Herpes

Introduction – Herpes is an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which resides in the nerve ganglia after initial exposure to the herpes virus. Because the herpes virus remains dormant in the ganglia, the body is never able to completely eliminate the herpes virus.

If you have herpes, please be aware you are not alone. It is estimated that the majority of Americans have Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) – also known as Oral Herpes. On top of that, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2) – Genital Herpes is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STDs).

Therefore, whether or not you have been diagnosed with the herpes virus, learning about herpes is very important.

The Herpes Simplex Virus

There are several different strains of the herpes virus. However, the most common types of herpes are oral herpes (usually caused by herpes simplex 1), and genital herpes (usually caused by herpes simplex 2). Oral herpes infections are often referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters.” Oral herpes most often occurs on the lips, nose, and the surrounding areas, but can also be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex.

Initially, a herpes outbreak may appear as an irritated area. This can be accompanied by burning, itching, or tingling in the region where the herpes sore will eventually appear. In the next phase of a herpes outbreak, the appearance of a sore or cluster of very small fluid filled blisters is usually what occurs next when a herpes outbreak is left untreated.

Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2. However, genital herpes is also caused by herpes simplex 1, but is not as common.

If you have been diagnosed with genital herpes, the herpes virus remains dormant in your system when you are not experiencing a genital herpes outbreak. During this time, genital herpes resides in the nerve cells at the base of the spinal column.

Genital Herpes

The genital herpes virus is highly contagious. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak must be very cautious when being intimate with another person, abstinence is recommended as this is the best method to avoid transmission of the herpes virus. If the virus has been transmitted, the infection is permanent.

If a person has oral herpes (cold sores), and performs oral sex on his/her partner, it is possible for that person to transmit the virus to the genitals from this action, and vice versa. The symptoms of oral herpes and genital herpes are almost identical.

When a person with herpes is not experiencing an outbreak, the herpes virus remains dormant in the system at either end of the spinal column. Genital herpes resides in the nerve cells at the base of the spinal column. Oral herpes infects the nerves at the top of the spinal column and base of the brain.

The herpes virus is very distinct. A herpes outbreak starts with one or a few small blisters. Without treatment, the herpes blisters generally last several days and then form scabs indicating the end of the outbreak.

Recent studies indicate that people with herpes may be contagious at any time even without visible signs of an outbreak (estimated at 1-5% of the time). This is symptom is called “viral shedding.”

Cold Sores

Ninety percent of all people will have at least one cold sore, (herpes simplex outbreak) sometime in their life. Some children who are affected with cold sores may become seriously ill. However, after the first cold sore infection, many people develop antibodies to the cold sore virus and never have another cold sore. About 40% of American adults, however, have repeated cold sores.

Cold sores are highly contagious when a flare up is present, and a cold sore can be transmitted even when there is no visible signs of a cold sore, this is called viral shedding. Children often become infected with the cold sore virus by contact with parents, siblings or other close relatives who have cold sores.

The cold sore virus is highly contagious. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a cold sore must be very cautious when being intimate with another person so as not to transmit the cold sore virus. Those who have symptoms of a cold sore should refrain from contact with another person to help avoid transmission of cold sores. If the cold sore virus has been transmitted, the infection is permanent.

Cold sores can be either a one time event or reoccur. Possible causes of a cold sore reactivating may include stress, fever, menstruation, cold, fatigue and sunlight. Recurrent cold sores usually occur as lesions in or around the mouth.

Complications of Genital Herpes

The complications of genital herpes are secondary conditions that occur side-by-side side with the main symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by genital herpes. In many cases the difference between symptoms of genital herpes and its complications is hard to explain.

There are certain factors that could lead to complications of genital herpes infection. Some of these complications include:

• Common recurrent outbreaks,
• Transverse myelopathy or damage that extends across the spinal cord
• In cases of immunosuppressed people, the virus spread to other parts or organs of the body,
• In rare cases, encephalitis an inflammation of the brain that is usually the result of a viral infection,
• Incontinence or urinary problems due to loss of bladder control,
• Meningitis, an infection of the fluid and tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord.
• During incontinence, the damage to the surrounding nerves close to the spinal chord will result to difficulty in urinating, constipation, and loss of feeling and muscle strength in the legs.

For people with impaired immune systems complications of genital herpes causes widespread infection.

• It can spread to the liver causing viral infections of the liver, lungs, and joints.
• If the herpes simplex virus invades that part of the body, it may cause an outbreak in that part of the body.
• Complications of genital herpes are generally rare and usually occur during the primary or first time genital herpes outbreak. One of the complications of genital herpes for women is the growth of vaginal yeast infections during outbreaks.

Complications of genital herpes can extremely serious for newborn infants. If a woman is having an outbreak during labor and delivery and there are herpes lesions in or near the birth canal, the doctor will do a cesarean section to protect the baby.

Most women with genital herpes, however, do not have signs of active infection with the virus during this time, and can have a normal delivery. Half of the babies infected with genital herpes virus either suffer from severe damage to their nerves or ultimately die. A baby born with herpes can develop serious problems that may affect the brain, eyes and skin. If babies born with herpes are treated immediately, the chance of surviving and becoming normal and healthy is high. Therefore, it is recommended that women who have had previous history of genital herpes should be monitored by the doctor all throughout their pregnancy.

