Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Herpes
Herpes Is Transmittable and Can Be Unsightly and Very Uncomfortable, Let Us Develop A Custom Treatment Program For You!
Here for you locally in
Southern California:
Temecula, Hemet, Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Sun City,
Moreno Valley, Victorville, La Quinta, Palm Springs
Northern California:
Yuba City and Stockton
What is Herpes?
Herpes simplex viruses are categorized as (HSV-1) herpes type 1 or oral herpes and HSV-2 herpes type 2 or genital herpes.
HSV-1 (also called herpes simplex type 1) typically causes sores around the mouth and lips that look like fever blisters or cold sores. HSV-2 (also called herpes simplex type 2) creates sores around the genitals or rectum. People infected with HSV-1 may infect people with the HSV-2 virus, so it is important not to have sexual activity while the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus is active.
What Causes Herpes Infections and Outbreaks?
HSV-1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can spread through kissing or sharing items that have been touched by the active herpes cell, i.e. a spoon, a drink cup, or a toothbrush.
In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses can spread even if sores are not present. Women who are pregnant with genital herpes should tell their doctor they have the virus because genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth. The herpes virus can go through extended periods of being dormant.
The outbreak of the virus can be caused by many situations, including some of the following conditions:
- General illness (from mild illnesses to serious conditions)
- Fatigue
- Physical or emotional stress
- Immunosuppression due to AIDS or such medications as chemotherapy or steroids
- Trauma to the affected area, including sexual activity
- In women, during menstruation
What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?
The symptoms of HSV-1 or HSV-2 may appear as a blister or as multiple blisters on or around affected areas -- usually the mouth, genitals, or rectum. When the blisters break, they leave tender sores.
How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed?
Often, the appearance of herpes simplex virus is typical, and no testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If a health care provider is uncertain, herpes simplex can be diagnosed with lab tests, including DNA -- or PCR -- tests and virus cultures.
How Is Herpes Simplex Treated?
Treatments can relieve the symptoms of herpes, however, there are no known cures at this time. If you have or suspect you have a herpes virus, talk to your doctor about medication that can decrease the pain related to an outbreak and may shorten the healing time. These medicines may also decrease the total number of outbreaks. Temporary relief from an outbreak of genital herpes can be achieved by taking warm baths.
How Painful Is Herpes Simplex?
Many people who are infected with the herpes virus are not even aware that they have it. This is because in most cases herpes shows very mild genital herpes symptoms or no symptoms at all.
When the symptoms do appear, it may be described as extremely painful, and typically the first outbreak is the worst. When a serious outbreak is present people have described it as aches and pains in or around the genital area or burning, pain, and difficulty urinating. Some people experience discharge from the vagina or penis.
Oral herpes lesions (cold sores) usually cause tingling and burning just prior to the breakout of the blisters and the blisters themselves may also be painful.
