Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Genital Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
There are two herpes simplex viruses: Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2).
Herpes is spread through direct contact and it is equally common in males and females.
Causes of herpes:
Genital herpes can be caused by either the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2.
HVS type 1 usually infects the lips and when the lips are infected sores called fever blisters or cold sores are present. However, HVS type 1 can infect the genital area and produce sores there.
HVS type 2 is the usual cause of genital herpes. However, it also can infect the mouth during oral sex. A person who has genital herpes can pass or transmit the virus to an uninfected person during sex.
Symptoms of Herpes:
Most people who have herpes do not know because they never have any symptoms, or they do not recognize any symptoms they might have. When symptoms are present, they can be different in each person. Usually the symptoms will appear within two to ten days. The first episode of the symptom of herpes usually last two to three weeks.
Symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak include: itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area, pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area, discharge of fluid from the vagina, feeling of pressure in the abdomen, fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge and swollen glands in the groin area.
Herpes can be spread between outbreaks when there are no sign or symptoms present.
Treatment of Herpes:
The goal of treatment for genital herpes is to provide relief from the discomfort of herpes sores and to reduce the time it takes for an outbreak to heal. Treatment works best if it is started as soon as possible after an outbreak begins.
Home treatment and prevention for herpes:
Most herpes simplex infections that develop on the skin can be managed at home with over-the-counter painkillers and symptomatic relief.
To reduce discomfort from herpes sores:
Take warm sitz baths or wash the area with warm water 3 or 4 times a day.
In between sitz baths, keep the water sores clean and dry.
Using a hair dryer to dry off the sores may be more comfortable than using a towel.
Wear cotton garments to absorb moisture better than those made from synthetic material.
Nonprescription medicines may reduce the pain and fever from genital herpes.
To lower the risk of recurrent outbreaks, reduce or avoid factors that trigger outbreaks such as overexposure to sun, fatigue, irritation of the genital area, and stress.
Ayurvedic tips to avoid outbreaks:
Avoid:
Spicy, sour, fried and junk food, which aggravates vata.
Precipitating factors.
Sleeping in afternoon.
Meat products over fried or deep fried in oil or fat.
Charred and overcooked food.
Consuming opposite food like fish and milk etc.
Physical exertion after a meal and
Taking bath immediately after exercise or heavy outdoor work.
Include honey, pomegranate, and fruits of Emblica officinals, legumes, dates and raisins in the diet.
Practice yoga and meditation to control emotional disturbances.
Herbal and supplement remedies for herpes simplex include:
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Siberian ginseng
Aleo vera
Bee products that contain propolis, a tree resin collected by bees.
Lysine
Zinc
This article is submitted by Dr. Vikram Chauhan MD - Ayurveda, Consultant Ayurveda Physician for http://www.planetayurveda.com. Dr. Chauhan provides free online consultations to his patients worldwide.
