the eye area, the mucous membrane of the eyes, throughout the body;
- skin redness, hemorrhage;
- meningoencephalitis;
- conjunctivitis, clouding of the lens;
- disorders in the work of the respiratory, nervous system.
The development of herpes can lead to inflammation of the urethra
Consequences of the disease:
- problems with urination;
- secondary infectious complications;
- virus damage to brain tissue, internal organs, central nervous system;
- the appearance of malignant and benign neoplasms;
- adhesive processes in the genitals;
- chronic severe pain syndrome;
- pathology of pregnancy.
In men, against the background of a herpes infection, urogenital pathologies often develop - inflammation of the urethra, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction.
Prevention
Every year, the number of patients with genital herpes increases, about 90% of the adult population are carriers of the virus.
How to avoid infection:
- adhere to monogamous sexual relations;
- use barrier contraceptives:
- give up bad habits, junk food; Important!
Condoms reduce the risk of infection, but are not 100% guaranteed.
Treatment of genital herpes is not an easy task. It is impossible to completely get rid of viruses with the help of modern drugs. However, with the right therapy, it is possible to stop the reproduction of viruses and form an adequate immune response. For these purposes, drugs with antiviral activity, non-specific and specific immunotherapy are used, which, if taken correctly, will significantly reduce the number of outbreaks of the disease and the risk of infecting loved ones. Symptomatic therapy will help reduce pain, speed up the healing process and reduce the discomfort of cold sores.
Rice. 1. In the photo, genital herpes in a man and a woman, an acute phase.
Principles of treatment of genital herpes
Currently, there are two main directions in the treatment of genital herpes:
- Antiviral (etiopathogenetic) therapy.
- Immunotherapy, specific and non-specific, in combination with antiviral therapy.
Antiviral drugs are prescribed both episodically (in the acute period) and as long-term suppressive therapy (outside relapses). Their long-term use helps to reduce the frequency of relapses, normalizes the work of local immunity, improves the quality of life of patients.
Nonspecific immunotherapy involves the use of immunoglobulin, interferon and interferon inducers, stimulators of T- and B-links of cellular immunity and phagocytosis.
Specific immunotherapy involves the use of a herpes vaccine.
Rice. 2. In the photo, genital herpes in men. On the left is the acute phase (rash of blisters), on the right is the healing phase.
Treatment regimens
The maximum effect in the treatment of genital herpes is achieved using an integrated approach in the treatment of the disease:
- In the acute period and with relapses of the disease, antiviral and immunotherapy therapy is carried out.
- In order to prevent the development of recurrence of the disease, a herpes vaccine is used in combination with immunomodulators. Antivirals are used sporadically.
- At the stage of recovery, the use of adaptogens of plant origin is shown, which increase the nonspecific resistance of the body: eleutherococcus, ginseng, lemongrass, leuzea, aralia, sterculin, echinacea, saparal, zamaniha and immunal.
Modern methods of treatment of genital herpes can achieve positive results in 85 - 93% of cases of therapy for recurrent herpes.
Rice. 3. In the photo, genital herpes (herpes zoster) in a woman and a man.
Treatment of genital herpes with antiviral drugs
Chemotherapy drugs inhibit the synthesis of viral DNA, as a result of which the process of virus replication in the cell is suspended. Evidence-based activity is currently possessed by antiviral drugs - nucleoside analogues: Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valaciclovir (Valtrex,Valvir, Valogard), Penciclovir (Vectavir), Famciclovir (Famvir).
Acyclovir (Zovirax) is the most commonly prescribed antiviral drug. Valaciclovir 25 - 40% superior to Acyclovir. It is widely used in recurrent miscarriage in women suffering from genital herpes.
Famciclovir (Famvir) is a new antiviral drug. It has the highest bioavailability (77%).
Alpizarin and Panavir- antiviral agents of plant origin.
Rice. 4. In the photo, the pills for herpes are Acyclovir and FamVir.
Multiplicity of application
Acyclovir applied 5 times a day. Famciclovir And Valaciclovir are applied 2 times a day, which greatly facilitates the patient's treatment process.
