Tips To Cope With Genital Herpes

The genital herpes virus (a.k.a. herpes genitalis) brings with it many emotional episodes that can hinder daily life. If you're one of the millions who suffer from the disease, then you likely understand the feelings and distress that come with it. There are, however, some things you can do to help you cope with genital herpes and live your life normally again.



Deal with Your Feelings



Many people with genital herpes want to deny they have the condition or ignore it. Unfortunately, genital herpes can't be ignored. It is a serious condition that can easily be sexually transmitted from one person to another, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. When you're first diagnosed with genital herpes, this is the time when it is the toughest to deal with emotionally. The news of a herpes infection can bring with it a lot of grief, denial, stress, embarrassment, and even anger.



First, you must accept the fact that genital herpes is caused by a lifelong virus called HSV II (herpes simplex virus). You might also recognize it by the names herpes genitalis or HSV 2. Once infected with the virus, it never goes away even when the symptoms are not present. Though it may lie dormant in your body at times, it is still there and outbreaks are inevitable at times in your life. Once you accept this fact, you can move on with life and deal with the issues at hand.



Second, try counseling for help with emotional and physical stress caused by genital herpes. Find a specialist or therapist that can help you deal with these two issues. Make an effort to get help immediately if you feel you can't handle the news. Sometimes it helps just to talk with someone who's been through the same thing. There are herpes support groups as well.



Educate Yourself about Genital Herpes



Arm yourself with education about genital herpes. Learn all you can about the disease, symptoms, treatment options, and how to deal with it in everyday life. Also, research tips on sharing the news with your spouse or partner. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel about handling the symptoms when they do arise. Use Internet tools for free research. There are many articles, e-books, and treatment recommendations online so you don't even have to leave your home to learn all you need to know.



Warning: Never try to diagnose yourself. See a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment options, and always ask a doctor or specialist about certain treatments before trying them online.



Recognize Your Triggers of Outbreaks



There are certain triggers that can cause a recurrence of symptoms after the initial manifestation. These include stress and being run down physically or emotionally, drinking alcohol, menstruation, prolonged sunlight exposure, a weakened immune system, damage to the sensitive skin area during intercourse, and even exposure to ultraviolet light. If you can avoid the triggers and reduce stress in your life, you will most likely reduce the number of outbreaks. This doesn't mean you're cured, but it does mean you can live your life normally without the uncomfortable symptoms of genital herpes.



Consider Natural Treatment Options



Once you've spoken with a doctor and come to the realization that you do have genital herpes, you might want to try natural treatment options for relief of symptoms. There are essential oils to help relieve symptoms and lessen the frequency of herpes outbreaks. Essential oils such as Tamanu tree oil can help relieve symptoms naturally without unpleasant side effects or irritation of the infected areas.



Also, soak in a salt bath to cleanse the genital area and to dry and soothe herpes sores. Use a teaspoon of Epsom salt with 600 ml of water. Wear loose underclothes (cotton if possible instead of nylon), and use simple analgesics such as aspirin to relieve pain. Ice can be applied directly to sore areas to help soothe the pain.



When things seem hopeless, keep these tips in mind. You can learn to cope with genital herpes and still live life to the fullest!

Chris Robertson is a published author of
Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com

Article Source: ShortWriteups.com

Herpes Complications by Dylan Morris

Herpes occurs in two forms: type 1 is the virus that most commonly causes facial, or oral herpes. Facial herpes is not considered an STD because it can be contracted through kissing, sharing eating utensils, towels, lip balm or touching a cold sore. Type 2 herpes is the virus commonly associated with the STD genital herpes. Genital herpes is only spread through sexual contact.



Both facial and genital herpes are typically the same virus, but they just occur in different areas of the body. However, if a person contracts type 1 of the virus in the genitals, the outbreaks are typically less severe than if a person contracts type-2 in the genital area. Therefore, proper diagnosis will give an accurate forecast as to what one can expect from the specific type of herpes that has been contracted. Once diagnosed, and if symptoms are such that an individual would like treatment (http://herpes-virus.org/treatments.htm) for their condition, there are many options.



Herpes, while not generally fatal, can be problematic in certain instances. In the case of facial herpes, complications may arise when infants or people with a suppressed immune system due to cancer, AIDS or an organ transplant, are exposed to the virus because these people are at greater risk of having a more severe herpes infection. For people who have eczema or dermatitis, facial herpes may be passed to other body parts and in rare cases, it can affect a large region of skin. Also, if herpes infects the eye, it can cause corneal scarring, which is one of the major causes to blindness in the U.S.



In order to prevent any of these facial herpes complications, wash hands regularly during outbreaks and avoid contact with infants or people with weakened immune systems. And also be careful not to touch other body parts (especially the eyes) after touching the herpes infected area.



In healthy adults, genital herpes does not cause long-term damage. However, just as with facial herpes, those who have suppressed immune systems may have long-lasting and more severe outbreaks. But, there are treatments (http://herpes-virus.org/default.htm) that can help reduce these complications.



An expectant mother who has her first genital herpes outbreak can pass the virus to her unborn child and has an increased chance of having a spontaneous abortion or premature delivery. If the mother has active genital herpes at delivery, doctors usually perform a C-section. Half of the fetuses that contract herpes during birth either die or have neurological damage. The chances of these complications are significantly decreased if the mother’s herpes is detected early.



Chances of contracting HIV are increased because of genital herpes because there is an accessible entry point for the virus. People with HIV can have harsh outbreaks, and this can increase chances of passing both herpes and HIV to others.



Natural treatments (http://herpes-virus.org/treatments.htm) are available for individuals who would like to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of their facial or genital herpes outbreaks. The primary benefit to using natural treatment is the absence of side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs.



Dylan Morris is a freelance writer and supporter of nutraceuticals, natural, herbal treatments for disease control and prevention. Visit http://herpaflor.com/ for more information.



Article Source: Happy Living Articles

Can Valtrex be used as a "day after" drug to prevent genital herpes?

Q: I know Valtrex is prescribed to treat genital herpes. If someone is exposed to a partner with herpes, will taking Valtrex right away destroy any of the virus that may have been acquired before it has a chance to take hold and become dormant? In other words, can Valtrex be used as sort of a "day after" medication?

A: We were intrigued by the idea that Valtrex might protect someone against genital herpes, so we asked the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline. GSK has never done a study to investigate this scenario. As a result, there aren't any clinical data to support the use of Valtrex as a "day after" medication or as a prophylactic drug in uninfected individuals whose sexual partners have genital herpes.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2008173256_pharmacy14.html