Genital herpes is mainly caused by the virus Herpes simplex type 2, but also more and more often by theherpes type 1, responsible for cold sores. These virus have the particularity of entering through the skin and mucous membranes to reach the nerves and then hiding in the relays that constitute the ganglia. Until the moment when, thanks to a weakening, stress but also fatigue, the period of the rules, a sudden “excess” of sexual intercourse or, on the contrary, their absence, the weakening of the system, they wake up and go the opposite way, from the lymph nodes to the skin. Hence these recurring and unpredictable crises.
Burning and tingling are the most bothersome
The lesion typically looks like a clump of vesicle. But if we often see small erosions, we never see the blisters. On the other hand, pain, tingling, feeling of electric shock are very characteristic of this infection. Because the virus moves along the nerves and causes their inflammation (neuritis). You can also have a fever or even pseudo-sciatica, with a feeling of cramps and pain in the thighs in case of herpes in the buttocks.
It’s a contagious infection
Transmission occurs mainly during genital and orogenital intercourse. But the first crisis can occur 10 years after contamination has gone unnoticed. So no need to immediately think of an infidelity of your spouse. The virus can also pass during masturbation if the hand has been contaminated by contact with an infected area. Mother-to-child transmission can also occur during childbirth. In the event of a history of genital herpes in the future mother or the future father, it is necessary to speak about it to the doctor who follows the pregnancy. Antiviral treatment may be indicated.
The first crisis occurs a fortnight after the contaminating report. Then, 90% of people experience episodic seizures, with less than 6 flare-ups per year. The disease can also stop for a few years and then resume. During the first contamination (so-called primary infection), the lesions are often very painful. “Because the body has not yet produced antibodies to counter the virus”, explains Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot, infectiologist, andrologist (Alfred-Fournier Institute, Paris). Then, the pain is variable according to the people and according to the outbreaks. But 20% of carriers of the virus will never trigger symptoms.
The condom protects well
Yes, during the crisis. But it is rare to want to fool around during a crisis, it is so painful. Should we restrict ourselves to the use of the condom apart from flare-ups? Not systematically. It depends on the number of pushes. Those who have less than 4 attacks per year can have an unprotected sex life outside of attacks. A question that you can discuss with your doctor.
A cream can relieve
During the primary infection, the doctor often prescribes a systemic antiviral (valaciclovir), because it blocks the multiplication of the virus. And the faster we block it, the less we expose ourselves to the risk of future reactivation of the virus. This treatment reduces the duration of the crisis but does not act on the pain.
For relief, you can prescribe a covering and protective gel based on fatty acids, which creates a mechanical barrier between the lesions and the outside, which reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. It must be put at the very beginning of the crisis (Clareva, HRA Pharma France laboratory, without prescription). But be careful, no sex during a crisis!
Thanks to Dr. Bruno Halioua, dermatologist (Institut Alfred-Fournier, Paris).
Read also :
Herpes: how to prevent recurrences?
STIs: what are the risks of transmission according to sexual practices?
