Herpes is a viral disease and occurs quite often in children of all ages. It appears as a rash on the skin or mucous membranes of the body. The vesicles contain a serous substance containing a large number of viral cells. The activity of the second type of virus can cause the development of genital herpes in a child. The rashes are localized in the child’s intimate area: in boys – the scrotum and penis, and in girls – the vagina and labia. The danger of this disease lies in the fact that if treatment is untimely or absent, it spreads to internal organs and nerve tissue.
Causes of genital herpes in a child
Genital herpes in adolescents and children occurs due to the penetration and development of the virus in the body. There are several reasons for the manifestation of the disease:
- Ascending infection - the transmission of viral cells from the genital organs of the mother to the child occurs due to damage or premature detachment of the placenta.
- Intrauterine – occurs when there is a high concentration of microorganisms in a woman’s body. Then disturbances in the development of the unborn child of varying degrees are provoked. Often, such infection can lead to premature birth or death of the fetus in the 1st-2nd trimester.
- Antenatal – infection of a child with genital herpes occurs through close contact with the mother’s labia during childbirth. In this case, a woman can only be a carrier.
- When interacting with the source of the virus, infection occurs during physical contact between relatives and the baby, who are the carrier of the virus. At a young age, the body is most susceptible to infection.
Symptoms
At different ages of the child and stage of the disease, slightly different symptoms of genital herpes occur, after the appearance of which the help of a specialized doctor is necessary.
Signs of the disease in adolescents
Young children often become infected from their mother, and adolescents during sexual intercourse. First, the genitals and mucous membranes are affected with the appearance of vesicles. In boys, the rash is localized on the penis, in girls - on the vulva and vagina. The affected areas begin to burn, hurt and itch very much. Also, signs of genital herpes in children are as follows:
- pain in the lower abdomen and when urinating;
- increased body temperature;
- inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes;
- insomnia, lethargy and headaches.
At the first stage of the disease, the resulting blisters on the mucous membranes burst and form small ulcers. After this, they become covered with a dense crust with severe itching. Then it disappears and the healing process occurs. At this time, you should follow the rules of hygiene and use individual means to prevent the spread of the genital disease to other family members.
Symptoms of herpes in babies
Children over 3 years old complain of the following manifestations of genital herpes:
- the appearance of blisters on the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
- a rash accompanied by severe burning and itching, which causes the child to cry for a long time;
- fever and physical fatigue.
Rashes can form in the inguinal folds and nasolabial parts.
Signs of illness in newborns
The manifestation of genital herpes in children under 1 year of age is expressed in three forms:
- Generalized. Damage to the genitals with subsequent intoxication and dysfunction of all organs of the child. In this case, he will need emergency medical care, since there is a high probability of excessive activity of the virus and death.
- Localized. Small blisters, swelling of the affected area, and inflammation appear on the skin. It can appear not only on the genitals, but also on the cornea of the eye, which subsequently leads to blindness.
- Damage to the brain structure. Symptoms may appear during the first weeks of life. The temperature may rise to 40°C with prolonged vomiting and convulsive contractions in the limbs. Then there is loss of consciousness and a state of coma. Consequences accompanied by the death of a newborn occur in 40-50% of cases. With proper treatment, the signs of genital herpes gradually disappear, and recovery takes up to 6 months.
Genital herpes
Rashes in the area of the child’s labia may vary depending on the cause of their appearance. One of the likely causes of pimples on the labia is genital herpes. The cause of the disease is herpes simplex virus type 2. The rash is localized in the genital area - on the labia and vestibule of the vagina. The virus multiplies for a long time in the cells of the nervous system without causing symptoms.
After the concentration of the virus in the body increases to a significant level, vesicles filled with serous exudate with virions appear on the mucous membranes of the genitals. Ways of infection of children with HSV type 2:
- Intrauterine infection. In this case, the child becomes infected from the sick mother. This route of infection can cause multiple embryonic developmental pathologies, and premature birth and miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy are possible.
- Ascending infection. In this case, the child becomes infected from a mother infected during pregnancy. Virions migrate from the mother's genitals through the amniotic fluid to the fetus. Most often this occurs when the integrity of the placenta is violated.
- Infection during childbirth. The passage of the fetus through the birth canal is accompanied by contact of the baby's skin and the mucous membranes of the infected mother. This is possible even in the case of asymptomatic carriage or the latent phase of the disease in the mother.
- Contact path. Infection occurs through direct contact of the child with the source of infection. In this case, the source of infection may be a complete stranger to the child. This path is most relevant for children aged 5 months to 3 years. During this period, the child becomes quite active and sociable; susceptibility to the virus at this age is very high.
Clinical manifestations of the disease appear a month after infection. In addition, bubbles appear on the labia, in the groin area, armpits and nasolabial triangle, the general body temperature rises, the girl becomes capricious and cries. The cause of concern is itching and painful urination.
