Living with Herpes

What is herpes? Are there different types of herpes? In this article, you'll learn what herpes is, the different type of herpes, and how to live a healthy, active life with herpes.

What is herpes?

Herpes is a virus that can be transmitted from person to person through skin to skin contact. There are several strains of herpes, but the two most common are oral herpes and genital herpes, which are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex virus.

What causes oral herpes? (Herpes simplex virus type I)

Oral herpes commonly causes fluid filled blisters to form on the lips, mouth, and face. The most common type of herpes, most people develop it in childhood. Cold sores or fever blisters can form lesions inside the mouth. It is spread by contact with infected saliva. Before blisters form, an itchy, tingly sensation may be felt in the affected area.

How is it diagnosed?

No testing is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, however, if needed, a virus culture can be ordered.

What is the treatment?

Medication can decrease pain and speed healing time. Drugs such as Famvir, Zovirax, and Valtrex are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of herpes.

Triggers such as stress, fatigue, illness, injury to the lips and skin, menstruation, and pregnancy can cause a recurrence of the virus.

What is genital herpes? (Herpes simplex virus type II)

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus.

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by contact with an infected personal during sexual intercourse, oral sex, or skin to skin contact.

What are the symptoms?

Signs of genital herpes tend to develop within 3-7 days after contact with an infected person. Small groups of blisters form on the genitals. In men, sores usually appear on or around the penis, and can also form around the anus.

In women, lesions most commonly occur inside the vagina, causing vaginal discharge and discomfort. Lesions can form outside the vagina or around the anus.
Other symptoms of genital herpes include:

Itching or burning feeling in the genital or anal area

Swollen glands

Fever

Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genitals

Pressure in the area below the stomach

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The most reliable method of diagnosing genital herpes is by doing a virus culture. When cells are examined a few days later under the microscope, changes to the cells will indicate the growth of the herpes virus.

How is genital herpes treated?

There is no cure for genital herpes and the virus will always remain in your body. Anti-viral drugs such as valaciclovir and aciclovir, can shorten the duration of the outbreak and help speed healing. Famciclovir also shortens the duration of outbreaks and decreases severe pain.

Learning you have genital herpes can trigger emotions such as anger, frustration, emotional distress, and embarrassment, but you can lead just as happy and fulfilling a life as those without genital herpes.

Eat a healthy diet to enhance your immune system. Avoid stress if possible, as it can trigger outbreaks. Talk to a counselor or join a support group with your partner to work through your feelings and share with others in a similar situation.