Herpes as we all know is a contagious disease that causes cold sores around the lips and genital area. In this article, we are going to go over the basic symptoms of herpes cold sores also known as fever blister and the available treatment.
First of all, you need to know that herpes simplex virus is categorized into two namely herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus two otherwise known as HSV 1 and HSV 2 respectively. HSV 1 is the common type of cold sores that is found on the lips and facial area while HSV 2 mainly affects the thigh and genital area of human. This HSV 1 is contracted through kissing and body contact with people who are already infected with this virus. HSV 2 is acquired through sexual intercourse and may result in genital ulcer as well.
One thing a lot of people are not aware about this virus is that, herpes cold sores can cross infect due to oral-genital contact with an infected person. What this means is that HSV 1 can occur on the genital area and HSV 2 can occur on the mouth area though this is very rare.
This virus also affects the fingers which is called herpetic whitlow. Herpetic whitlow is much more common among health workers who are exposed to patient with herpes cold sores. Young kids are very vulnerable to this disease in general because their immune system is extremely weak.
Individuals who newly contracted this disease often exhibit the symptoms of painful sores, blister in form of ulcer that can be located around the mouth area or genitals. In some people there can be red rings around the blister, enlarged lymph nodes and illness.
HSV 1 which normally affects the facial area can result in sores around or inside the mouth and lips. There could be infection of the eye which causes redness and pain in the eye ball. Prolong HSV 1 can bring out brain damage which is known as meningoencophalitis. HSV 2 causes burning sensation, lesions in and around the genital, thighs, and buttocks. Ladies might have sores inside their cervix unknowingly making hard to prevent the further spread of this virus.
It is said that about two third of people who have contracted this virus experiences occasional recurrence from time to time. This cold sores outbreak is attributed to an infected person been exposed to certain conditions like, stress, sickness, excess sun, menstrual period and certain type of drugs.
A person can only confirm if he or she is infected with herpes cold sores when a test is carried out by a medical expert. Treatment is usually administered according to the severity of the virus. Some people do not need any medication since this virus often goes away by itself. However, the disease will remain in the body for life and there will be outbreak of this virus occasionally. Putting ice pack on herpes cold sores will make the sores less painful and sun screen prevents onset from sun burn. You will also find acyclovir, dynamic clear and other drugs designed for cold sores.
Pregnant women with this virus can easily pass the disease to the unborn child if medical help is gotten immediately after detection of this ailment.
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