Therapy is applied local and general. Antiseptic solutions and antiviral ointments are prescribed locally. After the pimples open and crust over, proteolytic ointments are used. In addition, antiviral drugs are used to suppress viral replication. Since independent immunity is not yet sufficiently developed in children under 3 years of age, medications are needed to stimulate the immune response. Antihistamines are prescribed to relieve itching. A cure for genital herpes is impossible; only the elimination of clinical manifestations and a reduction in the frequency of relapses is possible. To do this, antiherpetic vaccination is carried out during the period of remission.
Diagnostics
Establishing an accurate diagnosis is possible after a visual examination and palpation of the groin area, as well as a series of studies. If suspicions fall on genital herpes, then after infection the main symptoms will appear on the child’s genitals. However, the presence of bubbles does not always allow the appropriate treatment methods to be prescribed.
Comprehensive diagnosis of the disease includes:
- general blood analysis;
- testing for the presence of the causative agent of the virus, antibodies and other foreign microelements in the blood;
- smear analysis, diagnosis of microflora and mucous membranes of the genitals;
- Ultrasound examination of the internal organs of the pelvis.
Sometimes it is necessary to involve other doctors to diagnose the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and the genitourinary tract.
What does it look like?
The first signs of the disease include:
- rash. The disease manifests itself in the form of bubbles (vesicles) on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. In boys, rashes appear on the penis, in girls - on the labia. A rash around the anus can occur in children of both sexes;
- itching and burning (more details here);
- headache;
- discomfort when urinating;
- discomfort in the lower abdomen;
- sleep disorders;
- increased body temperature, weakness.
Adults need to pay attention to such manifestations of the disease as diarrhea and frequent frequent regurgitation after feeding, and observe the baby’s behavior. Experiencing the discomfort caused by the infection, the child cries for no apparent reason.
Treatment
If you notice signs of genital herpes in children, you should immediately consult your doctor. Depending on the stage of the disease, certain therapeutic measures are prescribed. First, antiviral drugs are used to relieve pain, itching and redness, as well as vitamin complexes to increase the child’s immunity.
Arepetol, Immunal, and Groprinosin are used as immunostimulants. To block the development of the disease, topical medications are used in the form of sprays, gels and ointments - Acyclovir and its analogues. Also, maintaining the body to fully combat genital disease is carried out by taking “Immunoglobulin” and “Interferon” in the form of rectal and vaginal suppositories or tablets.
If a child has a high temperature, antipyretics should be used. When infected with the herpes virus, pathogenic cells remain in the body forever, and it is able to reactivate in an aggravated form. Therefore, you should always be prepared for such relapses and provide emergency assistance to your baby in a timely manner.
Possible causes and treatment methods for acne on the labia in women
Possible reasons for the formation of acne on the genitals, including the labia, include changes in hormonal levels due to malfunctions of the body, pregnancy, puberty or the onset of menopause. In addition to this, rashes of various types can be observed due to :
- inflammation of hair follicles;
- genital herpes;
- allergies;
- lack of hygiene;
- having promiscuous sex life and, as a consequence, the development of STDs;
- stress.
Each type of acne has its own cause of formation and treatment method. To carry out correct therapy, you will need to contact your doctor to clarify the diagnosis.
Pimples
Pimples are a type of rash that forms on a woman’s genitals, as well as on the pubic area. As a rule, they form pinkish pimples, 2 mm or more in size.
The causes of such a rash may be an allergy to skin contact with powders, hygiene products and linen, or a lack of hygiene. Such pimples do not cause noticeable discomfort and disappear on their own within a few days. In addition, pimples can be a sign of the development of a herpes virus infection, or simply genital herpes. In this case, they have a transparent shell with liquid inside, while causing discomfort and pain. If the rashes have a denser structure with a pointed tip, then these are papillomas caused by the virus of the same name.
Such rashes are transmitted mainly during sexual contact with carriers of viruses, and may appear several months later when immunity decreases. At the same time, the herpes virus, as well as the human papillomavirus, are incurable.
Treatment is aimed at reducing the activity of viruses and eliminating the manifestations of the disease. To treat rashes caused by the human herpes virus, it is necessary to carry out immunomodulating therapy with the additional use of acyclovir drugs. Papillomas require removal surgically or using cryodestruction, laser removal or ultrasound.
Wen
Wen are rashes that form on the labia of women and in the pubic area due to blockage of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Such formations are called lipomas and are localized directly under the skin due to the increased work of the sebaceous glands, sebum accumulates and leads to blockage of the channels.
The reasons for the appearance of wen include:
- excessive oily skin;
- increased sweating;
- hormonal imbalance;
- abuse of spicy, fatty foods and sweets;
- lack of hygiene;
- use of unsuitable hygiene products
- disturbance of metabolic processes in the body, for example, with diabetes;
- injury to the sebaceous gland (during depilation or active sexual intercourse).
