Genital Herpes Infection Explained

Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection of the genital area, is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

After the initial HSV infection (or primary outbreak), the virus implants itself in the nerve tissues in a latent infection phase. It remains dormant until reactivated into its infection-causing form. Repeat (or recurrent) outbreaks, for a majority of patients, are milder though unpredictable, and they may shed the virus even when they have no symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

A few days after exposure to HSV, a newly infected person develops one or more clusters of tiny, fluid-filled blisters, each with a red base. When these break open, they form tiny, open sores (ulcers). These painful ulcers usually become scabbed over and heal within two to 12 days. The scabs eventually fall off, leaving a red area that fades. This primary outbreak typically lasts 1-3 weeks.

In mild cases of primary outbreak, a person may develop 1–2 lesions or may notice no symptoms at all. In severe cases, a person may develop fever, headache, muscle pain and painful urination.

Recurrent outbreaks typically last 7–10 days, and may occur from 3-4 times a year to as much as 10 or more a year. Many cases of recurrent outbreaks reported sensations of burning, itching, or tingling prior to the appearance of the tiny blisters about 24 hours later.

Treatment and Remedies

There is no known cure for genital herpes. For people with normal immune systems, the genital herpes infection remains localized though bothersome, but is rarely life-threatening. HSV infections, left untreated, will run their course.

Treatment for primary and recurrent HSV infections includes oral antiviral medications, to reduce the symptoms, to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks, and also to reduce asymptomatic shedding. Analgesics may be taken to reduce pain and fever during initial outbreaks. Some over-the-counter topical gels are available which reduce symptoms and healing duration of the infection.

Initial research results on tea tree oil’s topical antiviral activity look promising. However, efforts at developing a vaccine against HSV-2 have met with limited success, so far. Easy genital herpes treatment may still be possible.
 
Certain dietary supplements from natural products, such as lysine, aloe vera, lemon balm, carrageenan and Echinacea extract, among others, used either alone or in conjunction with prescribed antiviral therapy, have been found helpful in treating genital herpes infections. Other recommended natural supplements include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc.

While the jury is still out on many of them, these natural remedies – nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and other alternative therapies – offer a lot of potential benefits, as their use is being directed towards boosting the immune system, reducing stress, and/or providing topical relief, conditions beneficial in the treatment of genital herpes infections.