Hsv I – Oral Herpes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

There are two different types of genital herpes – HSV I and II. HSV-1 is the most commonly acquired form of herpes and the most common viral infection in the world. It can be spread through something as simple as a social kiss with a family member or sharing a glass.

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes or HSV I. Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the world. The medical name for the specific virus that causes cold sores is herpes simplex.

Herpes simplex (HSV-1) is also commonly referred to as cold sores, fever blisters, oral herpes or herpes labialis.

It is a viral infection of the skin that may occur once or return again and again. This happens when the virus is cleared from the skin by the immune system and it hides in the nerves and is never completely removed from the body. Herpes infections are very common. It is estimated that nine out of ten people have been exposed to herpes and many of these don't even know it. Those who carry herpes can spread the disease without even knowing it.

Herpes simplex begins as a group of small red bumps that blister that is sometimes preceded by itching and burning of the area. The blisters begin to dry up after a few days and form a yellow crust. The crust then falls off and the redness slowly goes away. The whole process takes about 10-14 days.

The causes of herpes simplex are:

•    Cold sores are generally contracted from skin to skin contact with an infected area.

•    People can catch HSV-1 by sexual contact such as kissing a person with a cold sore or sharing a drinking glass or utensils.

•    Family members should not share towels or linen with someone who has an outbreak of herpes on the genitalia or cold sores. Herpes can spread from person to person even when an infected individual has no outbreak or symptoms.

•    Once infected with cold sores, the virus remains inside the body in a latent (sleeping) state. Throughout a person's life the virus can then become "activated" causing a cold sore recurrence.

If you are prone to cold sores (herpes), you can get recurrences very easily. There are a number of events that lead to a recurrence, including stress, menstruation, fatigue, being run down, pregnancy, skin irritation or drinking alcohol or an improper diet.

Although there is no cure for herpes, some drugs have been effective in reducing the frequency and duration of outbreaks. It might be a good idea to discuss options with your doctor. During an outbreak, it is an important to keep the infected area as clean and dry as possible. This will help your natural healing processes.

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Hsv I – Oral Herpes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

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