Herpes Overview
Steve Taylor
March 30, 2010
This is caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and is grouped into specific disorders depending on the part of the body that is infected.
The Oral Herpes manifests itself on the face through cold sores and this is a very common infection. Genital Herpes comes next followed by others such as Ocular Herpes, Cerebral Herpes, Neonatal Herpes and even Bell´s palsy.
The Herpes cycle lasts between 2–21 days starting as blisters containing the virus and then goes through a period of shedding of the sores. After this, the viruses make an entry into the sensory nerves where they lodge themselves as latent ones through the life time of the individual. The chances of a recurrent infection are rare but not impossible.
The disturbing aspect of this disease is that it can be very easily transmitted through direct contact either with the lesion of an infected person or through his body fluids. It can also spread through touch during the shedding process and the only way of protection is through the creation of barriers. It is easy to make out people infected with Oral Herpes thanks to the visible ulcers, but the Orofacial Herpes or Genital Herpes are obviously difficult to immediately make out or even diagnose and you need to take the laboratory test to confirm them.
Unfortunately, this disease has no cure to become herpes free and as mentioned above, the virus tends to remain within the body for life as latent virus. Fortunately, the person infected will no longer be affected symptomatically though they might still be able to spread it to others. Treatments are directed towards decreasing the reproduction of this virus and to lessen the intensity of the episodes.
The Symptoms
The disorders are normally seen as infection of the skin around the mouth and face. It is when the virus has infected the central nervous system that brain damage or damage to the eyes occurs. Those with weak and undeveloped immune systems are more prone to such damage. It can also cause cognitive defects as well as even Alzheimer´s disease.
Since the virus lodges itself in the ganglion, as a natural response, the body starts producing antibodies so that no more infections can take place. It has been seen that boosting immunity through seroconversion post a HSV – 1 attack can drastically reduce the chances of HSV - 2 infections as well. Seroconversion can however not prevent recurrence.
How do you prevent it?
The use of condoms has been seen to provide protection against the HSV-2 virus and this is true for both women and men. The latex makes it difficult for the virus to pass through it. However this protection is of a limited one as any skin contact or the contact with body fluids near the scrotum, buttocks and thighs can be dangerous and make the person susceptible to infections. It is thus important to cover these parts adequately making use of boxer shorts or other undergarments.
Like with other sexually transmitted diseases, it is the women who are more prone to acquiring HSV – 2 infections affecting the genitals and the reason is the increased quantity of mucus around the female genitalia.
Possible treatment to mitigate the severity
As mentioned there is no permanent cure but proper antiviral medications and natural herpes treatment can bring down the duration, intensity and frequency of incidents. These medicines can also decrease the shedding of spores and that can control and even eliminate further spread of the infection. In addition, other common analgesics and pain relieving medicines can provide relief against itching and discomfort.
The Oral Herpes manifests itself on the face through cold sores and this is a very common infection. Genital Herpes comes next followed by others such as Ocular Herpes, Cerebral Herpes, Neonatal Herpes and even Bell´s palsy.
The Herpes cycle lasts between 2–21 days starting as blisters containing the virus and then goes through a period of shedding of the sores. After this, the viruses make an entry into the sensory nerves where they lodge themselves as latent ones through the life time of the individual. The chances of a recurrent infection are rare but not impossible.
The disturbing aspect of this disease is that it can be very easily transmitted through direct contact either with the lesion of an infected person or through his body fluids. It can also spread through touch during the shedding process and the only way of protection is through the creation of barriers. It is easy to make out people infected with Oral Herpes thanks to the visible ulcers, but the Orofacial Herpes or Genital Herpes are obviously difficult to immediately make out or even diagnose and you need to take the laboratory test to confirm them.
Unfortunately, this disease has no cure to become herpes free and as mentioned above, the virus tends to remain within the body for life as latent virus. Fortunately, the person infected will no longer be affected symptomatically though they might still be able to spread it to others. Treatments are directed towards decreasing the reproduction of this virus and to lessen the intensity of the episodes.
The Symptoms
The disorders are normally seen as infection of the skin around the mouth and face. It is when the virus has infected the central nervous system that brain damage or damage to the eyes occurs. Those with weak and undeveloped immune systems are more prone to such damage. It can also cause cognitive defects as well as even Alzheimer´s disease.
Since the virus lodges itself in the ganglion, as a natural response, the body starts producing antibodies so that no more infections can take place. It has been seen that boosting immunity through seroconversion post a HSV – 1 attack can drastically reduce the chances of HSV - 2 infections as well. Seroconversion can however not prevent recurrence.
How do you prevent it?
The use of condoms has been seen to provide protection against the HSV-2 virus and this is true for both women and men. The latex makes it difficult for the virus to pass through it. However this protection is of a limited one as any skin contact or the contact with body fluids near the scrotum, buttocks and thighs can be dangerous and make the person susceptible to infections. It is thus important to cover these parts adequately making use of boxer shorts or other undergarments.
Like with other sexually transmitted diseases, it is the women who are more prone to acquiring HSV – 2 infections affecting the genitals and the reason is the increased quantity of mucus around the female genitalia.
Possible treatment to mitigate the severity
As mentioned there is no permanent cure but proper antiviral medications and natural herpes treatment can bring down the duration, intensity and frequency of incidents. These medicines can also decrease the shedding of spores and that can control and even eliminate further spread of the infection. In addition, other common analgesics and pain relieving medicines can provide relief against itching and discomfort.
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