Genital herpes is described by the NHS as "a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus". The Herpes Viruses Association states that around 25% of the UK's sexually active population have been exposed to genital herpes (HSV-2) - but might not necessarily have experienced recurring symptoms or be aware they are carrying the virus.
Primary symptoms
Symptoms of primary infection include but are not limited to:
- Painful red blisters which eventually burst, leaving open sores around the genitals
- Pain when passing urine
- A high temperature of 38°C or more
- Generally feeling unwell
- Suffering aches and pains
Recurring symptoms
Just as in those who have been exposed to the HSV-1 cold sore virus, not everyone experiences recurring symptoms after being exposed to HSV-2.
The people who do have recurring genital herpes outbreaks might suffer:
- Tingling, burning, or itching sensation around the genitals before an outbreak
- Painful red blisters that burst to leave sores around the genitals
Clinical trials
Clinical trials of Herstat ointment, which you can read about here, tested its use on cold sores. Other research has shown that propolis is effective on genital herpes.
A study titled A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes, which was undertaken by N. Vynograd, I. Vynograd, and Z. Sosnowski, used Propolis ACF to test the effectiveness of propolis, amongst other substances, against the HSV-2 virus. The trials found that propolis healed blisters and legions fastest.
Each group had 30 participants. By the seventh day of the study, ten participants in the propolis group had healed from their symptoms, whereas only four in the acyclovir group and three in the placebo group had healed.
By day 10, 24 people in the propolis group had healed, in comparison to 14 in the acyclovir group and 12 in the placebo group.
To read the full abstract and main findings of the research, please click here.
What to do if you think you may be suffering from genital herpes
Please note - Herstat is not approved in the USA, Canada or the UK for the treatment of HSV-2 (Genital Herpes). If you think you may be suffering from genital herpes you should consult your GP.
Photo © Helga Weber via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
