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Genital herpes
What are the transmission routes of genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, with the primary transmission route being sexual contact. However, some patients can also be infected through contact with contaminated clothing or through activities like bathing, swimming, or staying in hotels, although these methods have a relatively lower chance of transmission. Once infected with genital herpes, it generally persists for life and cannot be completely eradicated. Antiviral medications such as valacyclovir can be used during outbreaks, and topical acyclovir ointment can be applied locally. Regular exercise and consuming medications that enhance the immune system can help reduce the recurrence of this disease. If one frequently stays up late or consumes spicy and irritative food, the likelihood of recurrence increases. Moreover, this disease is highly contagious during outbreaks and can be transmitted to others through sexual contact.
Can traditional Chinese medicine eradicate genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and reproductive organs and the perianal skin and mucosa with the herpes simplex virus. Currently, in clinical practice, neither Chinese nor Western medicine has a drug that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus. Therefore, Chinese medicine cannot completely cure genital herpes, nor can Western medicine.
Can the genital herpes virus appear in the mouth?
Genital herpes virus refers to the herpes simplex virus, which is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 virus mainly causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes outside the genital and anal regions, but infections can also be caused by Type 2 virus. Type 2 virus primarily causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and anal area, although a minority of cases can also be caused by Type 1 virus. When herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2 infects the mouth, it can lead to herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpetic pharyngitis.
How long is the incubation period for genital herpes?
The incubation period of genital herpes generally ranges from 2 to 14 days, with an average of 3 to 5 days, meaning that patients might not exhibit any symptoms during the incubation period. After this period, erythema can appear around the external genitalia, followed by the development of papules, vesicles, erosions, ulcers, and crusts, which may be accompanied by pain, burning sensations, and itching. The local lymph nodes may swell, and some patients may experience headaches, fever, and fatigue as systemic symptoms.
How to completely cure genital herpes virus?
Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital mucous membranes and perianal skin by the herpes simplex virus. Currently, there are no drugs or methods in clinical practice that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus, so the genital herpes virus cannot be completely killed, and genital herpes cannot be completely cured.
Genital herpes appears in what location?
Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital skin and mucosa with herpes simplex virus. It primarily affects the genitals and perineal area. In males, it commonly occurs on the foreskin, glans penis, and coronal sulcus. In females, it is often seen on the labia majora, labia minora, vaginal opening, and cervical opening. Less commonly, it can also affect areas around the anus, buttocks, and groin.
Can genital herpes in women heal by itself?
Genital herpes has an intermittent onset because herpes cannot be said to be cured and never recurs. The herpes virus congregates at the sacral nerve roots in the human body. Therefore, when immunity is low, the virus travels along the sacral nerve root to the surface of the skin, causing damage in spots, commonly known as a recurrence of herpes. Thus, genital herpes does not heal on its own; it is merely in a quiescent phase of an outbreak. Therefore, genital herpes is generally harder to treat in females than in males because the female body has a cavity, and herpes inside the cavity may not be visible.
Can people with genital herpes get married?
Currently, there is no law in the country stating that individuals with genital herpes cannot get married. Therefore, people with genital herpes can marry. However, we strongly advise that patients should inform their prospective spouses about their condition truthfully and clearly, in order to gain their understanding and cooperation and to avoid potential problems in future marital life.
Can people with genital herpes eat seafood?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection. The transmission routes mainly include sexual contact, close living contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Clinically, genital herpes primarily presents as clusters of erythema and blisters on the external genitals, with local burning and stabbing sensations. Initial outbreaks of genital herpes may include significant systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. After diagnosing genital herpes, antiviral medications like acyclovir are the first choice. In terms of diet, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, pay attention to rest, and enhance immunity. Eating seafood is not a problem and does not affect the recovery and prognosis of genital herpes.
Are genital herpes and shingles caused by the same virus?
Genital herpes and shingles are caused by different viruses. Genital herpes is an infection with the herpes simplex virus, most often type 2 and in rare cases type 1; the causative agent of shingles is the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox, hence the two viruses are completely different. Another important characteristic is that herpes simplex virus infections tend to recur, especially during periods of low immunity, fever, or fatigue, whereas varicella-zoster virus infection can provide lasting immunity, with most people experiencing it only once in their lifetime, and only a very few with low immunity experiencing it more than once.