Herpes

Signs and Symptoms of Herpes Simplex 1 & 2

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Herpes is developed from the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of ailments which may sprout from this virus. Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. Though these viruses need attention, they do not present any serious risk to general health. However, there is a danger involved in spreading infection to the eye as it may damage eye cornea. There are very few cases of brain or other parts of central nervous system infections due to the herpes simplex viruses. However, blisters that come may not pose any grave form of danger. Let us take a more detailed look at the two forms of illnesses.

Herpes simplex 1:
Herpes simplex 1, more commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters can be found on areas close to, in or on your mouth. This presents itself as a small liquid filled cluster which can have some sensation of tingling or burning. There is no cure for this disease and it is highly contagious when you have an out break. Some of the common symptoms are:

• You may experience pain, burning, tingling, or even itching in the are where you will get the outbreak.
• They appear in clusters on a red base and are seen as small grey blisters.
• You will find sores appearing on the lips, close to the lips under the nose. They may also appear on your neck and chin.
• Your lymph nodes may appear to be swollen and tender or even painful.
• Herpes may cause sore throat and problems in eating and drinking.
• On some occasions but quite rare gums may become inflamed and bleed

Herpes simplex 2:

Also known as genital herpes is a disease where your genitals are affected by the virus.  It has the same presentation as oral herpes however it occurs on the penis. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Sores found on and around the penis.
• Lesions found inside the vagina and sometimes outside
• Lesions found on and around anus
• If you are experiencing your first outbreak you may have:

Fever
Headaches
Swollen lymph nodes
Vaginal discharge
Pain during urination

Many of the times, these small blisters may merge to form a longer one, this longer one may rupture, and a golden and sticky fluid leaks from it to form a crust. Often in uncomplicated cases these blisters out breaks and runs until it completes the course of three weeks. Blisters rarely leave any mark.

How to Prevent Transmission of Herpes

Prevention of the spread of herpes can be quite difficult, especially for sufferers of genital herpes due to the fact that it is still contagious even when no lesions are present.  Therefore, it is advised that you follow the tips bellow for prevention of the transmission of the disease:

Always Wash your Hands

If you do not have herpes:

• It is wise to avoid sharing things that would come into contact with the affected person’s outbreaks eg razors, bath towels, wash cloths, underwear
• Direct contact of cold sores should be forbidden, if there is no lesions one should use a condom to have sex to prevent transmission.
• Use boiling water on things that have had direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids

If you do have herpes:

• Avoid increasing and do try to reduce your stress levels.
• Do not expose yourself  long periods of time in the sun.
• Refrain from sexual intercourse during herpes outbreaks on the genitals and use a condom when there are none
• Do not under any circumstance perform oral sex during the times of active oral herpes lesions.

Therefore to prevent the spreading of viruses, person with orofacial lesions or cold sores should wash there hands frequently especially after contact with sores. One should avoid kissing and have oral sex with person infected with herpes. To prevent babies and young children from infection person with active lesions should avoid kissing them.

Got a Burning Question About Herpes?

Use the Box Below to Ask our Expert! …

General Questions on Herpes

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   Can you get Herpes from using the lip gloss of a person with herpes?

   Yes, you can if the person has an active lesion on there lips at the time of use.

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   What are the usual places of a herpes ulcer?

   For oral herpes, the lesions may appear on and around the lips, under the nose, on the chin and sometimes the neck, and on rear occasions close to the eyes. In genital herpes, they may be seen on and around the penis, inside and sometimes outside the vagina, and on and around the anal area.

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   How long does a herpes outbreak last?

   It lasts about three weeks without treatment and may last up to a week or as little as three days if treated.

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   How would you know if you had herpes?

   You would feel an itching and tingling sensation in the area outbreak is going to occur sometimes even painful then, a cluster of grayish liquid filled blisters would appear.

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   How long do you wait to have sex after an outbreak?

   Wait until blisters have crusted or cleared up and be sure to use a condom.

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   Can you get oral herpes from kissing someone with herpes even if they do not have an outbreak?

   No you cannot. You can only get it if the person kisses you with an active lesion present.

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   What's the most efficient treatment for herpes?

   Some of the most effective treatments can be found in the alternative treatments section of this page.

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   Is genital herpes a bacterial or a viral infection?

   It is a viral infection and like AIDS there is no cure for it.

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   How do I get rid of genital herpes without going to the doctor?

   Try our alternative treatments section for helpful treatment options.

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    Can you get genital herpes if some one with oral herpes handles your genitals?

    Yes you can. It is very possible to occur, if the person has an active lesion at the time they are handling your genital area.

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    Can genital herpes spread by using the same bathroom with an infected person?

    It is possible to occur if the person who is infected with herpes bodily fluid mixes with yours. Take a look at our preventative measures section for more information on how transmission takes place.