Article for Women Issues

Genital herpes in some people may never show symptoms
but for others
the symptoms become so severe that complications develop
especially if sores or herpes blisters appear in other areas of the body.

Cold sores on the lips
called “herpes labialis”
are normally mild and may be considered a mere nuisance. But if these become prolonged
frequent
or severe
the use of antiviral treatments is recommended.

Blisters on the hands and fingers can also occur and it is called “herpetic whitlow”. Since the hands can practically reach all parts of the body
it has the greatest capacity to spread the virus. To prevent such a disaster
the hands must be covered with plastic or rubber gloves.

There can be blisters on the anus
too. The infection is called “herpes proctitis”. This infection is usually more painful and more distressing than genital herpes.

The eyes
especially that of the newborn
is also susceptible to the herpes virus. The infection is called “herpes keratitis” or “ocular herpes”. When this happens
or even when you only feel a painful irritation in your eyes
consult the doctor immediately. If ignored
herpes keratitis could lead to blindness.

Women who experience genital herpes outbreaks may also have vaginal yeast infections
called “vulvovaginal dandidiasis”. There will be swelling
itching
and pain when the woman urinates or engages in a sexual activity. This is due to the presence of too many yeast organisms in the vagina. If you have vaginal yeast infections
it doesn’t mean that you also have genital herpes. The excess growth of yeast occurs for many reasons
such as when the woman is taking antibiotics or birth control pills
or when she is pregnant
or when she is wearing tight body-hugging clothes. Fortunately
with good hygiene
this type of infection disappears on its own.

Sometimes
the genital herpes virus can infect the cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues that surround the brain. This will result to meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is life-threatening especially when these occur: changes in vision
photophobia
drowsiness
bulging on the baby’s head
and seizures. Encephalitis happens when the brain becomes swollen. It is also a life-threatening complication and have similar symptoms to that of meningitis. It can also lead to coma.

Other internal organs
such as the joints
lungs
and liver
may suffer complications when a person has genital herpes. These complications occur in people with ineffective immune systems
such as those with HIV
diabetes or cancer and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

To avoid complications
you must again recall that HSV survives in mucus and may affect any part of the body where mucus is found.