Herpes

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health

Herpes is a common contagious viral infection that is easily spread through kissing and sex.

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that cycle between periods of active disease – presenting as infectious blisters – that last 2–21 days, followed by a remission period, during which the sores disappear.

There are two types: HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 is usually found around the lips and mouth and is commonly known as cold sores; HSV2 more typically infects the genital and anal areas although either HSV1 or HSV2 can occur on either the lips, mouth, genital or anal areas.

Herpes enters the body through the skin of the genitals, mouth and anus, or through tiny cuts and abrasions in the skin anywhere on the body and you can develop symptoms days, weeks or even months after infection or not at all.

When the blisters occur they become itchy then burst to become painful ulcers that then heal by themselves about a week after the outbreak. Some people may only ever have one outbreak of symptoms, while other people have outbreaks throughout the remainder of their lives.

A doctor will either diagnose you through observing the blisters or through a blood test.

There is no cure, you will have herpes for life, but there are anti-viral drugs and ointments that help reduce the severity of outbreaks. Keeping the area dry, bathing ulcers salt water and taking paracetamol for the pain helps too.