Herpes is a virus affecting the oral, genital and other areas of the body. The three types of herpes are Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. There is no cure for herpes. Once transmission has occurred, the virus is always present in the body. Treatment is available for side effects. After an initial outbreak, the virus becomes dormant in the body and outbreaks diminish. The virus can create complications in small children and those who suffer from immune disorders such as HIV/AIDS.
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster is commonly recognized as shingles and is associated with the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Once a person has become infected with chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body's nerve system. When the virus becomes active again, it's known as shingles. Shingles often occurs in people older than 60, those who had chickenpox before age 1 or those with weak immune systems. Symptoms include one-sided pain, tingling, red patches on the skin and blisters lasting between two to three weeks. The area infected can include the face, mouth and ears. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that treatment is usually only necessary for pain, and the outbreak commonly resolves on its own.
Herpes Simplex Type 1
Herpes Simplex Type 1, HSV-1, is often referred to as oral herpes. The condition is commonly seen as cold sores or fever blisters. About 90 percent of the population experiences cold sores at least once. Factors that may cause subsequent outbreaks include stress, fever, menstruation and sunlight, according to Herpes Online. The infection occurs around the lips, nose and surrounding areas. Treatment is commonly unnecessary; the blister eventually heals itself. Over-the-counter topical ointments may aid in pain relief. The Type 1 virus can be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex.
Herpes Type 2
Genital herpes is caused by the Type 2 herpes virus, though the Type 1 virus may also cause an infection in the genital area. About 20 percent of Americans suffer from genital herpes. Symptoms of infection are itching, burning, blisters and flu-like symptoms during the initial outbreak. The virus is transmitted during sexual intercourse. Signs of transmission may range from no symptoms to severe outbreaks. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people infected with genital herpes are not aware they are carriers of the virus. Transmission can occur at any time; an outbreak does not have to be present. Avoid getting genital herpes by always using condoms, limiting sexual partners and avoiding intercourse with an infected partner when an outbreak is present.
