Herpes diseases are caused by herpes viruses that belong to six genera. There are eight types of herpes viruses that cause disease in humans. The viruses that lead to the development of a disease in the genital area – genital herpes – are called herpes simplex virus 2-HSV 2. In about 80% of cases, the infection is caused by HSV 2, in the rest it can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1). Transmission of the infection Herpes viruses affect the skin and mucous membrane of the female genital system. The infection is transmitted through sexual contact. In the presence of wounds or other types of disruption of the integrity of the epithelium, the possibility of transmission of herpes viruses increases. Passing through the epithelial cells, they reach sensory structures of the nervous system, where they remain for a long period of time. Transmission of the infection from a sick person to a healthy person most often occurs in an active form of the infection, that is, when there are developed skin manifestations of the disease. It is the secretion with which the vesicles on the skin are filled that is infected and through it the transmission of the infection takes place. In a small percentage of cases, the infection can be transmitted during the period without skin manifestations. Development of the infection The incubation period – the period from infection to the appearance of symptoms – is between 3-7 days, but can be up to 20 days. Genital herpes is a recurrent – repeated infection that depends on the general condition of the body. Conditions that can lead to the manifestation of the infection are various diseases leading to a decline in the immune system, mental or emotional stress, taking immunosuppressants, as well as menstruation in women. Genital herpes is a disease that can recur 2-3 times a month or 2-3 times a year, there are also cases in which there are no repeated episodes after the primary appearance. NEWS_MORE_BOX The primary reaction after infection is usually the most pronounced. This is due to the fact that after the manifestation of the disease, antibodies are formed in the woman’s body, which relieve subsequent manifestations. The development of genital herpes can affect both the skin of the genitals and the mucous membrane of the cervix or vagina. The disorders that develop are painful vesicles and ulcerations. They go through several stages of development: Erythemen – redness of the area; Vesicular – formation of bubbles on the reddened areas, which are filled with liquid; Formation of blisters after rupture of bubbles; Recovery – the sores are covered with crusts and heal. The period for which these changes develop on the skin or mucous membrane is between 4-15 days. The first manifestation of the disease has the longest duration, and the period is reduced in the following ones. Symptoms in a woman with an active form of genital herpes Symptoms in a woman can be divided into local – related to the site of entry of the herpes viruses, in this case – the genital area, and general symptoms.The main complaints are related to discomfort, burning, itching and burning pain in the genital area. When genital herpes develops in the vagina or cervix, the woman may also report the presence of vaginal discharge. The general symptomatology usually occurs during the first attack and is associated with an increase in temperature, pain in the muscles and joints, and an increase in lymph nodes in the area. Making a diagnosis The diagnosis is made according to the woman’s complaints and the typical skin-mucosal changes that are observed. For proof, the Tzanck sample can be used – this is a cytological examination, in which material is taken from the bubbles, in which specific Tzanck cells are looked for under a microscope. Treatment of genital herpes Antiviral preparations are used for the treatment of genital herpes, most often the first agent of choice is acyclovir. The treatment is both local and systemic, by oral medication from the very beginning of the disease.