The lipoma or wen must be removed, otherwise the formation of abscesses and even the development of oncology are possible.
As a rule, old wen is removed surgically, especially when inflammatory processes develop or suppuration occurs. The surgeon removes both the capsule itself containing purulent masses and the affected tissue around the wen. As a result, antibacterial therapy is carried out to avoid the development of secondary infection. If there is a “quiet” wen that brings only aesthetic discomfort, then it is removed using an endoscope or liposuction, or using a laser and radio waves.
White pimples (dots, spots)
White pimples on the intimate area in women are of two types - similar in appearance to “goose bumps” and with a purulent white head. The first type of rash appears due to the necrosis of the epidermal scales and their accumulation in the hair follicle. The skin becomes rough to the touch. To get rid of this problem, it is enough to carry out enhanced hygiene of the genital organs.
Whiteheads, spots and pimples with a white head can occur due to various factors. It can be:
- irritation after unsuccessful depilation (for example, shaving the pubic area with a razor);
- hypothermia;
- rashes due to wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics that do not allow air and moisture to pass through, creating a sauna effect;
- development of sexually transmitted diseases.
As a rule, such rashes go away on their own and do not require special treatment. But, if acne does not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor who will conduct laboratory tests and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Red pimples
Red pimples on the labia look like a slight reddish lump located in the hair follicle. Such rashes can be caused by hair growth, and in some cases accompanied by suppuration under the skin. As a rule, acne goes away along with the sprouting of hairs and does not require treatment. If the hair does not grow and the suppuration does not go away, then you may need to see a doctor for treatment with antibacterial agents or to remove the problem.
Black dots
The formation of blackheads on the genitals in women can occur due to blockage of the sebaceous tubules of the epithelium of the pubic area. In addition, comedones (the medical name for blackheads on the skin) can be caused by a number of abnormalities and diseases:
- damage to the sebaceous glands by pathogenic microflora due to excessive hygiene of the genital organs and washing out of the vaginal microflora;
- inflammation of hair follicles due to improper depilation;
- allergies to intimate hygiene products, lubricants, flavored condoms, etc.;
- hypothermia and overheating can provoke the appearance of comedones;
- hormonal imbalance, most often appear during the transition period in adolescents, as well as during menopause.
Regardless of the reason for the appearance of comedones, it is forbidden to squeeze them out. Treatment will need to be carried out under the supervision of a doctor in cases where the rash lasts more than 2 weeks, if discomfort, pain, dry skin and peeling occur in the area covered with comedones, and also if blackheads appear immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner. For treatment, antibacterial and antiseptic agents may be prescribed; you will also need to refrain from using soap and genital care products with fragrances and fragrances, wearing synthetic and tight underwear, and having sexual intercourse.
Internal pimple
Internal pimples often appear in the intimate area of women when the skin is damaged during depilation with a razor and a secondary infection occurs, which develops in the subcutaneous layers over time and then forms internal suppuration and, as a result, an internal pimple.
Special topical medications can be used as treatment to help fight bacteria and relieve inflammation. In some advanced cases, surgery and removal of the pimple may be required.
Purulent pimple on an intimate place in women
Rashes on the labia in women quite often bother the fair half of humanity. Particularly unpleasant can be purulent pimples that form due to exposure to external factors:
- hormonal changes in the body, for example during puberty;
- a cold, which can lead not only to a cough, but also to the formation of purulent pimples on the genitals;
- inflammation of the Bartholin glands provokes the appearance of a boil; this problem can be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, pain in the inflamed area and itching;
- staphylococci, streptococci, gonorrhea, trichomonas, which can cause purulent rashes on the labia;
- ulcers also appear with vulvovaginitis.
If you find a purulent pimple on the genitals, you should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis.
In many cases, treatment consists of surgically opening the pimple, or complex therapy is prescribed, including the use of immunomodulatory, disinfectant and antibacterial drugs, both external and internal.
Possible complications
Genital herpes in children can cause various complications, especially if no treatment has been carried out. Common consequences include the following:
- The child is unable to urinate independently.
- Sticking of the labia.
- Pain in the lower abdomen at rest or with movement. In this case, pain can radiate to the lumbar spine.
- Repeated manifestations of genital herpes in severe form with prolonged activity of viral cells. Decreased immunity, insomnia, constant weakness.
- Benign and malignant tumors of the cervix, fallopian tubes, uterine body and prostate.
- The occurrence of extraneous infectious and viral diseases due to the provocation of pathogenic cells located on the skin.
Patients often suffer from psychological disorders due to prolonged pain and discomfort in the groin area. Children perceive the world around them more difficultly and are unable to adapt normally to living conditions. There is a depressive state, refusal to be in society, lack of vital energy and strength.
