The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes blisters and sores around the mouth, nose, genitals, and buttocks, but they may occur almost anywhere on the skin.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections can be very annoying because they may reappear periodically. The sores may be painful and unsightly. For chronically ill people and newborn babies, the viral infection can be serious, but rarely fatal.

Types of Herpes Infections

Cold sores around the mouth are usually caused by HSV1.
Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV2.

Cold sores around the mouth are usually caused by HSV1 - Mouth infection is the most common clinical manifestation of primary Type 1 infection. Most cases occur in children between 10 months to 5 years of age.

After an incubation period of 5 to 7 days the symptoms begin with fever, which may be high, restlessness and excessive dribbling. Drinking and eating are painful and the breath is foul. The gums are swollen and red and bleed easily. Vesicles (little blisters) occur in white patches on the tongue, throat, palate and insides of the cheeks. The white patches are followed by ulcers with a yellowish coating. The local lymph glands are enlarged and tender.

The fever subsides after 5-8 days and recovery is usually complete within 2 weeks.

Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV2 - Infection with Type 2 HSV occurs after the onset of sexual activity and results in genital herpes . Penile ulceration from herpetic infection is the most frequent cause of genital ulceration seen in sexual health clinics. The ulcers are most frequent on the glans, foreskin and shaft of the penis. They are sore or painful and last for 2 to 3 weeks if untreated.

In the female, similar lesions occur on the external genitalia and the mucosae of the vulva, vagina and cervix. Pain and difficulty passing urine are common. Infection of the cervix may progress to a severe ulceration.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Symptoms typically begin with pain, tenderness, or itching in the genital area and also include fever and headache.

In males, blisters appear on the penis. In females, blisters appear on the area around the vagina and in the cervix. In both genders, the blisters may appear on the thighs and buttocks. Blisters soon erupt to form painful sores that last 1 to 3 weeks.

Other symptoms may include:

Pain or a burning sensation during urination
A clear mucus-like discharge from the vagina or urethra (opening for urine) in females.
A clear mucus-like discharge from the tip of the penis in males.
Tender, swollen glands in the groin area.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex

There is no treatment for herpes. You can, however, treat the symptoms and control the outbreaks. Medication can relieve pain and help the sores heal. There are several prescription medications that can be taken orally including Zovirax, Famvir, Denavir and Valtrex. Again, they do not cure the herpes infection or rid the virus from your body. They suppress the symptoms. The medicines are more effective in initial outbreaks in comparison to recurrent outbreaks. In some of these cases, where medication is not helping recurrent outbreaks, a daily medication may be prescribed to thwart outbreaks. For maximum benefit, start the medication immediately after discovering the outbreak or the lesions. The medications do have side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, fatigue and tremors. For very serious cases of herpes, an intravenous drug is administered called Foscavir. Foscavir is usually reserved for patients who have severe cases of herpes infections.

Warm baths and gentle cleansing can relieve some of the uncomfortable itching and irritation caused by genital herpes. Topical antibiotics are also often prescribed to lessen the pain of lesions associated with herpes simplex.

Preventions of Herpes Simplex

Wear loose clothing
Avoid excessive heat or sunlight
Keep the sore area clean and dry
Place cool or lukewarm cloths on the sore area for short periods of time
Do not use perfumed soaps, sprays, feminine deodorants, or douches
Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain
Avoid touching sores
Wash hands if you do touch the sores

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