Herpes Information

Herpes Symptoms

2009-11-30T22:26:00.000-08:00

How does one know whether another has herpes? The sad thing is that you can’t. Not everyone who has the disease exhibit herpes symptoms. In fact, that is the main reason why about twenty percent of Americans have tested positive for herpes antibodies. The disease is often spread by people who have it yet do not know that they have it.

In most cases, the fact that we have contracted herpes only becomes known to us when we exhibit the symptoms herpes manifests when it is in its active phase. The active phase is also known as a herpes outbreak and is characterized by the appearance of small and painful sores in the infected parts of the body. For males, you may want to see some samples of herpes penis pictures. An outbreak of sores is preceded by an itching, burning or painful sensation in the genital area or in the areas surrounding the mouth. This develops into a rash, which turn into blisters. These blisters pop and become small painful ulcers which eventually heal and crust. The crust falls away and usually does not leave any scars at the end of the herpes outbreak which typically lasts anywhere from two to twenty-one days. Other herpes symptoms also include fever, malaise, flu-like symptoms and the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

After the active phase, the virus becomes dormant and all traces of the disease disappear. While in this phase the virus escapes the attention of the body’s natural defenses by hiding out in the nervous system of the infected person. There it will lie in wait until certain conditions trigger another outbreak. Medical experts are as yet unsure about what exactly causes a herpes outbreak but have isolated certain situations which can trigger it such as lowered resistance to infection and exposure to ultraviolet light.

Herpes virus is at its most contagious during an outbreak of sores. It can be spread by skin to skin contact, touching the open sores and through sexual contact with an infected person. Even when the virus is in its dormant phase it is still possible to for an infected person to pass on the disease to another. This is known as asymptomatic shedding or viral shedding. During viral shedding the virus is busy replicating itself but does not cause any of the symptoms associated with a herpes outbreak.

Herpes is a disease that has no cure and all treatment therapies are aimed at reducing the intensity and frequency of herpes outbreaks. This is why recognizing herpes symptoms is very important. Avoidance is still the best cure for this disease. Using a latex condom can reduce but not eliminate the risk of contracting herpes as the virus can still be passed on by skin to skin contact with the areas not protected by the condom.

Should you suspect that you have herpes, immediately consult your doctor for immediate treatment.

Homeopathic Treatment of Herpes

2009-11-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

In order to hasten the duration of the appearance of herpes sores and to suppress the number of herpes sores outbreaks an infected person may suffer, many have resorted to homeopathic treatment of herpes in addition to the regular regimen of antiviral medication prescribed by the doctor.

Homeopathic remedies are classified as alternative remedies and have shown to be effective in treating herpes. Homeopathic therapies usually involve the use of natural herbs and compounds which have been known or have been shown to have medicinal qualities. The aim of homeopathic treatment of herpes is not only to rid the person of the symptoms and the disease. The underlying philosophy of homeopathic medicine is the treatment of the person, thus therapies are also geared towards strengthening the person’s general immunity and psychological welfare. Although there are as yet no scientifically verifiable results on the effectivity of homeopathic medicine, many who have tried it have had satisfactory results for cold sore remedies.

There are certain nutrients which have been found to have positive effects in the body’s fight against herpes. One of these is lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that is found in foods which are rich in protein such as red meat, cheese, fish and eggs. Anecdotal evidence has shown lysine to be effective in providing relief from the symptoms of both genital and oral herpes or cold sores. It has also been known to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks and suppress the appearance of herpes sores.

Aloe vera has been used by those suffering from herpes as a balm which is applied on the sores or the areas of the body infected with herpes. It is available as a cream or gel and is effective in hastening the healing of herpes sores.

Other herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, gypsy mushrooms and Prunella vulgaris plant extract have qualities which prevent the growth of and inhibit the herpes simplex virus. Remember to consult with an herbalist and your physician before trying out herbal remedies.

Up to the present, medical experts are as yet unsure as to what causes an outbreak of sores. They have however been able to pinpoint certain circumstances and conditions which can trigger an herpes sores episode. This include stress, over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and a weakened immune system. It is therefore important to avoid these triggers in order to keep herpes sores at bay.

Avoid stressful activities and engage in stress relieving activities such as exercise. Exercise will not only help you relieve stress but it has the bonus of making you healthier, keeping your natural resistance against infection up. To further boost your immune system, eat a balanced and nutritious diet and get enough rest. For males, it might help you determine the severity of your case by looking at male herpes pictures.

