Herpes

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Herpes viruses are a family of viruses that cause skin eruptions or blisters. The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) usually causes cold sores (also known as fevers blisters.) Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) involves the genitals and is usually, although not always, passed through sexual contact. The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles. Zoster oticus involves facial nerves. The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis.

This entry addresses the problems caused by HSV1 and HSV2. Once these viruses enter the body, they can remain dormant in the nervous system for varying amounts of time. Fever, physical or emotional stress, excessive exposure to sunlight, and some foods or drugs can then reactivate them. Herpes outbreaks can recur for life, but they generally taper of after age fifty.

Herpes simplex produces small, irritating fluid-filled blisters and red, burning, itchy sores on the skin and mucous membranes. It also affects the nervous system. Symptoms of HSV1 include a burning, tingling, or itching sensation around the edges of the lips or nose as a cold sore begins to form. Small red pimples develop within a few hours, followed by the formation of small fever blisters filled with fluid. The blisters itch and hurt and are very annoying. You may run a mild fever, and the lymph nodes in your neck may become enlarged. After about seven days, the blisters form thing yellow crusts, indicating that the virus has run its course and healing has begun.

In both men and women, initial symptoms of HSV2 include a burning, tingling, or itching sensation n the genital area, progressing to painful blisters on the skin and moist linings of the sex organs. The fluid-filled blisters turn into red and painful surface sores that itch and burn and can easily become infected. Fever and swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin are common. Members of both sexes may experience pain when urinating.

Both HSV1 and HSV2 infections are extremely common. According to some estimates, over 90 percent of the American population will soon be infected with the herpes virus. A herpes outbreak can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable. For those who have had herpes before, the early burning and tingling sensation signals an imminent outbreak. Knowing what's coming can add to the stress, which turn may increase the severit y of the outbreak. Once the blisters form into sores, healing usually occurs within seven to ten days.

An HSV2 infection in a pregnant woman poses a serious danger to the fetus. The virus can travel from the infected genitals to the fetus, or a newborn can contract the illness from contact with the lesions during the birth process. The herpes virus can then attack baby's nervous system, leading to seizures, mental retardation, or developmental disabilities. To avoid infecting a baby with this serious illness, it is recommended that infants be delivered by cesarean section if the mother has herpes outbreak within three weeks of delivery.

General Recommendations

Stress can add to the possibility and severity of an outbreak. Take measures to learn to manage stressful situations. Allow you to talk about your feeling and concerns, and accept the support of others. Learn and practice relaxation techniques. Get plenty of rest.
Practice scrupulous hygiene. Keep the genital area clean.
To encourage air circulation, if you have genital herpes, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. Males should wear boxer shorts, not briefs. Briefs hold the genitals close to the body, creating a warm, moist environment that fosters the growth of the virus. For both sexes, bikinis are out, especially the nylon ones, which don't breathe.

Prevention

Cold sores are highly contagious. Try to minimize contact with anyone who is infected.

Although genital herpes is not always contracted through sextual contact with an infected partner, this is the primary method of transmission. The best way to avoid this disorder is to have a monogamous relationship with a partner you know to be healthy. If you have multiple partners, and/or if you engage in sex with anyone whose health status is unknown to you, always use a latex condom. Be aware, however, that even a latex condom is not a 100-percent guarantee against sexually transmitted disease.

Treatment for herpes: This section provides information about herpes treatment.
Herpes diet: It gives information and guidelines to choose your sample diet to eliminate your herpes.
Nutritions and supplements: This section provides comprehensive list of nutritional supplements for herpes.
Herbal treatment for herpes: This section focuses on various traditional herbal treatments used to cure herpes.
Herpes acupressure treatment: This section provides various acupressure points on the body to treat herpes.
Herpes homeopathy treatment: It provides information about homeopathic medicines required for curing herpes.

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