HERPES – .

             Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a very common viral infection. Oral herpes causes sores and fever blisters; genital herpes causes genital sores. These sores look like small red bumps that may eventually turn into blisters and or painful sores. Herpes isn"t dangerous compared to some other STD"s, but it has no cure. However, there is appropriate treatment to help control the disease. .

             There are two types of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 occurs above your waist. It usually appears as cold sores or lesions in the mouth or on the lips and face. HSV-2 occurs below the waist, usually in the genitals (genital herpes). Sores from either HSV-1 or HSV-2 can appear on other places on the body where open sores have come in contact with the virus. Both types of HSV are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. This is most common when sores and other infectious symptoms are present; however, it can also be transmitted during "prodromal symptoms" and sometimes even when no signs of symptoms are present. "Prodromal Symptoms" are things like an itching; tingling or other sensations on the skin before lesions appear. .

             The only real symptoms to herpes are the small red bumps. Some individuals do experience flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, headache, muscle aches, or fever. The sores break open after about a week, scab over and heal without scarring. Herpes is never totally out of your body, there is a chance that it may recur. This is when the sores flare up again. No one is sure why this happens. Some people believe it is things like illness, stress, fatigue, skin irritation, diet, menstruation, or vigorous sexual intercourse. However none of these have been proven as the cause. People with genital herpes usually experience recurrences four times per year. .

             If you experience any symptoms you should see your doctor right away. A doctor can usually diagnose herpes by your history and examining the sores.