What Does Herpes Look Like

2009-11-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Knowing the answer to the question of “what does herpes look like” is a positive step towards protecting yourself against the disease and protecting those around you and those you love from possible infection.

Genital and oral herpes (which is also known as cold sores) can and often does get mistaken for other diseases. There are some diseases which have symptoms that look similar to the ones which characterize a herpes infection. Knowing what does herpes look like is important to know but the best way to determine whether what one is experiencing or not is to have one examined by a doctor and to have oneself tested. You should find out cold sores cure later on after diagnosed properly by an expert.

Early stages of herpes can sometimes be mistaken for Candidasis or yeast infection. This is because a yeast infection (like early stages of herpes) can cause an itchiness, swelling, burning, and redness in the parts of the body affected. Candidasis is caused by fungi and not by a virus.

Syphillis is another disease that can be confused with herpes. Like herpes, it is a sexually transmitted disease. Its symptoms include swollen glands and painless small ulcers located in the genital area. If the syphilis remains untreated, it may progress to a rash covering parts of or the entire body.

Herpes is characterized by the appearance of small blisters or lesions in the area of the genitals and rectum or in the mouth and face. These small blisters and lesions burst and develop into painful, open sores which eventually heal, crust, and fall off. Herpes sores rarely leave scars.

Herpes is not diagnosed by visual observation alone or herpes picture. Early, as much as possible, in order to properly diagnose herpes, there are two tests which may be done. The first test involves the taking of a sample from one of the open sores and checking that sample for the presence of the herpes simplex virus.

When there are no sores present, a diagnosis of herpes can still be arrived at through an examination of a person’s blood. The doctor takes a sample of the blood of a person suspected of being infected with herpes. This blood sample is then tested for the presence of herpes simplex virus antibodies. The presence of antibodies for a certain disease conclusively shows that a person has been exposed to the virus or bacteria which caused the disease.

Herpes Simplex Treatment

2009-11-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

Herpes known as herpes simplex in medical circles, is a viral disease usually transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. It is also a disease which has no cure. As such herpes simplex treatment is limited to reducing the intensity and frequency of the appearance of herpes sores---the symptom for which the disease is famous for and the prevention of complications that may arise.

Herpes treatment should not be postponed. It is a widespread disease. Some experts estimate that about forty to fifty million Americans have been exposed to the virus which causes herpes simplex. A vast majority however, do not exhibit its symptoms. This does not mean that they are not capable of passing on herpes to others. The great number of people who are infected by the disease is attributed to the fact that people who are infected by herpes do not know about it and unknowingly transmit it to other people. It is only when a person numbers among the few who experience herpes sores that a person usually seeks herpes simplex treatment.

Herpes simplex1 treatment usually involves the taking of antiviral medication prescribed by a physician. These antivirals work by suppressing the capability of the virus to reproduce, thus giving the body’s immune system time to kill the virus. At present, antiviral medication has not been enough to expunge the body from all traces of the disease. A herpes sores outbreak can last anywhere from two to twenty-one days after which the virus becomes dormant, hiding within the nerve cells of the infected person and escaping the attention of his or her immune system. There, the virus hides and reproduces until certain factors trigger another outbreak of sores.

Medical experts are still unsure what causes an outbreak but factors such as stress, a lowered immunity to infection, and overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun have been known to trigger it. Thus, those infected with the disease would be wise to take measures to avoid these triggers thereby minimizing the number of times a person may suffer from herpes sores.

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients will go a long way in helping an infected person recover faster from his or her herpes outbreak as well as keep future outbreaks to a minimum.

Herpes Effective Treatment

2009-11-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

Once you suspect you are infected with herpes it is important you seek and immediately consult a competent physician. This is to ensure that you get the right information about herpes, effective treatment for its symptoms and to prevent the disease from spreading and contaminating those around you.

Herpes is a viral infection and very contagious. It is characterized by the appearance of small painful sores which appear either around the mouth or face in the case of oral herpes or in the case of genital herpes, the genital area or the rectum. These sores can be accompanied by malaise and fever. These sores become blisters which eventually burst, crust and fall away. An outbreak of herpes sores usually lasts from two to twenty-one days after which the virus becomes dormant until the next outbreak.

There is no cure for herpes. Effective treatment therapies are aimed instead at suppressing outbreaks, reducing their frequency and providing some relief from the more painful symptoms. Antivirals such as acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir are usually prescribed by doctors to suppress the virus during this active phase. In addition herbal treatment for herpes and some over the counter remedies such as ibuprofen can help the infected person with his fever and the pain brought by the disease.

