A herpes simplex virus infection is caused by one of two types of herpes viruses. These are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The type of infection may be indicated by the location of the infection, with type 2 (HSV-2) being generally the more aggressive.
* Oral herpes is the most common form the virus may take. The symptoms of this are sores that appear around the lips, infecting the mouth and face. Oral herpes is also known as “cold sores”.
*Genital herpes is the next most prevalent type of herpes. This, when active, raises sores and lesions on male and female genitalia, as well as other places in the local area including the anus.
* Other disorders are also caused by herpes simplex viruses. These include herpetic whitlow (lesions on the hands and fingers), herpes gladiatorum (a skin infection), ocular herpes (keratitis – around the eyes), and more, including more dangerous varieties that may cause encephalitis and meningitis.
A herpes infection is contracted either through self inoculation – spreading the virus around the body through unclean areas and physical contact – or to others through physical, sexual or other contact with open sore or skin-to-skin contact.
The external common symptoms of herpes infection, generally, are clusters of inflamed papules and vesicles – inflamed skin with sores – that may resemble cold sores. With these may come skin rashes, erosions or other lesions. Herpes may also be accompanied by fever, headaches and nausea. The more serious types of herpes that attack internal organs may not have external symptoms on the skin or mucosa.
The treatment for herpes simplex type 1 is the same as the treatment for herpes simplex type 2. The viruses tend to remain in the host system forever. Treatment involves antiviral drugs used to control and limit the infection, but there is no cure for herpes at this time. The most common antiviral drugs used are varieties of acyclovir or valacyclovir. These drugs have three uses:
1 Reducing the risk of transmission to others.
2 Reduce the severity of lesions on the body.
3 Reduce the amount of virus cells shed by the body.
In most cases, a herpes infection is an annoyance. It may be unsightly, embarrassing and, occasionally, dangerous. In all cases you should consult your local personal physician. Herpes outbreaks may occur frequently (especially soon after infection) or irregularly. The virus itself stays dormant in specific nerve cells in the body until an outbreak is triggered by a wide variety of potential causes. These include, stress, illness, trauma and even menstruation. The primary infection tends to be the most virulent.
An infection may be managed by medicine and/or a healthy immune system. The herpes simplex virus infection can take many forms, and it is recommended that you seek out a doctor to ensure yours is relatively harmless.