Coping with Herpes

What is Herpes

Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. There are two types of Herpes virus. Type 1 - Herpes Simplex, causes sores and skin eruptions around the mouth and genitals. The Type II virus - Herpes Zoster, causes chicken pox and shingles. It affects the nerve endings in the skin, usually around the abdomen but can appear anywhere on the body.

Genital Herpes is more prevalent. It is sexually transmitted and can range in severity from a silent infection to a serious inflammation of the liver including severe brain damage.

Once the virus enters the body, it never leaves. It can only be kept under control to avoid painful blisters. The virus can remain dormant for long periods, but once they break out in sores, they can be highly infectious lasting for up to three weeks. Recurrent eruptions are likely.

Symptoms of Herpes

The first symptoms of Herpes Simplex, especially genital herpes in women is a burning sensation in the vaginal area, followed by blisters around the rectum, clitoris, vagina and a watery discharge from the urethra and pain while urinating. In men, the first symptoms surface as blisters on the penis, groin and scrotum, swollen penis and foreskin with a urethral discharge and painful urination. Both men and women are likely to experience a low-grade fever, muscular aches and pus from the blisters.

The symptoms for an attack of Herpes Zoster include intense pain in the affected area, numerous and painful blisters that form scabs that can last anywhere between seven to fourteen days. The pain can continue even after the blisters die out, especially so in the elderly.

Treatment of Herpes

The overall approach for the treatment of this condition is as follows: Aids to retard growth of the virus, aids to prevent its spreading, aids to healing and aids to boost the immune system.