Herpes is transmitted by direct skin to skin contact or sexual contact with an infected person. The risk of contracting the disease is greatest when a person is suffering from an outbreak of sores. Direct contact with the sore or any sexual activity should be avoided at this time. It should also be kept in mind however, that the disease may also be transmitted by an infected person even when the sores are not visible. This is known as asymptomatic shedding. It is therefore important to undertake measures such as the the use of a latex condom in order to reduce the risk of transferring or contracting herpes and by adhering to the herpes symptoms treatment.

There is also herpes treatment which one can do at home in order to help hasten the healing process. These include measures to keep the open sores clean such as warm salt baths or applying ice on the infected area, or keeping the sores dry such as the use of cornstarch on the sores and the use of loose fitting cotton underwear.

Should you suspect that you have herpes, immediately consult your physician for testing and treatment.

Genital Herpes Treatment

2009-11-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

Genital herpes is an incurable sexually transmitted disease. Since modern science has as yet been unable to find a cure that will rid the body of the virus which causes the disease, genital herpes treatment is aimed at reducing the intensity and frequency of the outbreak of herpes sores.

A herpes outbreak can be uncomfortable at the least and extremely painful at the most. Over the counter medication such as ibuprofen can help with the pain and fever. Besides the antiviral medication prescribed to you by your doctor, here are some things you can do to hasten the effects of your genital herpes treatment.

· Keep your immune system up. This means eating healthy and nutritious foods that will help your body combat the disease. Genital herpes natural treatment should comprise foods rich in lysine and vitamin C have been known to help hasten recovery from herpes sores.

· Take warm baths and keep the sores clean. The open sores of herpes can become a hotbed of bacteria which serves as an open door to more infection. There are topical medications which you can put on the sores to help speed up the healing process. Ask your doctor about them.

· In between your baths, make sure the sores are clean and dry. Using a hair dryer rather than clothe or a towel can be more comfortable in this respect.

· Using cotton underwear can also contribute greatly to reducing discomfort brought about by herpes sores. Cotton absorbs moisture better than other synthetic materials so they will help keep your sores dry too. Loose fitting clothes will also feel more comfortable than tight fitting ones as they are less likely to come into contact with the open and painful sores or blisters.

· Avoid touching the open sores with your finger. Genital herpes first outbreak of sores and the disease can be transferred to another person through skin to skin contact with the sores. If touching the sores is inevitable, wash your hands properly with soap and water before you touch anything else.

· Finally, avoid sexual contact at this time to prevent acquiring or spreading genital herpes. Latex condoms are known to be effective barriers against the virus but there is still the risk of skin to skin contact with the areas not covered by the condom.

Herpes Pictures Early

2009-11-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

A great way to educate oneself about herpes is to look at herpes pictures. Early identification of herpes and its immediate and timely treatment is critical in order to prevent spreading the disease further.

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease which is very widespread. Experts estimate that between forty to fifty million Americans have been exposed to some form of the herpes virus. The scary thing is that a vast majority of those who have herpes do not experience its symptoms but remain perfectly capable of transmitting the disease.

The symptom herpes is most associated with are herpes sores. The appearance of these herpes sores are typically the subject of herpes pictures. Early symptoms of herpes however may occur preceding the outbreak of herpes sores. This usually involves a reddening of the skin in the affected area accompanied by swelling or inflammation. This eventually develops into a rash with small red bumps which turn into fluid-filled blisters.

A herpes outbreak progresses into full swing when the blisters burst becoming small open sores and wet ulcers which are reddish and very sensitive to the touch, as visible in pictures of herpes. These ulcers eventually heal and crust and fall off leaving new skin its place. An outbreak of herpes sores rarely leaves scars.

A herpes outbreak may last from two to twenty-two days and is at its most contagious at this time. All types of sexual contact should be avoided as well as skin to skin contact with the open sores in order to prevent transmitting or contracting the disease. Even when the sores of an outbreak disappear, the risk of transmitting the disease remains because of something called asymptomatic or viral shedding.

Herpes is a disease that has no cure. Thus all treatment therapies are aimed at reducing the number of outbreaks, lessening the intensity of the symptoms suffered, hastening the healing of herpes sores, and preventing any complications which may arise from the disease. Typically antiviral medication and antibacterial topical solutions are recommended in order to hasten the disappearance and healing of herpes sores. Over the counter medication may also be dispensed to alleviate the other symptoms of fever and herpes pain treatment.

