Herpes Overview
Herpes is a type of viral infection caused by two different strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus -- Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2). The herpes virus can manifest itself in two different forms, as oral herpes and as genital herpes. While either strain of the virus can cause both oral and genital herpes, generally HSV-1 is responsible for manifestations in the oral region while HSV-2 is responsible for manifestations in the genital region.
Herpes is spread through direct contact with an affected area, and occasionally through indirect contact. Both strains of the virus enter the body by traveling through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. As a result, healthy skin often provides effective protection against transmission of the disease. However, skin abrasions only need to be tiny to allow the virus to travel into the body, and for mucous membranes even microscopic breaks provide a sufficient avenue for either strain of the virus to invade one's system.
Once inside the body, the Herpes Simplex Virus can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms which tend to vary from individual to individual. Generally, the first sign of infection is a tingling sensation in the affected area. This feeling tends to be followed by the emergence of swollen and red bumps or sores on the skin. For oral herpes, the sores are called cold sores or fever blisters and occur in the lip and mouth region. For genital herpes, these bumps are referred to as genital sores and emerge below the waste in the genital area.
These swollen areas usually become painful, especially when touched or moved. Eventually the sores will break or abscess, releasing a fluid full of the herpes virus. Several days after this occurrence the sores will begin to scab over and will heal over approximately seven to ten days. Outbreaks of these sores reoccur and are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. As herpes attacks and engages the immune system, an infected person is also more susceptible to other viruses and infections.
Both varieties of herpes, oral and genital, are incredibly widespread. It is estimated that oral herpes is present in between fifty to eighty percent of adults in the United States. For genital herpes, it is estimated that one in four American females and one in five American males suffer from this infection. As a result, it is important to know how to protect yourself and others from contracting the Herpes Simplex Virus. In addition, if already infected, knowing how to treat your symptoms and how to avoid or reduce the frequency of outbreaks will help to decrease discomfort and increase your quality of life.
Oral Herpes
As mentioned previously, oral herpes is usually caused by Herpes Simplex Type 1. Prodromol symptoms are characteristic of outbreaks of oral herpes. A prodome is an early symptom that is usually a precursor to a disease or onset of a disease attack. Such symptoms include fever, headaches, and fatigue. In the next stage of an outbreak of oral herpes, skin in the affected area begins to appear irritated. This is followed by the appearance of fluid-filled blisters or sores. While these most often appear on the lips and mouth area, especially at the corners of the mouth, they can appear anywhere on the face. After several days, the blisters will break and then begin to heal. Usually this does not result in any scarring.
Oral herpes is spread by direct contact. In other words, the virus moves directly from the affected area to the area of contact. For example, if you have a cold sore on your mouth and you kiss someone, you can pass on the virus, giving oral herpes to the other person. While it is easiest to spread oral herpes during an outbreak when sores are present, the virus can also be spread when no symptoms are visible. It is also possible for people who do not even know that they have oral herpes to spread the virus. In such cases symptoms are usually so mild that they go unnoticed, or else the infected person just does not recognize their symptoms as being caused by herpes.
There is currently no cure for oral herpes. However, there are steps and measures one can take in order to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. There are several antiviral medications available with prescriptions that can help to control outbreaks of oral herpes. These medications work by interfering with the virus and slowing its replication rate. While not eradicating the Herpes Simplex Virus, such drugs give one's immune system more of a chance to fight against the virus.
Since it is thought that outbreaks of oral herpes may be triggered by stress and other factors which weaken the immune system, reducing stress and taking dietary supplements such as lysine may help to control outbreaks. Other dietary changes can also be helpful. For example, eating more dairy products and avoiding almonds and peanuts is thought to be beneficial. For specific measures to fit your individual needs, it is advisable to consult a physician in order to develop a plan which will best help you to control outbreaks of oral herpes, thereby increasing your comfort and quality of life.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes generally results from an infection of Type 2 of the Herpes Simplex Virus. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection, usually spread by direct contact occurring during sexual activity. As with oral herpes, podromol symptoms are often precursors of outbreaks of genital herpes. Itching and irritation first occurs in the affected area, followed by the appearance of small, and often painful, fluid-filled sores in the anal and genital region. Occasionally, these sores will also appear on the upper, inner thigh and buttocks. After draining, these sores will form a scab, eventually healing and disappearing without leaving any scarring. Outbreaks of genital herpes can also include additional symptoms such as aching in the affected area, discharge from the vagina or penis, and a burning sensation or other discomfort when urinating. Initial outbreaks of genital herpes are generally more severe than subsequent outbreaks, which tend to occur approximately four or five times a year.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent transmission of genital herpes and to control outbreaks. First of all, it is important to protect your partner by using latex condoms during sex. It is also highly advisable to avoid sexual activity during times of active infection such as during or prior to an outbreak. In order to avoid self infection to other areas of your body, it is best not to touch any of the sores that appear as a result of an outbreak. If you do touch a sore, promptly wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
For relief of symptoms and to encourage healing, a variety of topical ointments may be helpful, such as ointments containing zinc or aloe. Also, as with oral herpes, taking a daily lysine supplement may reduce the frequency of outbreaks. It may also speed up the healing process when outbreaks do occur. Again, however, it is always a good idea to consult with a health practitioner in order to find the best way for you as an individual to treat and deal with genital herpes and its symptoms.
