Friday, December 26, 2008

An Explanation Of Herpes Simplex Virus

By Jennifer King

People possess a stereotyped notion that herpes simplex is a disease specifically contracted via sexual contact, but this isn't entirely true. Ordinary direct skin contact can also account for herpes virus transmission. Some people also believe that the herpes virus may be caught with the contact of ordinary objects like toilet seats. Although this idea of that happening is extremely unlikely because of the weakness of the virus itself. The herpes virus gets passed through tiny breaks in the skin, or the mucous layers of skin of the mouth and genital areas. Keeping the skin healthy acts as really substantial protective guard against the herpes virus.

When it comes to mucous membranes, even the miniscule lesion is enough to uncover the nerves into which the herpes virus attaches itself to . This is the primary reason why herpes infection usually manifests on parts of your body where mucous membranes and normal skin layers join. An excellent example is the edge of your lip. The virus is believed to be transmitted by using a razor owned by another herpes infection sufferer. Unlike normal inanimate objects, the herpes will survive in the moist areas between the blades. This virus may also be passed from mother to baby during birth, however, most cases show that babies acquire herpes after the birth.

This virus may be categorized into oral and genital herpes. Herpes Simplex causes oral herpes which is also known as Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). They are normally referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Fever blisters often appear as tiny, transparent, liquid-filled blisters on the face. These normally appear on the edge of the lips.

Genital herpes, are different, and is caused by HSV-2. This form of virus is characterized by itchy, painful sores around your genitals.

People that have this virus usually do not realize they have it because it manifests no symptoms. The actual herpes can be so tiny it could go unnoticed. Most reported cases noted that the first herpes infection was the worst. Many sufferers never get the virus again, and some experience it again after a a number of years.

When one suffers from herpes, be it near the mouth or of the genital region, you will notice the presence of tiny, red bumps, blisters, or open sores on the infected area. These red bumps will be extremely itchy and/or painful to the touch. These blisters will burst and start weeping, and will eventually turn into scabs that heal on their own.

There is no true cure for this virus, the best treatments are preventive measures for future outbreaks. Antiviral over the counter treatments like acyclovir and other similar drugs help lessen the symptoms and frequency of oral herpes recurrences. Appropriate care for blisters before and after eruption could help lessen the unpleasantness you could feel during times of outbreaks.

Admitting herpes outbreaks are not solely connected with sexual contact, if you choose to frequently go with different partners the risk is increased. Knowing the risks should help you make your choices a bit more wisely. And we now live in a time when herpes infection could be the least of your worries.

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