Celebrities with Genital Herpes

2009-10-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Living with genital herpes is no mean feat. Besides having to learn how to cope with the already painful and embarrassing symptoms one has to deal with the social stigma that goes along with getting infected with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. This stigma can leave us feeling isolated and apart from the rest of the world. This could not be more wrong. According to some experts there are some forty to fifty million Americans who have been exposed to the herpes virus. Along with ordinary people there are also celebrities with genital herpes.

Medical experts attribute the high numbers of people infected to the fact that a vast majority of people who have the disease do not show any visible symptoms of genital herpes. So we should do away with the myth that it is only people who have lavish lifestyles such as celebrities with genital herpes or multiple sex partners. Even people in monogamous relationships are perfectly capable of getting infected.

Getting infected with genital herpes is not the end of the world. It just requires some changes in lifestyle in order to prevent spreading the disease to others. Foremost of course is to seek and undergo medication to treat herpes. While a cure for genital herpes and a vaccine still years away from being fit for humans, the disease can be treated and is treated with antivirals. These antivirals serve to lessen the intensity and frequency of genital herpes outbreaks as well as minimize the possibility of complications that may arise from the disease.

Contracting genital herpes does not mean the end of the infected person’s dating or sex life either. He or she just has to undertake measures to ensure that the person he or she is intimate with does not get infected. This includes avoiding all sexual contact for the duration of time that the herpes sores are present. It is during this active phase of the disease that it is most contagious. Besides sexual contact, care should be taken to prevent any skin to skin contact with the open herpes sores. This is not only uncomfortable for the infected person (as these sores can be painful) but are also hot beds of the virus and other infections. What should also be kept in mind about genital herpes is that it can also be passed on even if there are no herpes sores present. It is therefore advisable to employ the use of a latex condom in order to keep the risk of contracting the disease at a minimum. Medical experts have found that the virus is unable to penetrate latex.

There are also websites which offer a forum for those with herpes to meet and date. Meeting and dating someone also infected with genital herpes has numerous benefits. Besides his or her understanding about the emotional trauma one infected with the disease is going through, he or she will also be more understanding about the precautions that one has to take.

Mouth Herpes

2009-02-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

There are two types of strands of the herpes simplex virus. The HSV-1, which is more known to affect the facial part and produce oral or mouth herpes, and the HSV-2, which is more focused on the genital part of the body.

The herpes simplex 1 strand of the virus has been known to be transmitted through direct contact of a herpes infected skin. This may not necessarily mean that it is sexually transmitted.

Once the HSV-1 virus enters the body through the cells of that patch of skin, it can never be eliminated as there is no herpes cure.

Research has shown that the first symptoms of a herpes outbreak would be a tingly feeling on a certain part of your skin. This is a sign that the cells on that patch of skin are involved in some radical change.

After a few moments, a few small red bumps would appear on that certain patch of skin. These bumps may appear to be like a rash at first but then would grow and eventually develop into blisters and sores.

As for oral or mouth herpes, these reddish bumps are commonly called as fever sores.

Most of these sores develop and somehow die up and eventually disappear. These are the signs of an outbreak.

Most people infected with herpes profess that the worst possible outbreak is usually the first one. The sores usually hurt more and then recover or dry up for a long time, especially in cases where the blisters and sores are found inside the cavity of the mouth. These kinds of sore usually take time to heal since they are always exposed to bacteria orally.

With the help of certain drugs and medication, such sores and blisters won’t have to take a long period of time to heal up. Even for mouth herpes, medication can help speed up the recovery and thus present a possibility of living a quality life even with such disease.

Gential Herpes

2009-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

How do you know if you have gential herpes? The best thing you should do is go to a doctor and get yourself tested for the virus. A sample taken from an active lesion or blister and a viral culture and a blood test can help diagnose if you have herpes. A culture and a blood test can accurately establish herpes infection; false negative from a culture or a blood test is uncommon.

It is important that you have yourself tested for herpes. Gential herpes cannot be cured just like AIDS and most types of cancer. There are many antiviral drugs available in the market today and they provide some relief from the pains and aches of a herpes outbreak. Also remember that many infected people are not aware they are infected because most don’t experience an outbreak, living their entire life without knowing they are herpes virus carriers. This asymptomatic condition facilitates the rapid transmission of the virus. As much as a million now fall victim to the virus every year. Most of them are teenagers and young adults. Another interesting detail about herpes is that it is more common in women than mean and affects more blacks than whites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 45 million Americans are infected with the virus today, rising 30 percent from its figure in the 1970’s.

