Herpes
Its a viral infection that starts as a sudden sharp pain in a given area of the genitals and the pain develops before a blister like rash is seen.
The blisters can break and produce fluid.
The blisters can eventually become painful ulcers (areas of broken skin).
The broken skin increases the chances of acquiring HIV.
This same rash can occur anywhere in the body.
The rash can be accompanied by
fever
feeling tired
burning feeling when passing urine
muscle pain
swollen glands
genital discharge
painful anal sores (if anal intercourse is practiced)
The first time one gets it these symptoms can last nearly 3 weeks but if it comes back a second or third time the symptoms last a shorter time (5 days).
It is common in the lips and can occur anywhere on the body .
Herpes can cause other complications like;
Meningitis-headache, fever, neck stiffness
Severe nerve pain -sharp, shooting, burning
Be spread to babies from mothers
other nerve and liver problems
It is the only STD that can occur severally even after you treat it.
Treatment helps to
reduce the severity of symptoms and risk of spread.
It also shortens the duration of symptoms.
Herpes rash around the lips
How is it spread?
It is spread by
skin to skin contact during intercourse,
contact with genital fluids,
or oral and genital fluids in someone with oral herpes.
It can also be spread by mother to child transmission at birth if the mother has genital lesions.
What can make the rash come back?
Fever
Menses
Stress
It can be partially prevented by
using a condom (not 100%, depending on the location of the sores)
It can be confirmed by
taking a swab of the rash (once the blister breaks and fluid is released then a swab the bottom of the blister can be taken)
or a blood test.
Its not compulsory to have a test before taking treatment.
It can be managed by anti-herpes viral medication (Acyclovir or Valaciclovir). Treatment is best started within 3 days of the rash and taken for 5 to 14 days.
The first episode is treated for longer
(about 2 weeks) than repeat episodes (about 1 week).
The rash often recurs and will need treatment every time it occurs to reduce spread.
Treating the ulcers is important as open sores increase the risk of transmitting herpes and HIV.
