Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Herpes Virus Explained And Possible Cures For Simplex 1

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.

In cases of mucous layers of skin, even the tiniest scrape or scratch is sufficient to uncover the nerve endings into which the herpes virus entwines itself . This is the main reason why herpes infection usually manifests in areas where mucous layers of skin and normal skin layers join. An excellent example is the corner of your mouth. The virus is reputed to be transmitted by using a razor owned by an infected person. Unlike toilet seats, the herpes will live in the moist areas between the razor's blades. This virus may also be passed from mother to baby when giving birth, although most cases show that infants acquire the said condition after the birth.

Herpes can be categorized into oral and genital herpes. Oral herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). These are generally referred to as fever blisters or cold sores. Fever blisters are often seen as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters on your face. They normally appear on the edge of your lips.

Genital herpes, are different, and is caused by HSV-2. This form of herpes is characterized by painful, itchy 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. - 14130

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