Again, the need for early detection of herpes is important not only so that you can address your condition but more significantly, reduce, if not prevent, further transmission of gential herpes. Recurring outbreaks is also a main discomfort for people with herpes and an outbreak is the most infectious period. This is the time wherein the virus is activated and causes the symptoms to appear. In some cases, however, an outbreak doesn’t have active herpes symptoms and this makes it scarier. Therefore, you should always practice safe sex.

Herpes Dating

2009-02-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

Did you just get back from herpes screening test and received one very upsetting piece of news? Getting diagnosed with genital herpes is a big deal since this type of sexually transmitted disease is a life-long condition. There is no cure for herpes, once you get it, it’s for life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go out there and explore dating, herpes dating in particular.

Your social life doesn’t end with that piece of paper saying you’re positive for herpes and your sex life isn’t over either! So don’t spend the day locked up in your room, sulking and feeling depressed – it’s a whole new world out there. All you have to do is turn on the computer and you’ll find out you’re not alone. There are so many people who are on the same boat as you are. Herpes is a fairly common condition and there are plenty of herpes dating and support sites and forums online. Many of these sites offer different options to suit who and what you are looking for. If you want to make acquaintances and develop friendships with people who can totally relate to how you feel then you’d better sign for an account. If you’re someone who wants to meet somebody special, somebody to talk to about herpes, or somebody to spend and share your life with, I strongly suggest that you go out there, sign up and lay it on the line.

Herpes dating offers a great opportunity to those who are suffering from the condition to meet others, socialize and go on living a normal life without feeling bad about themselves because of having herpes. When a person finds out he or she has herpes, they are less enthusiastic to begin dating again because of fear of rejection or for concern that they may transmit the virus to their new partner.

Herpes Genital

2009-02-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Probably the one of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) is herpes. It can be easily transmitted from genital to genital contact or oral to genital contact during an active outbreak or as few days following a herpes outbreak. Oral herpes and herpes genital are becoming more common in the US. The herpes simplex virus 1(HSV-1) causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores or fever blisters. Meanwhile, genital herpes is caused by the HSV 2 but many of those who have it don’t know they are infected.

How do you know if you are infected? The initial outbreak can be the most severe and usually occurs within the first two weeks after infection. This can be characterized by redness especially along the area which first came in contact with the virus. Redness is followed by itching, and then the area begins to swell. Swelling and inflammation can be barely noticeable to very acute. Again, it should be noted that not all who experience an initial herpes genital outbreak have the visible symptoms. Sometimes, there are those which suffer an outbreak but the sores are not visible. After the initial outbreak, recurrences are expected later. The frequency, duration, and severity take on a different pattern from individual to individual. Some of the reasons for a recurrence are skin irritation, cold or fevers, illnesses, menstrual period, stress, and medications.

The best defense against herpes genital is prevention and protection. Abstain from sexual contact during active outbreaks and use condoms in between outbreaks. Condoms can greatly reduce the possibility of transmission. Once you acquire the virus, it stays with you for life. There are no known cures for the condition today but there are many treatments available to help alleviate the herpes symptoms. It is also recommended that sex partners seek out medical testing for the virus.

Herpes

2009-02-12T03:32:00.000-08:00

Herpes gives us the impression that a person is immoral because they have what is called a sexually transmitted disease. Even if a person practices a monogamous sexual relationship, it may still be possible for him/her to get infected with the HSV-1 from their partner. Aside from affecting the genital area, this virus may also give cold sores in the area of the lip and mouth.

One may only discover the possibility of being infected with herpes the moment they begin to show blisters. This is referred to as a herpes outbreak. Before an outbreak happens however, flu like symptoms may be felt. The usual number of days for symptoms to develop after contacting the virus can take around 2 to 20 days. For some people however, it may take several weeks or months.

The first outbreak usually starts out mild and may be left unnoticed. It may be alarming that some may only become aware that they are infected of the virus after several years. This can be due to the fact that they have stronger immune systems as compared to those who may immediately begin to show blisters and frequently have outbreaks.

If you doubt that you are infected with this sexually transmitted disease, it is best to immediately see your doctor about it. Your physician will be able to diagnose and verify your doubts. Herpes treatment can also be started immediately to reduce the blisters and control the occurrence of an outbreak.

Although they say that it is during an outbreak that a person becomes contagious of the virus, it is still best to always practice safe sex especially if you have a partner who does not have herpes. There are some rare instances that a person without an outbreak can infect another person with the virus. An infected person should take responsibility and suggest the use of a condom to their sexual partner to avoid contamination.