Herpes

General Information

Herpes, a viral infection, most commonly occurs on the outside of the genital area, inside the vagina, near the anus, or on the mouth (cold sores).  Herpes is most often transmitted through sexual contact or when herpes sores directly touch other mucous membranes or open cuts in the skin.  A person with active cold sores can pass Herpes to the genital area of another person through oral or genital sex.  A mother with active genital Herpes sores can pass the virus to her newborn during delivery.  This is much more likely to happen if the woman’s initial exposure to the Herpes virus is during the pregnancy. Caesarean section is often recommended to prevent infection to the baby if active lesions are present at the time of labor or on the due date. 

Symptoms

• A Herpes outbreak starts as small, clear, fluid filled blisters that sometimes itch and cause discomfort. 
• Within a few days, the blisters break open to form shallow, painful sores, which form scabs and then heal. 
• The first outbreak may be accompanied by fever, irritability, fatigue, swollen glands in the groin area, generalized aching and/or painful urination.   

Who is at risk?

• Young, sexually active women and men have the highest rates of infection. 
• The more sexual partners a person has had, the greater the chance of infection. 
• Mothers who have a Herpes outbreak during a vaginal birth can pass the infection to the baby. 

Prevention

• Always practice safe sex:

• Have your partner(s) tested
• Use a barrier method like condoms and spermicide, which can offer some protection against Herpes.
• Know the signs and symptoms and avoid sexual contact if your partner has signs of an outbreak.
• See a clinician if you think you have Herpes.

Living With Herpes

Even when the sores go away, the Herpes virus remains in your body and can cause another outbreak at any time. 

• Recurrences can happen on a regular basis
• Recurrences tend to be less painful, shorter in duration, and less frequent than the original outbreak.
• To prevent Herpes recurrences:
• Reduce stress and get plenty of sleep.
• Maintain a nutritious diet: limit your intake of nuts and peanut butter, as well as caffeine and sugars including chocolate, jello, and colas.
• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid prolonged periods of sun exposure
• Use condoms consistently. No method is 100% effective against viral transmission.
• Join a Herpes Support Group if there is one in your area.
• Take 300 mg of Lysine as a daily supplement.

Testing

The following methods are used to diagnose Herpes:

• Examination by a clinician
• If sores are open, one of two tests can be done: one during early symptoms and one 3 weeks later.                    

Treatment

Although there are effective treatments, there is no cure for Herpes:

• Acyclovir and Valtrex, both available by prescription, may speed healing and prevent recurrences.
• Ibuprofen can help relieve swelling and pain.   For particularly painful sores, a topical anesthetic such as Xylocaine may help.
• Keep the sores clean and dry.
• Take a hot bath 2-3 times daily and wash your hands often during  recurrences. 
• Wash the sores gently with a germicidal soap such as betadine. 
• Dry off carefully. 
• Apply a light dusting of cornstarch.
• Avoid autoinnoculation: don't spread Herpes to another part of your own body.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothing.
• Avoid overuse of creams and ointments: If the sores are irritated by urination, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly before urinating. 
• Be checked and treated for other genital infections which can delay the healing of Herpes lesions.
• Abstain from sexual contact from the first sign of an outbreak until the sores are completely healed. 

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