Herpes Virus

Herpes virus causes blisters and sores around the mouth and genital area. This can cause periodic presence of sores or outbreaks, which may come anytime of the year.

Herpes virus is much known as herpes simplex virus. This virus is classified accordingly to two types. The first kind is known as herpes simplex virus type 1 and the second type is herpes simplex virus type 2. Each type of virus has its distinct signs and symptoms, which may not be present to another type.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV Type 1) is often regarded as cold sores or fever blisters. These infections are often characterized as:

Tiny
Clear
Blisters which are fluid filled

HSV Type 1 mostly occurs in the face but it can also be seen in the genital area. If untreated, this can develop into wounds in the skin.

Herpes simplex virus can cause two types of infections, the primary and recurrent infection. Generally, most people will develop infection the minute they are exposed to the herpes virus but only ten percent of them will develop sores.

Sores, which come from primary infection, will likely to appear 2 to 20 days after being exposed with the infected person. This type of sores can be present from 7 to 10 days.

The presence of blisters can vary from patient to another. The patient may observed that before blisters appear, he or she might have itching, burning or tingling feeling. The blisters will likely to break due to minor injury, which will then allow the fluid filled blisters to ooze and crust. After, the initial fall off the crusts, a red skin will then follow.

Sores, which came from primary infection, are expected to heal completely without any scars but it does not necessarily mean that the infected person is healed completely. The infection will transfer to nerve cells where it stays there in resting mode.

This type of infection may occur again in the future either in the same location the first time the symptoms was exhibited or in another location.

Meanwhile, recurrent infection is usually triggered by various factors like:

Too much sun exposure
Menstrual cycle
Fever
Surgery

Between primary infection and recurrent infection, recurrent infections are milder in form.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV Type 2) is usually seen in the buttocks and genital area. This type of infection usually appears 2 to 20 days after being exposed to infected person. The main transmission HSV Type 2 is having sexual contact to an infected person.

This may also have primary and recurrent attacks however; both infections may exhibit the following symptoms:

Painful blisters
High fever
Itching
Rashes
Tingling sensation when urination
Aching muscles

Compared to HSV type 1, which recurrent of infections may take place in several weeks, HSV type 2 may recur even after several years after the initial infection.

Prevent Transmission of Herpes Virus

Generally, herpes virus can be prevented from being transmitted to another person. Some of the ways to prevent transmission may include:

Avoid kissing when there is oral herpes.
Do not share drinking cups when there is oral herpes
Avoid any sexual contact when there is genital herpes
Use condoms and dental gams are recommended

However, condoms do not necessarily mean you are protected, as the herpes virus may still be present in the other parts of the genital skin.

Click here to read more on Herpes Virus

Understanding Herpes Virus Recommended Resources:

Dr.Edward K.Wagner's Herpes Virus Research

University of Florida IFAS Extension