Another main complication of genital herpes is that Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 may play a major role in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. People with genital herpes have compromised immune systems, thus making them more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious. Usually, infection does not cause major complications of genital herpes to healthy adults, however to some people whose immune systems do not work properly, genital herpes episodes can last a long time and be unusually severe.

Treatments – Prescription Anti-virals and All Natural Cures

There is no cure for herpes. However, for those who have been infected effective treatments are available. You will want to take into consideration the effectiveness of the treatment and its side effects, like they say, “Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.”

Recognizing the early genital herpes and symptoms is vital for early treatment. The doctor should diagnose your condition through visual inspection, viral sampling and by serology or blood test. A swab will probably be taken for lab test to confirm the diagnosis. Serology works when there are symptoms present and the blood works can determine the presence of the antibodies built-up as a result of the past outbreaks.

Prescription antivirals are the most frequent treatments for herpes – but that does not necessarily mean they are the most effective or safest. Three of the most common treatments for herpes outbreaks are Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex. Though typically safe, about 1% of users experience allergic reactions ranging from dizziness, headaches to stomach upset. More rarely (1 in 1,000), Zovirax has been known to cause more severe adverse effects including seizures, hepatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis among others.

Prescription antivirals are followed closely by natural herpes treatments of which H-Balm has proven very effective over the past ten years. Safe to use and backed by a full year, unconditional money-back guarantee, the H-Balm line is certified 100% organic. H-Balm Daily is used as to suppress herpes outbreaks where they commonly occur while H-Balm and H-Balm Extra Strength work to deactivate sudden outbreaks of the Herpes Virus.

As with any medical condition, you should always consult with a physician before starting any treatment. The question of natural and organic vs. synthetic really comes down to what we are comfortable putting into our bodies. Actually, there are a lot of questions we could ask – but just starting with what is best for our bodies has extensive ramifications. We’ve lived alongside nature for thousands of years, the history of synthetics really comes into question when we see the results of long-term exposure and recalls by regulatory organizations.

The History of Herpes

For someone who has dealt, or is dealing with herpes, certain thoughts and questions have probably entered your mind. One of which is what the history of herpes is. To give you an idea of where it came from, and how it has become so widespread, here are a few facts and beliefs about the history of herpes.

Herpes has been known over 2000 years ago. There have been mentions or descriptions of the virus in history, and even in literature. Even back in the ancient Greek, Hippocrates have made mentions of this in his writing. In fact, the word “herpes” comes from the Greek work which means “to creep or crawl.”

During the Roman Times, it was said that there was a labial herpes outbreak during the rule of Emperor Tiberius. And, in an attempt to control or stop it, kissing at public events and ceremonies were prohibited. Another incident after that of Emperor Tiberius was with a physician named Celsus, who suggested cauterizing using a hot iron as a treatment for herpes. It is not noted how long Emperor Tiberius banned kissing, or whether the Celsus treatment was actually used.

In literature, it is believed that Shakespeare had knowledge of the herpes virus. In one of his most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet, he wrote Queen Mab to say, “O’er ladies lips, who straight on kisses dream, which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues, because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are.”

Medical journals during the seventeen up to the early eighteen hundreds also attempted to explain the disease, and one of the most notable suggestion at the time was that herpes was caused by insect bites. The history of herpes obviously went through a lot of misconceptions, and it wasn’t until 1893, when Vida recognized that Herpes Simplex was transmitted through one infected person, to another individual.

Before this time, scientists were unsure that herpes was a virus. There were some who thought it to be a skin condition, something that can be compared to eczema. The more recent studies of the twentieth century were able to identify the virus and its different strains. Studies are still on going to find possible cures, or ways to minimize its effect and transmission. Until then, the virus will continue to exist, and we can only be grateful for the medical understanding of herpes, and the treatments that are available today.

Which Parts of the Body Can You Get Herpes?

All parts.

Herpes are typically seen in the mouth and genitals. However, herpes can actually occur on any part of your body. All that the virus needs is an entry point. It is easier for it to enter the body through mucous membranes, and the common sites for these are the eyes, genitals, nose, mouth and nipples. Also, herpes usually recur on the original area of infection. The most important thing to note is, it can easily enter normal skin on other parts of the body if there are abrasions or wounds.

Herpes Whitlow

Aside from genital, anal and oral herpes, there are also other infections. The herpes whitlow for example, is the herpes of nail bed or fingertips. There was a time when there was also common. This can be caught when someone with oral herpes bites their fingernails, thus causing sores on the fingers. It is also common for people who regularly come in contact with the virus, like dentists. The precautionary measure of wearing gloves has drastically lessened these infections.

Mat Herpes or Herpes Gladiatorum

Athletes who are in close contact sports like wrestling commonly get this type of herpes. This is the reason for the herpes infection name. Wrestlers often get mat herpes because they suffer abrasions on their body like their arms or neck. And when their broken skin comes into contact with the infected area of a wrestler with herpes, they will contract the virus on that area.

This is a serious condition for many athletes. Catching it may mean not only a lifetime of infection, they may also be disqualified on their sports, or even just training for it. For those professional athletes, this is a career tragedy.

Mat herpes or herpes gladitorium is not exclusive to wrestlers. You may also contract the infection in gyms, or even clubs.