The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) may be blamed for infections such as “cold sores” and “fever blisters”. Did you know that other parts of the body can also become infected by the virus that produces these infections on or around the mouth?
Most herpes patients are completely unaware of their condition. They could not have symptoms or be unaware of them. It’s important to remember that herpes is quite common. It affects around 1 in 6 adults and it may get milder with time. Here’s all you need to know about the STD, some of its symptoms, preventative measures, and its treatment.
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What Exactly Is The Herpes Simplex?
A virus called herpes simplex is responsible for skin infections. The illness affects your entire life, resulting in recurring blisters and sores that may be unpleasant or uncomfortable. Often, the herpes simplex virus doesn’t result in serious issues. Nonetheless, it may be harmful to young children and those with compromised immune systems. Herpes simplex comes in two variants:
Herpes Simplex 1: Your mouth or face is often affected by herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1, also known as oral herpes). Cold sores are the result. HSV-1 spreads by saliva contact (spit).
Herpes Simplex 2: A sexually transmitted infection known as genital herpes is called herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) (STI). It results in sores on the skin when it comes into touch with an infected person’s genitalia.
The Difference Between The Two Variants?
HSV-1 is transferred by skin or saliva contact, usually causing your mouth and face to be affected. HSV-2, in contrast, often affects your genitalia and is transmitted through sexual contact. Each patch of skin that comes into touch with any HSV might develop a rash.
Different Stages Of Infection
Once you get HSV, you may go through multiple stages of infection. These are as follows:
- Primary Stage: This stage begins after being infected for 2 to 8 days. Often, the infection results in clusters of tiny, uncomfortable blisters. Blisters may contain clear or hazy fluid. There will be redness under the blisters. Open sores result when the blisters rupture. The blisters could not be visible to you or they might hurt. Urinating at this phase could be uncomfortable.
Most people experience discomfort during the initial stages of infection, while others have none. They might not even be aware of their infection.
- Latent Stage: There are no blisters, sores, or other signs at this stage. The virus is moving from your skin into the nerves close to your spine in this stage.
- Shedding Stage: The virus begins to grow in the nerve terminals during the shedding stage. The virus can enter body fluids if these nerve terminals are located in bodily regions that produce or come into touch with bodily fluids. Vaginal secretions, saliva, and semen are examples of this.
While there are no symptoms at this stage, the virus can still propagate. This indicates that the early stages of herpes are very contagious.
- Recurrence: This phase only occurs in a few HSV patients after their virus is treated. As the initial herpes attack heals, many patients have blisters and sores again. This is known as a recurrence. The symptoms are often not as severe as they were during the initial attack.
Recurrences might be triggered by stress, illness, or exhaustion. A recurrence could also be brought on by being in the sun or getting your period. You might be alert to a recurrence if you have itchiness, tingling, or discomfort in the areas where you were initially infected.
Who Is Susceptible To Herpes Simplex?
HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1) is often contracted as a newborn or young kid. Skin-to-skin contact with an adult who is infected with the virus can transfer it. Adults can spread the infection without having sores.
HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2) is typically acquired through sexual contact. HSV-2 is carried by 20% of sexually active individuals in the US. HSV-2 infection is more common in some people. These people:
- May be women
- May have had several sexual partners
- They may have had their first sexual experience when they were at a young age
- May have (or had) another STD
- Possess a compromised immune system brought on by a condition or medication
Symptoms Of Herpes Simplex
Herpes symptoms may not be visible or palpable in you or your spouse, or they may be so minor that you are unaware of them. Herpes symptoms can occasionally be mistaken for those of other conditions, such as acne, ingrown hairs, and the flu.
Herpes symptoms fluctuate, but this does not imply that the virus disappears or that you cannot infect others. Herpes is a chronic condition that persists in your body forever.
- Oral Herpes Symptoms:
Oral herpes often causes less discomfort and less nausea than genital herpes. Cold sores or fever blisters, which are caused by oral herpes, appear on the lips or the area surrounding the mouth. Moreover, ulcers within your mouth are possible, although they often only appear the first few times you experience symptoms.
