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Facts About Herpes |
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Herpes is a viral infection characterized by outbreaks of sores or blisters. These sores are sometimes referred to as "cold sores" or "fever blisters". The sores and blisters may appear most often on the lips and face (particularly around the mouth) and in the genital area; they may appear only once or return again and again. Generally, herpes is a recurring condition.
Herpes is cause by the herpes hominis virus, which only infects humans. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: Type 1 usually causes sores on the lips and face; Type 2 usually causes sores in the genital area.
The first outbreak of herpes is the most painful and severe: subsequent attacks are usually milder. Some people, however, never experience a second attack.
Herpes sores appear as a cluster of small, painful, red blisters either around the mouth and lips or in the genital area, depending on the type of herpes virus. Sometimes there may be only one lesion, such as a cold sore on the lip. The small blisters are filled with a clear fluid that contains many virus particles and is highly contagious. There may be some swelling in the area and the patient may run a fever.
In a first infection, there is usually tenderness in the involved area for 1 - 3 days before the blisters appear; on repeat outbreaks, there is usually a tingling sensation for several hours before the blisters appear. After a few days, the blisters dry up and form a yellow crust that eventually falls off. If you do not scratch the blister, the skin will not be scarred after the blister has dried and fallen off.
Type 1 herpes infection may occur as early as infancy and, indeed, by the age of four, approximately 50% of children have already had a Type 1 herpes infection. A herpes virus infection is for life. Once the virus has entered the body, it remains hidden (dormant most of the time) in the nerve cells near the infected area. Occasionally, it may become reactivated. Fever, overexposure to sunlight, and emotional stress may cause recurring outbreaks of the sores, but an outbreak may also occur without any apparent trigger.
Genital herpes, the infection usually associated with Type 2 herpes simplex virus, mainly affects adults and is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today. If you have had Type 1 herpes, you are not immune to a Type 2 genital herpes infection. Pregnant women with a history of genital herpes are at a risk of passing the infection to the newborn. If the virus is present in the birth canal at the time the baby is due, a Cesarean section delivery may be necessary.
There is medication that effectively controls and suppresses herpes outbreaks.The drug is usually prescribed for oral, but it is available in an injectable form for special cases. The medication checks the growth and spread of the activated virus but does not restore cells that have already been destroyed. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, it is important to start the treatment as early as possible after the blisters have appeared - before too many cells have been infected. The drug does not speed healing of the blisters already in place, but prevents the spread of the virus and so shortens the duration of an outbreak.
The length of treatment directed by your doctor will depend on whether it is a first outbreak of herpes or a repeat occurrence. For some people who are plagued with frequent and /or disabling outbreaks of herpes, the doctor may prescribe medication to be taken daily (for up to a year) to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Pregnant women, however, should consult the physician in charge of prenatal care before using any medication. Likewise, medication may not be indicated for women who are breast-feeding.
Herpes is an outbreak of sores and blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is not usually a serious disease, but it can be painful and very annoying. Type 1 herpes virus causes outbreaks on the lips and face; outbreaks in the genital area are usually caused by Type 2. Herpes is contagious for people who have never had the virus before. Once you have acquired the virus, it may become reactivated repeatedly. There is prescription medication available. This medication, when taken early, shortens the active phase of the virus and checks its spread. In very bothersome cases, medication may be prescribed for daily use to prevent outbreaks of herpes. In all cases, you should follow the doctor’s instructions faithfully.
For more information visit www.herpeshealth.com or call 1-866-252-466
Published by MRX Medical Publications Inc.