Release form
Acyclovir available in the form of a solution for injection, tablets, suspensions, ointments and creams.
Famciclovir and Valaciclovir available only in tablet form.
Vectavir Available only in the form of a cream for external use.
Alpizarin available in the form of tablets and ointments.
Panavir available in the form of a solution for intravenous administration, rectal and vaginal suppositories and gels.
Duration of treatment with antiviral drugs
Episodic Therapy
The duration of episodic therapy is 5 days, if necessary, the treatment period is extended to 10 days (until the elements of the rash heal) during the primary episode of the disease.
Preventive (warning) therapy
Preventive therapy is carried out in the case when the frequency of exacerbations is 6 or more times (episodes) per year. This treatment reduces the frequency of relapses by 75%, alleviates the clinical manifestations of the disease, and improves the psychosexual well-being of the patient.
If the frequency of recurrence of genital herpes is more than 10 times a year, then taking Valaciclovir within 3 months to 1 year.
- Means with antiviral activity should be taken when the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- It is necessary to observe the regimen of taking antiviral drugs. If you skip a dose of the drug, the subsequent dose does not increase.
- With asymptomatic course of genital herpes, it is necessary to use condoms in all cases of sexual contact.
Long-term use of high doses of antiviral drugs reduces the frequency of recurrence of the disease, which significantly improves the quality of life of patients.
Rice. 5. Means with antiviral activity of plant origin Alpizarin and Panavir.
Immunotherapy
The most important reason for the development of herpes infection is a violation of immunity. With herpes, the number of T and B cells, their functional activity decreases, the work of macrophages and the interferon production system are disrupted. Therefore, one of the important directions in the treatment of herpes infection, in addition to antiviral therapy, is the correction of specific and non-specific immunity, which is achieved by the use of immunoglobulins, interferon inducers, interferon preparations and the use of agents to stimulate T and B-cell immunity and phagocytosis.
Immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulin against viruses against herpes type 2 (the main culprit of genital herpes) contains anti-herpetic antibodies that neutralize pathogens. Its active basis is immunoglobulin G. The drug has an immunomodulatory effect.
Immunoglobulin for intravenous introductions contains an increased concentration of antiherpetic antibodies, are used for lesions of the central nervous system, herpes of newborns and primary herpes in pregnant women.
Rice. 6. In the photo, immunoglobulin against herpes type 2. Its active base is immunoglobulin G.
Interferons
Interferons in the human body are secreted by a variety of cells in response to the invasion of viruses and are able to suppress the reproduction of viruses in infected cells. Interferon preparations are indicated for patients with a high relapse rate and the formation of secondary immunodeficiency. They are obtained from donated blood and are created by the method genetic engineering.
Widely applied , which is available in the form of injections, nasal drops and rectal suppositories.
Leukinferon And Interlock used as an injection.
Widely used in the treatment of relapsing disease Reaferon, created by genetic engineering and containing alpha-2b interferon.
Viferon and human leukocyte interferon are part of rectal and vaginal suppositories.
Rice. 7. In the photo, preparations for herpes interferons in injections and capsules.
Interferon inducers
Interferon inducer preparations stimulate the production of their own interferons by the cells of the patient's body, thereby preventing the reproduction of viruses. The main ones are Amiksin, Neovir, Arbidol, Ridostin, Kagocel, Cycloferon, Alpizarin, Flocazid and etc.
Helps induce the production of endogenous interferon Levamisole (Decaris), Dibazol, Vitamin B12, Pyrogenal and Prodigiosan.
Flavozid, Alpizarin and Helepin-D are inducers of interferon of plant origin.
Rice. 8. In the photo of the pills for genital herpes, interferon inducers Amiksin and Kagocel.
Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators regulate the synthesis of cytokines, cellular and humoral immunity, redox processes. These include Galavit, Imunofan, Imunomax, Licopid and Polyoxidonium.
Polyoxidonium directly affects phagocytes and stimulates the production of antibodies.
