Herpes Simplex - Symptoms and Treatment

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a transmitted disease (STD). Herpes infections are marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. Eye infections - the herpes virus may infect the eye and lead to a condition called herpes keratitis. Usually the blisters will disappear without treatment in two to 10 days, but the virus will remain in the body, lying dormant among clusters of nerve cells until another outbreak is triggered. Long-term drug therapy ('suppressive treatment') may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks. Factors that can trigger an outbreak include stress , illness such as a cold, fever, fatigue, sunburn. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal.

Acyclovir has been found to reduce the reproduction of the virus in initial outbreaks, thus possibly lessening the number of subsequent outbreaks. To be effective, therapy must be started immediately after the first sores appear.The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth. It usually affects health care providers who are exposed to oral secretions during procedures. It may also be transmitted to a newborn during delivery in mothers infected with herpes viruses, particularly if the mother has active infection at the time. Chickenpox an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-HerpesviridaeSometimes, young children contract the disease. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems. Chickenpox an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-Herpesviridae.

Causes of Herpes Simplex

Common causes of Herpes Simplex

• Herpes Simplex Viruses.
• Oral-genital contact.
• Oral HSV-1 infection.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Common Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

• Sores.
• Genital lesions (male) .
• Genital lesions (female).
• Blisters or ulcers.
• Fever blisters.
• Fever.
• Enlargement.
• Headache.
• Stress.
• Menstruation.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex

Common Treatment of Herpes Simplex

• Condoms are a highly recommended way to limit transmission of herpes simplex infection.
• Long-term drug therapy ('suppressive treatment') may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks.
• Topical antibiotic ointments also may be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Oral anti-viral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir have been developed to effectively treat herpes infections.
• Dental dams can limit the transmission of Herpes from the genitals of one partner to the mouth of the other (or vice versa).
• Sun protection using high protection factor sunscreens and other measures is important.
• Vaccines for HSV are currently undergoing trials.
• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight.
• Use of a lip protectant or lip gloss to avoid cracks and abrasions through which the virus may infect.

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