Symptoms of Herpes in Women

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused when the virus enters into the vagina, genital skin or the linings of the mouth that are covered with mucus. If one indulges in sexual intercourse with an infected person, the virus can enter the body through the microscopic tears. Once this virus enters your body, it travels up to the nerve roots near the spinal cord and stays at this place forever.

Once you have been infected by this virus, it will travel from the nerve roots of the spinal cord to the place of original infection during an outbreak. Those who are under a lot of stress and have a weak immune system might exhibit the symptoms or suffer from such outbreaks more often. Once inside, the virus travels to the nerve roots near the spinal cord and settles there permanently. Women who are infected with herpes simplex virus-1, generally have oral herpes or herpes inside mouth. On the other hand, herpes simplex virus-2 is responsible for causing blisters or sores in genital region. Here's some information on symptoms of herpes in women.

Symptoms of Herpes

Oral herpes is characterized by formation of blisters or sores near the mouth, lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and sometimes on the tongue and throat. In the initial stages, one may suffer from itching, burning sensation and redness on the affected area. As these blisters become more pronounced, fluid might also get filled in these blisters. The fluid might ooze out. Other symptoms include fever, weakness, fatigue and muscle fatigue.

Let's move on to symptoms of genital herpes in women. The signs of genital herpes appear a couple of weeks after the exposure to virus. The early symptoms include itching and a tingling sensation and redness. Sores or blisters are then formed in the genital region. These could develop around the vaginal opening, thighs, cervix, vulva, anus or besides the buttocks. The fluid-filled blisters then break and form ulcers.

Other symptoms that may be exhibited by women suffering from genital herpes burning sensation while urinating and burning sensation in the vagina. There may be a change in the color and texture of vaginal discharge. Women suffering from genital herpes might also exhibit other symptoms such as muscle soreness, nausea, headaches, lower back pain, fever and abdominal bloating. In case you experience any of these aforementioned symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor. You must not ignore these blisters, mistaking them for boils. The first outbreak is generally the most severe, but it can be treated with anti-viral medications. Generally, medicines such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir are effective in alleviating the symptoms of herpes, but these must be taken as per the doctor's advice. Topical application of Denavir will also prove beneficial.

This was some information on the symptoms of herpes. Since this virus can get transmitted through physical contact, one must take precautionary measures. Don't try to be your own doctor by dismissing these blisters as boils or other skin disorders. Remember, once this virus enters your body, it stays in your body forever. It might strike again in event of your immune system getting weak due to stress or other illnesses. So, if you experience symptoms of herpes, make sure that you consult a doctor soon.