Online Medical Clinic

Herpes Simplex

August 16, 2007 on 2:56 pm | In Skin DIsorders |

Herpes is a caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). It has been approximated that the indirect and direct costs of incident HSV genital infection in the United States. The virus may also be spread in contact with the infected area and then touching another part of the body. If you touch the sores, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Also, not to share towels or clothing with others. Herpes virus can infect the fetoeus and may show congenital abnormalities. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth. It may also be transmitted to a newborn child during vaginal delivery in mothers who are infected with herpes viruses, mainly if the mother has active infection at that time.

Herpes simplex viruses comprise 2 ddifferent types of DNA viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 causes oral lblisters in nearly 80% of cases and genital lesions in 20% of cases. Virus can spread even when sores are not present. And vice-versa for HSV-2, which causes genital lesions in 80% and oral lesions in 20%.

Approximately 80% of the adult population has serologic infection with HSV-1 with only about 30% of these individuals having clinically significant epidemic. Nearly 20% of the adult population in the US is seropositive for HSV-2. Herpes infections are accompanied by painful, watery lesions in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genital . The lesions resembles as seen in Chickenpox which is an infection caused by a third member of the alpha-Herpesviridae subfamily, Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), also known as Human Herpes Virus 3 (HHV-3).

Causes of Herpes Simplex

Common causes of Herpes Simplex

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).
• Physical or emotional stress.
• Genital herpes.
• Maternal-fetal transmission.
• Ultraviolet light exposure.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

Common Symptoms of Herpes Simplex

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue.
• Painful urination
• Swollen
• Tender lymph glands in the groin.
• Stress.
• Trauma.
• Fatigue.
• Lesions.
• Menstruation or sexual intercourse.

Treatment of Herpes Simplex

Common Treatment of Herpes Simplex

• Nucleoside analogs are molecules which possess a similarity to natural nucleotides.
• Wear loose clothing.
• OTC topical medications( dyclonine or benzocaine ) help in Herpes.
• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight.
• Keep the sore area clean and dry.
• Place cool or lukewarm cloths on the sore area for short periods of time.
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain.
• Avoid touching sores .
• Wash hands if you do touch the sores.
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided during this time.