Herpes simplex is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two primary types, herpes simplex-1 and herpes simplex-2. There is no cure or vaccine for either type, but anti-viral medications like acyclovir can help reduce outbreaks significantly. The herpes simplex viruses have a life cycle of visible outbreaks followed by brief to long periods of dormancy, with no signs at all. Many people may become infected with the virus, but may show no signs at all, due to a responsive immune system. Herpes simplex viruses are prevalent throughout the world and are a common disease.
Herpes Labialis
Herpes labialis, also known as cold sores, are most often caused by herpes simplex-1, but can also be caused by herpes simplex-2. Herpes labialis are blisters that appear on the mouth and surrounding area. According to Herpes Diagnosis, an online resource, the first episode usually occurs in children and young adults and is usually asymptomatic. Most re-occurrences are from herpes simplex-1 and outbreaks may occur once or twice a year. According to the University of California-Davis Student Health Services, cold sores often go away with 7 to 10 days on their own. Anit-viral medications can reduce the number days dramatically. Herpes Diagnosis also states that there are around 130 million Americans with herpes simplex-1 and that it is one of the most common illnesses in the world.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is most often caused by herpes simplex-2, but can also occur from herpes simplex-1. Genital herpes appear on the male and female genitals and the sores last around 2 to 4 weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 Americans have genital herpes, even though some people never experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, an infected person may have as many as four or five outbreaks in a single year. Some symptoms may appear like mild insect bites and a confirmed diagnosis can take place with a blood test with positive results for herpes simplex antibodies.
Herpes Gladiatorum
Herpes gladiatorum, also known as mat herpes, is caused by herpes simplex-1. It is most commonly found among athletes in close contact with each other such as wrestlers, rugby players and martial artists. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the sores appear around 8 days after infection and can appear on the face, arms, legs and trunk area. The infection may also be accompanied by a fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and tingling on the skin. In the January 2006 issue of the "Japanese Journal of Infectious Disease," BJ Anderson found that athletes using prophylactic anti-virals reduced infection of herpes gladiatorum by 87 percent.
References
- Herpes Diagnosis: Herpes Labialis
- University of California-Davis Student Health Services: Cold Sores
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes
- Minnesota Department of Health: Herpes Gladiatorum
- "Japanese Journal of Infectious Disease"; Prophylactic Valacyclovir to Prevent Outbreaks of Primary Herpes Gladiatorum at a 28-day Wrestling Camp; BJ Anderson; January 2006