Ferrovir is a biologically active substance and is an extract from the milk of sturgeon and salmon fish. The drug activates antiviral immunity, has an inhibitory effect on the replication of viruses and corrects the production of interferons. Ferrovir has a good therapeutic effect in the combination of herpes infection and papillomatosis.
Isoprinosine possesses immunostimulating and nonspecific antiviral action.
Rice. 9. In the photo, immunomodulators are drugs for the treatment of genital herpes. On the left is Polyoxidonium for injection, on the right is Imunofan for injection, spray and rectal suppositories.
In patients with severe suppression of the immune system, thymus hormones are indicated in short courses: Taktivin, Thymogen, Timalin, Myelopida etc. The drugs stimulate T and B-links of cellular immunity and phagocytosis. Treatment with cellular immunity stimulants is carried out under the control of an immunogram.
Rice. 10. In the photo, immunomodulators Taktivin and Timogen.
The appointment of funds that correct and stimulate immunity is carried out only after an immunological examination of the patient and a study of his immune status.
Vaccine antiherpetic
The antiherpetic vaccine activates cellular immunity. It is able to prevent the development of a primary infection, the occurrence of a state of latency of viruses and alleviate the course of an existing disease. The vaccine stimulates specific reactions of antiviral immunity and restores the functional activity of immunocompetent cells.
Rice. 11. In the photo, the antiherpetic vaccine Vitagerpavak.
Local treatment of genital herpes
Local treatment occupies a special place in the complex treatment of genital herpes. Its value increases many times in cases of development of resistance to antiviral drugs. Topical application of antiviral agents provides them high concentration in the lesions. At the same time, there is no toxic effect of drugs on the entire body. They contribute to the restoration of local immunity, reduce the duration of viral excretion and the duration of treatment.
Antivirals
Contain the antiviral substance acyclovir preparations for external use ointmentAcyclovir, Acyclovir-Akri, Gevisosh,creamAcyclovir GEXAL, Zovirax(Great Britain), Acyclovir Belupo, Cyclovir(India), Supraviran, Virolex(Slovenia), analogue of Famvir Fenistil® Pencivir, gel Viru-Merz, aerosol epigen, Bonafton ointment, Vectavir and Devirs cream.
Creams are applied every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 5 to 10 days.
Rice. 12. In the photo is a cream for local application Fenistil Pencivir and Zovirax.
Rice. 13. In the photo, Acyclovir ointment for herpes and Acyclovir GEKSAL cream.
Rice. 14. Cream for herpes Vectavir. Has antiviral activity. It is used at any stage of the disease from the age of 16 for 4 days every 4 hours (5 times a day).
Rice. 15. Bonafton ointment is used to treat genital herpes. It is applied to the lesions in the form of applications 4-6 times a day.
Rice. 16. Cream with antiviral activity Deviris with ribaverin. In the treatment of genital herpes, it is used in the form of applications. The maximum effect is achieved with simultaneous use with systemic antiviral drugs.
Rice. 17. In the photo, an ointment for the treatment of genital herpes of plant origin with an antiviral effect Alpizarin and Panavir gel (also available in the form of rectal and vaginal suppositories).
Interferons
For the treatment of genital herpes, a hydrogel-based ointment is used. Vireferon. The drug contains interferon alfa-2b. Lubricated areas should be dried for 15 minutes, during which a protective film is formed.
Viferon in candles it is used in the treatment of herpetic colpitis and cervicitis in women.
Kipferon is a combination drug (a combination of interferon with immunoglobulin drugs). It is used in the form of suppositories for herpes cervicitis and colpitis.
Ointment for genital herpes Interferon alpha-2 recombinant applied for 3 - 5 days every 12 hours (2 times a day).
Rice. 18. In the photo, herpes ointment with interferon Vireferon and Kipferon suppositories.
Interferon inducers
For local treatment of genital herpes, an interferon inducer liniment is used. Cycloferon and lyophilizate Poludan.
