Herpes Treatment
Tests can be conducted on the blisters/sores for a diagnosis of herpes. The most accurate test at this time is the PCR test that is performed on the fluid from the blister and indicates if the herpes virus is present. Blood tests can also be done to see if the individual has ever had the herpes virus and may be conducted between outbreaks (PubMed Health, 2012). Once infected with Herpes, you will carry the virus for the rest of your life. Currently there are no medications that can eliminate herpes from your system, they can only treat an outbreak and force the virus to go dormant. When the virus is dormant it remains inactive in your nerve roots until the next outbreak (MediResource, 2012).
Once diagnosed, follow the instructions of your doctor and ensure that all partners are immediately tested. It is important to remember that this is a life-long disease so be sure to keep that in mind with all partners, new and old, and avoid having intercourse during an outbreak (WomensHealth, 2009). If experiencing an outbreak the best thing to do is to keep the area clean, wear loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear, avoid wiping the area and try to pat it dry instead. After urinating, it is a good idea to wash the area with cool water and if you are experiencing any pain while urinating, try sitting in a tub of warm water or pour warm water over the area while urinating (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2011).
Article References
CDC. (2012, 01 01). Genital Herpes - CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved 09 3, 2012, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
eMedicineHealth. (2012). Cold Sores. Retrieved 09 02, 2012, from eMedicine Health: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cold_sores/page2_em.htm
Herpsite. (2012). Genital Herpes Transmission - Risk - Latency - Viral Shedding. Retrieved 09 05, 2012, from Herpsite: http://www.herpesite.org/herpes-virus-infection-transmission-risk-shedding/
MedicineNet. (2012). Genital Herpes in Women. Retrieved 09 05, 2012, from MedicineNet: http://www.medicinenet.com/genital_herpes_in_women/page3.htm
MediResource. (2012). Genital Herpes. Retrieved 09 05, 2012, from MedBroadcast: http://www.medbroadcast.com/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=246#.UERxcMFmSXs
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011, 10 11). STI - Herpes. Retrieved 09 05, 2012, from Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/std-mts/herpes-eng.php
PubMed Health. (2012). Genital Herpes. Retrieved 09 05, 2012, from PubMed Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001860/
WomensHealth. (2009, 08 10). Genital herpes fact sheet. Retrieved 09 02, 2012, from Women's Health: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/genital-herpes.cfm
Image References
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