There are several different types of Herpes. Herpes Type I is responsible for cold sores, or fever blisters, that appear on the face. It is relatively common, and in some underdeveloped countries, 100 percent of children have had Herpes Type I and the resulting cold sores by age five. Although Herpes Type I can also cause genital Herpes, the vast majority of genital herpes infections are caused by Herpes Type II.
Diagnosis
The Center for Disease Control estimates that more than 45 million Americans, or one in five Americans, have had genital herpes. The virus is spread through sexual contact with an infected party, who may be asymptomatic and not even know he is infected. Because herpes is easiest to diagnose when there are sores present, if you have sores or burning in the genital area, visit your doctor immediately. Getting treatment early may help you to avoid spreading the disease, and it may help you to minimize the pain associated with herpes outbreaks.
Stages
The Herpes Virus goes through three stages of the body, and the availability of treatment depends upon the stage. The first stage is called the primary stage, which usually begins approximately two to seven days after the initial infection, but can begin much later. In the primary stage, there is an actual herpes outbreak. This means blisters appear around the genital area. The blisters can be small, and you may not even see them, or they may be clear, with red and irritated skin underneath. Often, the blisters break open into sores.
The second stage is the latent or asymptomatic stage, in which the virus travels from the skin in the genital area to the nerves near the spinal cord. The third stage, shedding, begins when the virus reaches the nerves. Once in the nervous system, the virus multiples and begins to be present in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids and saliva. Although the virus is asymptomatic, it can be spread to other partners.
Finally, recurrences frequently occur in which the primary stage begins again and the blisters become present in the genital area.
Cure
Herpes is not curable. Treatment focuses on pain management and drug therapy to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and minimize the number of outbreaks that occur. In addition to drug therapy, other pain management techniques may be used during an outbreak of herpes to deal with the sores associated with the blisters.
Drug Therapy
Medications used to treat herpes focus on minimizing recurrence and preventing the spread of herpes. Valtrex and Famvir help to reduce the risk of spreading herpes and also help prevent herpes outbreaks. Acyclovir (brand name Zovirax) reduces the symptoms associated with an outbreak and shortens the course of outbreaks. Acyclovir can be applied as a cream directly to the blisters and sores, but it can also be taken orally on a regular basis to help prevent recurrence.
Pain Management
Outbreaks of herpes, with the sores and blisters, can be quite painful. An important part of treating this incurable virus is to cure or treat the pain associated with an outbreak. NSAIDs are often the first remedy used to cure pain associated with herpes outbreak. NSAIDs such as Tylenol and Advil, are over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications available without a prescription. Wearing loose clothing and keeping the area clean and dry are also important. Finally, a lukewarm compress or lukewarm bath may help to cure or relieve pain associated with a herpes outbreak.
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