Herpes Simplex

Definition

Herpes infections are a group of diseases caused by a herpes virus. There are eight different herpes viruses that can infect humans. Herpes is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes and nerves. Herpes simplex is commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Herpes Simplex virus is mainly divided into two main sub categories.

• Type-1 is the most common and is responsible for herpes simplex eye disease.
• Type 2 is responsible for sexually transmitted herpes.

They usually begin as a group bumps which are red in colours. This is preceded by itching and burning of the area.

Causes of Herpes Simplex

• Family members should not share towels or linen with someone who has an outbreak of herpes on the genitalia or cold sores.
• Once you have herpes simplex type 1, you cannot be reinfected with the type 1 virus. You can be infected with the type 2 virus.
• Fever, sun exposure and menstruation can act as trigger factors for herpes simplex.
• There are two kinds of herpes virus, type 1 and type 2, that are the main cause of herpes simplex. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is transmitted by sexual contact, kissing, or other close contact.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex includes:

• Vaginal discharge.
• Headache.
• Skin eruptions may also ben seen after 2-12 days of exposure to herpes virus.
• Urinary pain or difficulty is a common symptom in case of herpes simplex.
• Swollen glands in the groin area.
• You may have the feeling of sore mouth.
• Genital Lesions in both male and female, aer also very common in herpes simplex suffering patients.
• Primary symptoms of herpes simplex are oftently accompanied by fever rising to about 102°F, muscle aches, and flu-like malaise.
• Blisters and/or ulcers may also be seen very often in mouth, lips and gums or genitalia.
• There will be enlargement of lymph nodes in the region of neck or groin.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex

• Vaccines function very effectively to prevent the infection in new patients. Some vaccines have been tried to prevent the HSV occurrence. These include the smallpox, Polio and Lupidon C vaccine.
• Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest helps in maintaining a healthy immune system thus in turn can used for the treatment of herpes simplex.
• Long-term drug therapy may be helpful for individuals who suffer frequent recurrent outbreaks.
• Keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes.
• By using high protection factor sunscreens and other measures are important for the treatment of herpes simplex.
• Docosanol is another treatment that may be effective. Docosanol works as a barring entry into the cell for the virus. Topical antibiotic ointments also may be applied to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Non-prescription analgesics can reduce pain and fever during initial outbreaks of herpes simplex.
• Antiviral drugs are very effectivge in slowing the replication rate of herpes virus and providing a greater opportunity for the immune response to intervene. Some Oral antiviral drugs effective in curing herpes simplex fast include: Aciclovir, Valaciclovir, Famciclovir.