Cycloferon is applied within 5 days. Liniment is applied to the affected areas 1-2 times a day. In women, the drug is used for herpetic colpitis and cervicitis. In men and women with herpetic urethritis (according to the treatment regimen Poludan).
Poludan used in the form of applications, for which the contents of 1 vial (200 units) must be dissolved in 4 ml of water. The prepared solution is moistened with a cotton swab and applied as an application to the affected areas for 5-7 minutes. The duration of treatment is 2 - 4 days. 2-3 procedures are performed daily.
With herpetic urethritis, Poludan is used in the form of instillations into the urethra, for which 400 units. means diluted in 10 ml of water. Treatment is carried out 1 time per day for 5 to 7 days.
Poludan is also used for herpetic proctitis, for which 400 units. means diluted in 10 ml of water. Treatment is carried out 1 time per day for 10 days.
A solution of Poludan or Cycloferon liniment in the form of a total instillation is used after traditional local manipulations - bougienage of the urethra and prostate massage. A more pronounced effect is obtained by connecting low-frequency laser therapy.
Rice. 19. In the photo, the interferon inductor liniment Cycloferon and lyophilisate Poludan.
Candles for genital herpes
In the treatment of genital herpes, rectal and vaginal suppositories are widely used. They are prescribed for children and adults with contraindications for injectable drugs. Dissolving under the action of heat, they contribute to the penetration of active substances into the surrounding tissues.
- Candles Panavir have an antiviral effect.
- Candles Genferon, Viferon And Human leukocyte interferon belong to the group of interferons.
- Candles Galavit have an immunomodulatory effect.
Rice. 20. In the photo there are candles Panavir and Viferon.
Symptomatic treatment
Non-narcotic analgesics are recommended to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever in genital herpes. paracetamol And Ibuprofen or their analogues.
Stronger medicines dispensed in a pharmacy only by prescription. It must be remembered that Paracetamol and Ibuprofen cause allergies, have toxic effect on the liver and blood, irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. In persons under the age of 20, they can cause acute hepatic encephalopathy (Reye's syndrome). Painkillers should not be used for more than 10 days.
Relieve pain and soothe the symptoms of inflammation sitz warm baths with baking soda or with over-the-counter pain relievers for sitz baths. Salt sitz baths are shown (5 tablespoons of sea salt per 10 liters of water) for 10 minutes a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
Genital herpes is a very unpleasant disease caused by type 2 ingestion.
The disease is not subject to treatment, therapy is aimed only at stopping symptoms and prolonging remission. Pathology is characterized by frequent outbreaks of relapses.
More about the disease
Herpes simplex virus type 2 from an infected person during intercourse. The partner may not have pronounced symptoms of the disease, but he will be a carrier of the virus. There is a vertical way of infection of the child from the mother during labor. Household is not excluded, but occurs in clinical medicine extremely rare, since the pathogen does not live long outside the human body.
Symptoms appear at the end of the initial infection and each time there is a recurrence. The disease manifests itself in the form of multiple rashes that look like white, filled with liquid contents. The rash occurs on the mucous membranes of the genital organs, goes through several stages of development - its filling, independent bursting, appearance, crusting. Accompanied by itching and burning, pain on contact. There may be signs of a general nature - lethargy, headaches. The duration of the manifestation of the rash from the initial stage to the convergence of the crusts is from 7 to 10 days. May cause relapse infectious diseases, hypothermia, suppression of the immune system, alcohol consumption.
Diagnosis of the disease: PCR analysis, examination of a smear from the vagina,.
Treatment methods for genital herpes
To get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease faster and suppress the activity of pathogenic viruses, driving herpes into a state of long-term remission, it is necessary, which includes the following aspects:
- taking drugs with an antiviral spectrum of action (in tablets, injections);
- usage ;
- the use of drugs with a local spectrum of action (, gels, creams).
The therapy includes the mandatory intake of immunomodulators, which restore the protective functions of the body and prevent relapse.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Effective remedies for genital herpes, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora:
- Acyclovir. Release form - tablets and powder for injection. It is recommended to give injections with Acyclovir for frequent relapses with a severe symptomatic picture. The duration of the course of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. If necessary, repeat, you need a break of 2-4 weeks. Dosage: 200 mg tablets up to 5 times a day. Injections: 250 mg diluted in 10 ml of water three times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days.
