The herpes virus if of two strains; mainly the Herpes Simplex type 1 and the Herpes Simplex type 2 virus. The first kind of herpes is the one where sores appear around the mouth and are cold sores; the type 2 is a sexually transmitted infection. If there has been contact with a person who is infected with herpes it takes between two days to over two weeks for the first tell tale symptoms to appear in the genital areas. Often the herpes outbreak symptoms are not visible but are still infectious and can be passed on to others. Herpes outbreak symptoms in men last for two weeks where as herpes outbreak symptoms in women last for a week longer. In women the herpes infection is often mistaken for a yeast infection or for an inflammation of the pelvic area.
Women most often develop herpes in the vaginal area and also lesions on the buttocks, thighs, anus, urethra, cervix and vulva. There could be a discharge from the vagina along with these sores, and a burning sensation while urinating. In genital herpes there is swelling of the lymph glands in the groin, pain in the lower back, fever, muscular aches and headaches. One of the complications which women face with herpes is meningitis.
Herpes outbreak treatment is not a permanent cure and the herpes outbreak treatment natural or in any other form needs to be rigorous. Care should also be taken that the person abstains from activities that increase the chances of contracting the infection again. The health care provider has to decide on which form of treatment would suit the person best and this depends on whether the person has had similar episodes in the past or whether this is a first time infection. The first episode is the worst and makes the person more ill than later episodes which are of shorter duration and not as painful.
Herpes outbreaks are more frequent in people who have a weak immune system like in HIV / AIDS, or because of being on steroids for long durations, those who have undergone organ transplantation or are suffering with leukemia. Such people may require a higher dosage of medication as they may have become resistant to the normal doses.
It is necessary that people know how to prevent herpes outbreaks. Knowledge on how to prevent herpes outbreaks during pregnancy becomes all the more important as it could affect both the mother and the child. This is because women who get this infection in the third trimester of pregnancy are quite likely to transmit the infection to their babies. Some of the anti viral drugs can be used without any risk on pregnant women and if a woman suspects that she has herpes infection she should immediately see her doctor about it.
A herpes outbreak could last from three days to two weeks and in some rare cases for over a month. A lot depends on the persons own immunity and whether they have re-infected themselves during this period. A person who has a strong immune system will not get infected as often as one who has a weak immune system.
To prevent recurrent outbreaks a person should ensure personal health. Women who are pregnant or menstruating and men who have a tendency to over indulge in alcohol are more prone to repeated outbreaks of herpes. Stress is another condition which weakens the immune system and should be avoided if one is prone to herpes or any other such infections repeatedly. Exposure to sunlight and skin infections are also some of the problems which make a person more prone to repeated infections and outbreaks.
answered by G M