Herpes Simplex - Symptoms & Treatment

Herpes is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes and nerves. Herpes infections are a group of diseases caused by a herpes virus. There are eight different herpes viruses that can infect humans. Herpes simplex is commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. It is a viral infection of the skin that may occur once or return again and again. This is because when the virus is cleared from the skin by the immune system it hides in the nerves and is never completely removed from the body. Herpes infections are very common. It is estimated that nine out of ten people have been exposed to herpes. Many people are infected and don't even know it. Unfortunately those who carry herpes can spread the disease without even knowing it. Herpes simplex begins as a group of small red bumps that blister. This is preceded by itching and burning of the area. The blisters begin to dry up after a few days while forming a yellow crust. The crust then falls off and redness also starts going away. It takes atleast 10-15 days to cure completely.

Herpes simplex is a very common virus affecting the skin, mucous membranes, nervous system, and the eye. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Type 1, herpes labialis, which generally involves the lip or the mouth area (producing canker sores), but can involve the genital area; and Type 2, herpes genitalis, which involves the genitals, but may involve the mouth. It is believed that invasion of Type 1 herpes occurs in most persons during infancy and childhood, either as a systemic or severe local infection. Type 2 herpes, or genital herpes, is a transmitted disease that became epidemic in the United States in the late 1960s. Newborns exposed to active herpes in the mother's birth canal can contract a serious form of the disease. The herpes simplex virus can be spread by an infected but asymptomatic person. Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems. Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes.

Causes of Herpes Simplex

Herpes simplex infection is caused by HVH. Herpes Type 1 is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions; herpes Type 2 is transmitted by contact. Saliva, stool, urine, skin lesions, and purulent eye exudate are potential sources of infection.

Find common causes and risk factors of Herpes Simplex :

• Fever, sun exposure and menstruation can act as trigger factors for herpes simplex.
• Family members should not share towels or linen with someone who has an outbreak of herpes on the genitalia or cold sores.
• Sometimes, young children contract the disease.
• HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is the type that commonly causes genital herpes. The virus spreads through contact and skin-to-skin contact. HSV-2 is very common and highly contagious whether you have an open sore or not.

Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Mouth sores
• Fever blisters
• Inflammation of the eye
• Mouth sores
• Headache.
• Light sensitivity.
• Blisters or ulcers.
• Redness.

Treatment for Herpes Simplex

Treatment may include:

• Topical antibiotic ointments also may be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Antiviral drugs will stop the herpes simplex virus multiplying once it reaches the skin or mucous membranes but cannot eradicate the virus from its resting stage within the nerve cells.
• Warm showers should be taken in order to cleanse the infected area.
• There is treatment available for acute outbreaks that involve the use of anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir, Valaclovir or Famcyclovir.
• Long-term drug therapy ('suppressive treatment') may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks.
• Medications can also be prescribed to help prevent recurrences of herpes eye infections.
• A 5% acyclovir ointment may hring relief to patients with genital herpes or to immunosuppressed patients with HVH skin infections. Intravenous acyclovir helps treat more severe infections, such as herpetic encephalitis.