- Valaciclovir. Release form - tablets and solution for injection. The dosage of tablets leaves 500 mg twice a day. Injections are given 1-2 times a day, a single amount of the drug is 40 mg. The duration of therapy is 2-5 days.
- (other name ). Release form - tablets, the dose at a time is 250 mg, three times a day. The duration of therapy is 3-7 days.
How anti-inflammatory drugs work with type 2 herpes virus: the active components of the drug are introduced into the DNA of the virus, stopping its growth and reproduction. and give a short-term effect, relapses are possible if preventive measures are not observed. The advantages of these drugs are the absence of side symptoms.
- a potent antiviral agent long-term action, but with a toxic effect on the body.
Medicines of the local spectrum of action
Ointments, gels and creams, which include components of the antiviral spectrum of action, are aimed at suppressing the signs of the disease and preventing further progression of herpes. The blisters of the rash are filled with liquid contents that contain the virus. Violation of the integrity of the rashes will lead to herpes lesions of a larger area of the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
Local spectrum of action drugs that are effective in the treatment of genital herpes:
- Viru-Merz Serol.
- Ointment rhyodoxol.
- Zovirax.
The method of application and the number of applications for all drugs is identical. Before use, it is necessary to carry out hygiene of the genital organs, dry with a towel. Wash your hands, squeeze a small amount of cream, ointment onto a cotton swab and lubricate the damaged area of the mucous membrane, skin. The agent is applied only to the focus of inflammation, it is not necessary to smear the skin around. The number of applications is 4-6 times a day.
The choice of drug must be agreed with.
ethnoscience
Decoctions and tinctures based on medicinal herbs have an antiviral spectrum of action, are used to quickly heal the mucous membrane and reduce rashes. Best Recipes:
- Herbal decoction for the treatment of genital organs: mix dried and chopped birch leaves, plantain, calendula in equal parts. Pour 2 tablespoons of the collection into 0.5 liters of boiled water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Use twice a day for washing.
- Mix 50 grams of celandine, 50 grams of honey, apply the resulting mixture with a cotton swab on the rash. Use every day before bed. Store the product in a cool place.
- Herbal decoction for internal use. Dried and crushed, in equal proportions lemon balm, chamomile, motherwort, raspberry (leaves), thyme, mix. 2 tablespoons of the collection pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 1 hour, strain. Take twice a day for half a glass. The course of admission is 2 weeks.
Cure the disease with only one means traditional medicine impossible. Required complex therapy with antiviral medications.
Immunomodulators
Medicines to restore the immune system and prevent the recurrence of genital herpes are taken during remission. What remedies are recommended by doctors:
- Imunofan: intramuscular injection, dosage 1 ml, administered every other day. The course is 5 injections.
- Panavir: administered intravenously. Dosage 3 ml. The course of treatment is 1 time in three days, only 5 injections.
- : 1-3 tablets daily for 21 days.
- Ridostin: administered intramuscularly 1 time in 3 days. The course consists of 3 injections.
If necessary, repeat the course of admission, a break of 1 month is made.
Emergency aid
If unprotected intercourse has taken place, it is recommended to use agents that have an antiseptic effect and prevent the penetration of the virus into the blood if the partner may have genital herpes:
- . It is used to treat the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Wash the groin area with soap and water, dry. Moisten a swab in the medicine, insert it into the vagina, or treat the mucous membranes. Carry out the procedure 2-4 times during the day after unprotected sex.
- Betadine. Release form: ointment, solution, vaginal suppositories. With a solution (moisten a cotton sponge), treat the genitals, or apply the ointment to the mucous membranes. Apply 1-3 times a day. Course - 1-2 days after intercourse.
You can take laboratory tests for the presence of type 2 herpes virus no earlier than 2 weeks - a month after the alleged infection.
