Herpes Genitalis
Herpes Genitalis or genital herpes is a STD (Sexually transmitted disease) that is causded by HSV(herpes simplex virus), either HSV1 or HSV2. This disease is taking on increasing proportions, with more women suffering from genital herpes than women. Typically Herpes Genitalis spreads through sexual contact, either vaginal, oral or anal. Kissing and skin contact can also lead to the spread of genital herpes. Genital herpes passes through open sores and wounds. A person infected with herpes genitalis is likely to remain infected throughout his/her life. Most persons suffer recurrent episodes.
Genital herpes leads to painful sores on or around the genital area. There may be itching around these blisters. Men suffering from genital herpes notice sores on the shaft and head of the penis. There may be pain on urination. Women may suffer blisters on the vagina, cervix or innner thighs and develop vaginal discharge. Other symptoms of genital herpes include headache, backache and fever. Herpes genitalis can spread from one part of the body to another.
Genital herpes have been linked to instances of cervical cancer and genital warts. Pregnant women pass on this disease to the newborn. Virus culture of the fluid from the blisters is an indication of genital herpes. Oral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir are used in treating herpes genitalis. They are effective in suppresing the symptoms of genital herpes but not in curing the infection. Intravenous treatment is recommended for patients suffering from severe infection of herpes genitalis.
Wear loose-fitting cotton undergarments.
Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the affected areas.
Keep the affected area clean and dry.
Lukewarm baths can give some relief.
Shingles
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chicken pox. The chicken pox virus often remains dormant in the body's nerve root cells. It may surface years later in the form of shingles. It is likely to occur when the body is weak or stressed or immune defences are low. Shingles is not a contagious condition nor does it lead to cold sores or genital herpes.
Shingles appear as painful blisters. Shingles rashes appear as a cluster of raised red dots on one side of the body. They become filled with fluid and later dry out and form a crust. There is severe pain and sensitivity. Typically these painful blisters appear to affect one part of the body. There may be itching and tingling feeling on the skin before the shingles rashes appear. In cases of shingles where the eye is affected, it is essential to consult an opthalmologist immediately. A patient suffering from shingles may notice fever and headache.
Calamine lotion can be applied to affected areas to soothe the skin. Analgesics or NSAIDs can help in reducing pain. Antiviral medications are often prescribed for shingles. An attack of shingles might last for about a month.
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