In a few weeks, cold sores disappear on their own. They may reappear in a few weeks, months, or even years. Nonetheless, cold sores can be extremely harmful to newborns. Cold sores are irritating but mostly innocuous in children and adults.
- Genital Herpes Symptoms:
A cluster of painful or itchy blisters on your vagina, vulva, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum (balls), butt, or the inside of your thighs is one of the most typical signs of genital herpes. As the blisters rupture, sores develop. You may also experience the following symptoms:
- If your urine meets the herpes sores, it will burn when you urinate.
- Having problems urinating because your urethra is being blocked by sores and swelling
- Pain around genitals
- Fever
- Itching
- Headaches
- Swollen glands in your pelvic area, throat, and under your arms
Those who suffer from diseases like leukemia and HIV, which compromise their immune system, may experience more painful and prolonged herpes symptoms.
How long May These Sores Last?
If you have HSV-1, often known as oral herpes, you may experience tingling or burning around your mouth days before cold sore manifests. These blisters erupt, oozing fluid before hardening into a crust. Sores often last seven to ten days.
On the contrary, your initial episode of genital herpes, or HSV-2, can last anywhere from two to four weeks if you have it. The typical duration of recurrent outbreaks is three to seven days.
How Is Herpes Diagnosed?
A dermatologist may frequently identify herpes simplex during an outbreak by examining the lesions. A dermatologist could take a sample from a sore and send it to a lab to determine if a patient has herpes simplex.
Some medical examinations, such as blood testing, can detect the herpes simplex virus even in the absence of lesions.
Is There A Treatment For Herpes?
See your doctor as soon as you suspect you have herpes. When there are sores, a diagnosis is simpler to make. You can begin therapy earlier and possibly experience less discomfort from the illness.
Herpes has no known treatment. However, medication can be useful. They might be taken as a shot, cream, or tablet. Herpes virus is combated by medications like:
- Acyclovir (Sitavig®, Zovirax®)
- Famciclovir (Famvir®)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex®)
For many people, they help quicken the healing process and minimize herpes pain. They can be applied to either a first-time or recurring infection.
While treating a recurrence, the medications should begin as soon as you experience tingling, burning, or itching. To avoid recurrences, you can take them daily.
Herpes During Pregnancy
It’s essential to avoid getting herpes during pregnancy. Always use condoms during sexual activity if your partner has herpes and you don’t. Even if they are not actively having an outbreak, your partner might still transmit the sickness to you. If there are any apparent sores, refrain from having any intercourse until they have healed.
Tell the doctor if you have genital herpes, are pregnant, or have ever had intercourse with someone who did. In the latter stages of your pregnancy, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medication for you to begin taking. This will reduce the likelihood that you’ll experience an outbreak during or just before giving birth to your child.
Can Herpes Simplex Be Prevented?
The easiest way to avoid contracting the virus is to avoid having sex with somebody who has it. Even if the individual who has herpes isn’t displaying any symptoms, it can still spread. There is no way to know for sure that you won’t get herpes if your partner has it.
If you are infected, there is no time that is completely safe to have sex and not spread herpes. You must inform your sexual partner if you have herpes. If you have any sores, you should refrain from having intercourse. When sores are present, herpes can readily transfer from one person to another.
What To Do If You Have Herpes?
Herpes is a common STD, yet some individuals have a lot of misconceptions and confusion about it. During outbreaks, it can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, but it’s not deadly and doesn’t significantly impact your health. Therefore try not to worry or feel horrible if you have genital herpes. You’re not alone if you have herpes; millions of others do. There are several ways to control the infection and treat the symptoms of herpes, even if there is no known cure. However, the appropriate course of therapy for your condition can only be discussed with you by your doctor.
Conclusion:
Herpes sores can look like other skin problems, like acne, contact dermatitis, or ingrown hair. Herpes is a lifetime condition once you get it. Herpes infections can cause outbreaks (periods of symptoms), but they can also cause symptomless periods. Herpes is mainly recognized by the sores that develop on the infected person’s skin. Herpes is sometimes left untreated by people, especially if the symptoms are not severe. Some people also use antiviral drugs to lessen the intensity and frequency of outbreaks.
The only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to see a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your local Planned Parenthood health center. So if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional.