|
GENITAL HERPES
The virus that causes genital herpes is very closely related to
the one that is responsible for cold sores or fever blisters,
also known as herpes simplex type 2. Herpes simplex type 2 is
transmitted sexually resulting in genital herpes in both men and
women. This type can also affect the non-genital areas of a
newborn baby, in those whose mother's suffer from the condition
at the time of giving birth.
| Herpes
Breakouts? Try Lysine |
Lysine is
considered an essential amino acid, a component of protein
that our body cannot make. Many people use it to assist
healing of herpes sores. With other supplements, it can
also be effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease,
Alzheimer’s and hypothyroidism.
Lysine can be used topically or taken internally as a
free-form amino acid or eaten as natural food sources.
Free-form means that the individual amino acid has been
isolated from a protein source and is purely a single
amino acid.
Free-form amino acids are used specifically in
righting deficiencies.
High lysine foods include corn, poultry, and avocados.
Lysine acts to rebuild muscle and repair tissue. Lysine is
also important for calcium uptake in the remodeling and
building of bones. It also helps in the formation of
collagen, hormones and enzymes.
By Denice Moffat |
he virus which causes herpes lives in nerve cells at the base
of the spine, where it can lie dormant for the rest of one's
life, as it does in about 10 percent of all cases, or it can
reappear sporadically, and every so often "creeps" to the
surface to cause sores and blisters. Most people with herpes
infection - probably as many as three-quarters - remain unaware
of their infection because of the absence of sores to alert them
to the infection People in this group, who are unaware that they
are indeed infectious can unwittingly spread the disease. But
even those who are aware of their infection can unknowingly
spread the infection, as viral particles are 'shed', meaning
they are present on the skin of the genitals, even when no sore
or blister is present. Because of this ease of transmission, the
virus has become extremely common.
Incidence:
Herpes virus infections occur in up to 20-50 percent of HIV+
people at some point during the course of HIV infection.
Symptoms:
The incubation period, or length of time from 'catching' the
disease to the onset of symptoms is short - between 2 - 12 days.
The fist attack usually consists of blisters on and around the
genitals, anus and/or cervix. The infected area feels itchy with
a prickly sensation which is commonly known as "prodromal
symptoms." Thereafter the formation of blisters, which
eventually burst, leaving ulcers.
These will generally heal within 3 weeks, but the sufferer may
feel feverish and unwell during the attack. The first 'outbreak'
is always the most severe, often lasting for three weeks or
longer. Recurrent episodes, during which the virus is
reactivated, are milder and usually last for about 5-7 days. For
many, the recurrences will occur less frequently over time. Many
external factors can trigger recurrence of symptoms, these may
include:
- Illness
- Stress
- Surgery
- Fatigue
- Skin Irritation (i.e. sunburn)
- Menstruation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Dietary imbalance
- Vigorous sexual intercourse
Herpes is most contagious when the sores are visible, but
transmission is still possible (although less likely) after the
sores have healed. Symptoms can be considerably more severe and
longer-lasting in people with HIV.
Possible Complications:
One complication, however rare, is that of accidentally
spreading the infection to the eye/s. This can occur if you
happen to rub your eyes, or insert your contact lenses after
having touched a sore or blister. The herpes virus is easily
killed with ordinary soap, therefore secondary infection of this
nature can be easily avoided, through following strict hygiene
measures during outbreaks.
Pregnancy:
The most serious known complication of herpes threatens infants
born to herpes-infected mothers. These babies risk blindness,
brain damage, and possibly even death. Fortunately, the risk of
transmitting the infection to a newborn during birth is low, and
whilst most HSV-infected women have normal, vaginal deliveries,
and active sore at the time of delivery may warrant a caesarean
delivery. Herpes simplex virus also increases the risk of
miscarriage or premature labour.
Diagnosis:
It is important to see your doctor as soon as symptoms appear,
or are still present, because diagnosis is made through viewing
the sores, and possibly taking a sample for further microscopic
investigation.
Treatment:
Unfortunately there is no 'cure-all' for this disease, and while
ointments and tablets will provide relief from some of the more
bothersome of symptoms, the disease will remain dormant in the
body until reactivated. Starting treatment for an outbreak of
herpes within the first 6 days is usually most effective.
Acyclovir treatments are the most commonly prescribed drugs for
the initial outbreak, where duration of symptoms can be reduced
from nine days to about five, and healing from three weeks to
two. Topical creams of this nature, are also effective, however
more so in initial outbreaks, as they rarely work well in cases
of recurrent infection.
Vitamin C, zinc, and lysine have been
known to hasten the body's healing process which will ultimately
reduce the duration of the pain and discomfort.
Prevention:
Small doses of acyclovir may prevent reactivation of previous
infections, however, casual use can breed herpes viruses that
are particularly resistant to drugs of this nature. Therefore it
is advisable to ask your doctor whether this method of
prevention is necessary in your case.
- Aloe Vera extract is said to promote the healing of sores.
- Vitamins C and E and zinc are though to boost the immune
system's response to the herpes virus.
- Practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation
or yoga.
It is important that you tell all sex partners from the prior
three weeks of your infection, and those that may be new on the
scene. Herpes simplex type 1 (responsible for the common cold
sore), and herpes simplex type 2 can easily migrate through the
body, therefore oral sex should be avoided when there is an
active sore on the mouth or genitals.
Warning!
There are products and activities that may worsen your
condition, and should therefore be avoided:
- Nonoxynol-9 (Spermicide).
- Ointments and treatments containing cortisone or
antibiotics of any nature.
- Ultraviolet light (including sunlight and tanning beds).
- Idoxuridine (applied to sores).
|
