Herpes Simplex: Causes, Treatment and Help

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. Sometimes itching and burning of the area precede this. The blisters begin to dry up after a few days and form a yellow crust. The crust then falls off and the redness slowly goes away. The whole process takes about 10-14 days. Scars rarely form. Some people experience just some itching or burning in the area while most people have no symptoms at all.

Causes of Herpes Simplex

There are two kinds of herpes virus, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 virus causes 60% of the cold sores so common on the lips and face. The other 40% of cases are caused by type 2. On the genitalia these percentages are reversed, that is 40% of genital herpes cases are caused by type 1 and 60% of cases are caused by type 2.

Herpes simplex is transmitted by sexual contact, kissing, or other close contact. Family members should not share towels or linen with someone who has an outbreak of herpes on the genitalia or cold sores. Herpes can spread from person to person even when an infected individual has no outbreak or symptoms.

Once you have herpes simplex type 1, you cannot be reinfected with the type 1 virus. You can however be infected with the type 2 virus.

Fever, sun exposure and menstruation can act as trigger factors, which cause the virus to travel down the nerves to the skin and cause the outbreak known as herpes or cold sores.

Herpes simplex is caused by the herpes hominis virus.

Treatment for Herpes Simplex

Medications

There are several prescription antiviral medications for controlling herpes outbreaks

Aciclovir (Zovirax)

Valaciclovir (Valtrex)

Famciclovir (Famvir)

Penciclovir

These antiviral medications work by interfering with viral replication, effectively slowing the replication rate of the virus and providing a greater opportunity for the immune response to intervene. All drugs in this class depend on the activity of the viral thymidine kinase to convert the drug to a mono phosphate form and subsequently interfere with viral DNA replication.

Can herpes be cured

While there are no known cures for herpes, there are several safe medications to reduce outbreaks. Studies to improve treatment methods or eliminate outbreaks entirely, continue. See your dermatologist for more information.

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