Herpes Outbreak: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Herpes Outbreak

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses namely herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2 which are both transmitted by having sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an infected individual. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about one in every six people aged 14 to 49 years have genital herpes in the United States, while the World Health Organization (WHO), estimates that about 140 million people primarily in the Americas, Europe, and Western Pacific aged between 15-49 years are infected with the HSV-1 virus.

 

How Herpes Outbreak Develops

Genital herpes spreads through sexual relationships which could either be oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has the disease. Primarily the disease spreads as a result of coming in contact with body fluids of an infected person. Unfortunately, most infected individuals do not know they are carrying the virus until major symptoms start manifesting. Once entry into the body via the skin is perfected, the virus travels along nerve paths and could either become dormant (inactive) and remain within the nerves indefinitely or become active from time to time leading to the development of clinical symptoms.

Herpes can only be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area such as kissing, oral sex, genital-to-genital rubbing, vaginal, and anal sex. Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding.
Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. The herpes virus can live outside of the area that a condom covers, though a condom may not always prevent the spread. Avoiding sex during outbreaks (herpes is much more likely to spread during outbreaks)
People can have genital herpes for years without knowing it. The virus can be spread even if an infected person has no genital sores. Because the virus dies quickly outside of the body, it’s nearly impossible to get the infection through contact with toilets, towels, or other objects used by an infected person.

 

HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores, but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. The consistent and correct use of condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes. However, condoms only provide partial protection, as HSV can be found in areas not covered by a condom.
Herpes Outbreak

What Does Herpes Look Like?
As a result of its unique characteristics, herpes symptoms in men come and go over a person’s lifetime due to the tendency of the virus to switch between active and dormant modes periodically. Genital herpes outbreak is characterized by tingling, painful urination and burning or itching sensation in the area where blisters will appear on the penis. The first outbreak will appear as early as two days after you contracted the virus, or as late as 30 days afterward. The appearance or pictures of herpes on genitals is similar to outbreaks on other parts of the body.

 

Genital herpes is highly contagious. Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms of an active infection. Signs of genital herpes develop within 3 to 7 days after contact with an infected person. Most people with genital herpes have recurring outbreaks.
As a general rule, the first-ever herpes outbreak tends to be the most severe. In some cases, it can take 2 – 3 weeks to heal completely. Subsequent outbreaks are usually less severe and pass within a few days.
When blisters and other genital herpes symptoms show up, it’s called an outbreak. You might notice some warning signs a few hours or days before outbreaks flare up, like itching, burning or a tingly feeling on your genitals. Herpes outbreaks are no fun, but the first one is the worst.
Genital herpes most often appears as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. Numbness, tingling, or burning in the genital region. A burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse. Painful urination, difficulty urinating, or a frequent need to urinate.
Contact Dermatitis Can Be Mistaken for Herpes. Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause red, itchy, cracked, dry, or scaly skin, blisters, or a rash. Like herpes, it recurs, and while it’s not an STD, when it appears in the mouth or genital area, it may be mistaken for herpes.
Genital infection with herpes may not cause any symptoms and the person may not know they have the virus until they pass it on to another person or get symptoms when the virus is “reactivated.” The first outbreak is usually the worst and most painful and occurs within 2-20 days after contact with the virus.
An excess intake of the amino acid arginine can trigger an outbreak. Avoid foods high in arginine, such as almonds or chocolate. Also, a diet rich in the amino acid lysine has been shown to help stop the herpes virus from multiplying and prevent outbreaks. SEE: Blue Waffle Disease Pictures

Genital herpes cannot be cured. Antiviral medicine (acyclovir and related drugs) may relieve pain and discomfort and help the outbreak go away faster. It may also reduce the number of outbreaks. Follow your provider’s instructions about how to take this medicine if it has been prescribed.

 

Treatment of Herpes Outbreak 

There is currently no cure for genital herpes, but the condition can be managed with medication. Genital herpes outbreaks including those on the penis can happen when you become stressed, sick, or tired. Your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan that will help you manage your outbreaks.

Prevention

HSV-1 is most contagious during an outbreak of symptomatic oral herpes, but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. People with active symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others and share objects that have contact with saliva. They should also abstain from oral sex, to avoid transmitting herpes to the genitals of a sexual partner. Individuals with symptoms of genital herpes should abstain from sexual activity whilst experiencing any of the symptoms.

People who already have HSV-1 infection are not at risk of getting it again, but they are still at risk of acquiring herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infection (see below).

The consistent and correct use of condoms can help to prevent the spread of genital herpes. However, condoms can only reduce the risk of infection, as outbreaks of genital herpes can occur in areas not covered by a condom.

Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform their health care providers. Preventing the acquisition of a new genital herpes infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy, as this is when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.

Additional research is underway to develop more effective prevention methods against HSV infection, such as vaccines. Several candidate HSV vaccines are currently being studied. See: How long does a herpes outbreak last without medicine

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Genital Herpes: The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention How Long Does a Herpes outbreak lastHow Long Does a Herpes Outbreak Last? How Long Does a Herpes Outbreak genital Last?How Long Does a Genital Herpes Outbreak Last? Can You Get Herpes From A Toilet SeatCan You Get Herpes From A Toilet Seat
July 26, 2018 Sexual HealthDr OtorkpaLeave a comment

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