Genital herpes is a contagious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus, with type 1 primarily affecting the mouth, eyes, and nose, and type 2 targeting the genital area.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes
The infection manifests as blisters on the external genitalia, anus, and perineum. Early symptoms include itchiness, heat, swelling, and superficial tension, which quickly evolve into tingling and burning sensations. Small serous blisters then form, which eventually turn into superficial crusts that bleed easily.
Managing Genital Herpes
Although genital herpes is a chronic infection with no permanent cure, there are ways to manage the disease and prevent flare-ups.
DOS
Reduce Stress Moderate periods of intense psychological stress, as it can trigger flare-ups.
Prevent Other Infections Avoid catching other infections, such as the flu or bacterial infections, which can exacerbate the herpes virus.
Maintain a Balanced Diet Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins, mineral salts, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which support the immune system.
Exercise Regularly Moderate physical activity can improve the body's defenses and efficiency.
Maintain Good Hygiene Use intimate cleansers with a slightly acidic pH and opt for underwear made of natural fabric.
DON'TS
Overworking yourself.
Neglecting your immune system by not consuming a diet rich in vitamins, mineral salts, and antioxidants.
Overexercising without adequate recovery time.
Misusing drugs, especially antibiotics.
Wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics.
Dietary Recommendations
Your diet can significantly impact the frequency and severity of herpes relapses. Here are some foods you should consume:
Vitamin C Fresh peppers, citrus fruits, parsley, kiwi, lettuce, etc.
Vitamin D Fish, fish oil, and egg yolk.
Zinc Liver, meat, dairy products, and certain shellfish.
Selenium Meat, fish, egg yolk, dairy products, and fortified foods.
Magnesium Oilseeds, cocoa, bran, vegetables, and fruits.
Iron Meat, fish, and egg yolk.
Polyphenolic Antioxidants Fresh fruits and vegetables, red wine, seeds, aromatic herbs, tea, roots, medicinal herbs, etc.
Lysine Meat, cheese, certain fish products, and legumes.
Probiotics Fermented foods like yogurt, tofu, tempeh, buttermilk, etc.
Omega 3 Oily fish, some oilseeds and related oils, algae.
Avoid monothematic diets, vegan diets, diets free of vegetables and greens, diets based exclusively on cooked or preserved foods, and arginine food supplements.
Prevention
Preventing genital herpes involves two types of measures:
Prevention against Contagion Maintain good hygiene practices. The herpes simplex virus spreads easily through sexual activity. Using public toilets, swimming pools, towels, and other people's linen are less relevant risk factors but should not be overlooked.
Prevention against Acute Illnesses, After Infection All the precautions mentioned in the previous sections apply.
Medical Treatments
There are no definitive treatments for herpes simplex. Any therapy is exclusively palliative or intended to improve symptoms. Other than preventing contagion, preventing manifestations, and the possible use of drugs, there are no other known medical treatments for genital herpes.
