Herpes: What Is It?

Herpes in layman language is a simple viral infection, which is caused by the herpes virus. It is one of the most prevalent infections worldwide. There are two types of herpes. Oral herpes that causes cold sores and fever blisters and other is genital herpes, which affects the genital organs.

Genital herpes can spread easily on coming in contact with the infected individual’s skin, mainly through sexual contact (mouth, penis, vagina, urinary tract opening, anus or any abrasion). It spreads easily through the sores and blisters on the skin of the patient.

Genital Herpes can spread from one person to another through sexual contact including oral sex. It can also spread from one part of the body to another.

Once the infection starts the disease manifests itself in different stages. The infection starts four to five days after acquiring the virus. Initially small and painful blisters are formed, which ooze clear fluid and suddenly change into sores (face being the most commonly involved site). These sores in the genital lesions may cause urine infection that may result into fever. Other symptoms may include sore throat, gingivitis (gum infection) and conjunctivitis.

Some people do not show any symptoms but the virus keeps roaming in the body. Reoccurrence of herpes is very common.

A pregnant lady should always inform her doctor if she has herpes or had sex with someone suffering from it. The baby is although safe in the uterus but can catch the infection while passing through the birth canal of the infected mother.

There is no specific treatment for herpes and symptomatic therapy is usually sufficient. Some simple steps and home remedies can reduce the risk of spreading the viral infection.

Wearing loose clothes and keeping the area clean and dry are the basic rules to be followed. Rubbing ice on the affected area gives instant relief in the symptoms.

However, in several cases, medication (painkillers) can be advised by the physician so as to reduce the pain.