Herpes (HSV): What It Is, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. There are mainly two main types of the virus- Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. Herpes Simplex 1 virus causes oral herpes. This leads to sores and blisters in the mouth and oral region. 

Herpes Simplex 2 virus causes genital herpes. This leads to sores, and blisters around the genitals, buttocks, inner thighs, and even the vagina. 

How Does Herpes Spread?

The herpes simplex viruses are contagious. HSV-1 and 2 spread if you come into direct contact with a herpes sore, saliva, or any other bodily secretions. 

The skin on the genitals, mouth, and eyes is easily infected. If you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth or genitals without washing your hands, HSV may spread. HSV-2 spreads through sexual contact. You are at a higher risk for Genital herpes if you have multiple sex partners, have had a sexually transmitted infection in the past, or are immunocompromised. 

Indirect contact such as hugging, holding hands, coughing, and so on does not spread herpes as the virus dies quickly outside the body. It requires areas such as the genital and oral regions which support its growth. 

Herpes can also be transmitted when the infected person has no symptoms. This is due to a phenomenon known as viral shedding. The virus sheds viral particles even in the absence of any sores. This also depends on other factors such as immunity and the duration of acquiring the virus. 

The virus may shed more if the infected person has low immunity or is immunocompromised. If the infected person has contacted HSV more recently, the virus may shed more. HSV-2 tends to shed more viral particles than HSV-1. 

How is Herpes Diagnosed?

A doctor starts by examining the blisters to diagnose HSV. Apart from this physical examination, they might also ask about related symptoms such as flu, tingling, or burning in the sore areas. 

To confirm the diagnosis, you may be asked to do a culture. A culture involves taking a sample of the fluid secreted by the sore and sending it to a laboratory for testing. 

In asymptomatic cases where you may suspect HSV, a blood test is used to confirm the diagnosis. As there are no visible symptoms to culture and assess, you can go for a blood test that looks for HSV antibodies. The test may not detect HSV antibodies until after 12 weeks of acquiring the infection. 

What are The Symptoms of Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes is caused by HSV-1. The initial symptoms of oral herpes include itching, burning, or tingling sensations around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Later, small blisters or cold sores may develop in the areas that experienced initial symptoms.

These blisters can also form on the face or tongue, and other areas of the skin. Most commonly, they are formed in oral cavities, lips, and mouth.  

It takes about 4-6 days for the cold sores to burst. They heal by forming a crust. These episodes are recurrent and last for 2-3 weeks. This is shorter compared to an outbreak of genital herpes which lasts 2-6 weeks.  Later, cold sores or small blisters may develop in these areas or anywhere on the skin.

What are The Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes usually is asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms. The most important symptom of genital herpes is blistering lesions called cold cores. They are usually found around the rectum, genitals, and inner thighs. 

These lesions are filled with fluid that contains the viral load. They burst and the fluid may ooze out. This then turns into small painful sores that can last for 2-6 weeks after they break open.  These lesions recur as the virus stays in the body and causes repeat outbreaks. 

Recurring Symptoms of Herpes

Along with the outbreak of cold sores in both types of HSV, some other symptoms that affect the body include:

1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Lymph node swelling
4. Eye infection
5. Body aches
6. Lack of appetite
7. Pain at the site of infection
8. Recurrent blisters

Treatment for Herpes Simplex

It is recommended to take antiviral medication as soon as the symptoms appear or when the diagnosis is confirmed. This can help shorten the duration of enduring symptoms and fight the infection from spreading rapidly.

Blisters tend to improve on their own, without medical treatment. Severe or frequent episodes are treated with antiviral medications. These medications also reduce the chance of transmitting the virus as they reduce the production of viral load and shedding. 

The medications are available in the form of pills and creams. 

Management of Herpes Simplex

HSV can be a lifelong condition. However, this doesn't mean that the infected person will be getting sores and be in pain all the time. Herpes doesn't cause any serious health problems. 

It's often the first outbreak that is painful, but the outbreaks gradually recede and stop over time. Home remedies are used to ease symptoms such as pain and discomfort due to blisters and lesions. Antiviral medication also lowers the chances of episodes and the risk of transmitting the virus to others. 

Some other preventive steps to stay safe and to reduce any risk of transmission include:

1. Avoid sharing items such as razors, and toothbrushes that may come into contact with the lesions 
2. Avoid oral sex and direct contact in the case of oral herpes, until the sores have completely healed 
3. If you’re living with genital HSV, avoid all skin-to-genital contact from the time of early symptoms until you are on medication and the sores have healed 
4. Maintain hand hygiene after touching sores or applying medicine to them.

HSV cannot be cured completely, but it does not have to affect your daily life. Taking medication and home remedies to alleviate symptoms and preventive steps can help in the management of Herpes. For more details on Herpes and other diseases, check the Metropolis website.